Day 24

Up early-ish to go to Vanves again. Strangely lethargic. Got there around 08:00, and wandered. Did end up buying five,small, blunt-ish knives for cheese. Then, I became anxious, and felt like I should go to church. So, down to the metro I went. At the Champs Élysées Clemanceau stop, there were lots of people waiting. That's never a good sign. Waited for about 20 minutes until the first train came. So, I missed the sacrament , but heard the speakers, and was glad to hear it in French, and caught a lot of the meaning, even if I was very tired. The last speaker was maybe the bishop, maybe the stake president? But he was definitely American. He seemed to speak French well, but his "R's" gave him away. 

I hung around a little afterward, undecided as to staying for the rest of the services. However, the ward seemed, not hostile, but also not welcoming. So, I left. Wandered toward the Carnavalet, then decided that I'd rather have lunch before entering. Walked over to the Place des Vosges, and ended up seeing the Maison de Victor Hugo. Temporary exhibit on his black and white drawings. Wish I could have understood more, but it was mostly in French. Mostly, I am seduced by his words. It has always been this way for me. First the mind, then the personality, then the body. Unless the body is amazing. But mostly it's the mind. Then again, Hugo kept a mistress for decades. I wonder what her life was like. The guide described her as always being in the shadows. A half-lit life. I wonder if it was worth it for her? I also wonder what Mrs. Hugo thought. 

Lunch at Nectarine around the corner. Had the coq au vin. Looks like they did it with red, instead of white. Learn something new everyday. And now, fortified, I think I am ready for l'addition and the Carnavalet!

Got the audio guide, which was very much worth it. I have never been one to study history much, but it is fascinating, and makes me wish I had paid more attention earlier on. Ran into Sydney, who also had her audio guide headphones on, and we laughed with each other in the only way that two foreigners in a strange land can. 

I just find the setup in the Carnavalet so charming. From the recreated rooms of famous people, to the paintings that are so quintessentially Parisian. I meant to return to see the Atget exhibit, but I now fear that that won't be likely. The problem with the temporary exhibits, judging from my experience at the Maison de Victor Hugo, is that they are all in the local language. And while I enjoy artwork, I like to know the history and motivation behind the artist. 

People I would like to find out more about include Paul Leautaud, Jeanne Louiseau, Fouquet (the artist/architect), Caroline Remy, Henri Rochefort, Jean Jaures, Jules Valles, Louise Michel, Hector Horeau, Rousseau and Voltaire, 

Back in the bookshop, I again couldn't get myself to buy any books. It may be too late, but I'm still thinking about the one for the diptych exhibit.