Day 1

Arrived in Paris this morning. Got my Navigo mensuelle pass, and felt like I could conquer the world. Took the RER into Paris, (so much easier with just my two small bags), picked up the keys, and made my way over to the apartment. Just seeing Notre Dame, and my little side street just south, and all the shops I frequented last time, made it feel like returning to a second home.

A few minutes after I arrived, the front door opened. It was one of the agency inspectors. He was handsome, and spoke fluent English, but I was a little leery. Turns out, it was a good thing that he came when he did. He found out that the shower head nozzle was broken, and that the bathroom sink had a very slow leak. He called, and at least got the shower fixed. I also noticed that there were no linens in the place, so he called and was able to get me fresh ones in no time. He also set up the tv, so that can keep up with BBC news, if I ever get around to watching tv.

After he left, I unpacked, and made a makeshift changing room for when Alex comes. Then, it was time to explore!

Made my way over to the school, just to make sure I remembered correctly. On the way there, I passed Sainte Chapelle, which had a long line snaking away from the entrance. I continued walking, then saw a sign for an evening concert there. Le Quattre Saisons? Bien Sur! I got a ticket, and felt vastly sorry for all the tourists in line.

After finding the school, I just started walking. I was famished, but couldn't be contained in an eating establishment just yet, so I grabbed a pannini, and kept going. Saw a sign for the Pompidou Centre, and wended my way there. I perused the two shops in the lobby, which had so many wonderful things that I was hard pressed not to buy, Buy, BUY! Instead, I got outside and started walking some more. Ended up at Gare L'Est, then took my footsore self back to the Latin Quarter by metro.

Wandered a bit more, and saw a little jazz band performing within view of Notre Dame. What I would have given for one of my Favorite LG leads, to do some swing dancing!

Stopped at a market for some food and toiletries, got myself home, and took a quick nap.

The concert was amazing. Such good sound. Enveloped in the beautiful stained glass windows of Sainte Chapelle. With the eager eyes and ears of a fresh traveler.

Dinner at a restaurant across the street from Notre Dame, with an excellent view.

Where did the time go? It's midnight already! Bon nuit!

(I haven't figured out how to add photos or video from the iPad, so you will just have to check Facebook for those right now ... )