A walk through Paris

Since yesterday was the first Sunday of the month, it was free to get into most museums. The first thing I wanted to see were the Catacombs. Unfortunately after taking the metro all the way there I found out they were closed due to ventilation problems. I am hoping I can go tomorrow! Instead I headed to Musee D'Orsay.  When I arrived there was a line up that snaked around about 8 times to get in. I got there late because of my morning detour but figured I had as much time as I wanted so took my place at the back of the queu.  It didn't take that long before I was gazing at a big open space that looked like a converted train station (I'm pretty sure it was though there was no information).  I was once again able to see the work of Monet and Renoir who I am realizing are some of my favourites. After wandering around for a couple of hours I decided to head to a cafe that a friend had said was her favorite.

First stop though, the France Tourism office to complain about my night tour from Friday. I ended up getting half my money back but the tour guide who had been there that night blamed the entire thing on me and I had to argue about it. She wasn't going to do anything and I didn't want to go on another tour with them after that!

Walking towards St. Michel I treated myself to a crepe to go and walked towards Odeon Metro. Finding Cafe Relais, I was disappointed to find the sidewalk tabkes full so I decided to wander towards the Luxemberg palace. The gardens there are beatiful and I enjoyed walking in the sun. On the way back I wandered little streets and discovered old little churches and gardens. Since my feet were done I grabbed some food, sat in a garden and enjoyed the nature in the city before heading back to the hostel.

Today I headed to a flea market called Marche St. Ouen. At first I was disappointed to find it was a small square with clothes, purses, jewellery and shoes....although I didn't mind the browsing. Soon I discovered that it continued like this for many blocks. I browsed and said "No merci" every few minutes. It was fun to explore the real Paris. However, since it had been raining all day my jeans were soaked up to my ankles and I was starting to feel water leaking through my runners. It didn't bother me too much so I got on the Metro to Sacre Coeur.

This beautiful church is built on a hilltop in the very artsy community of Montmartre.  A man coming up the stairs behind me started chatting away and ended up showing me the neighbourhood. I saw the Place de St. Denis, a famous cat artist, a cafe with a "moulin" on the roof, le mur d'amour, and Julia Roberts house (according to him).  After he inquired as to my plans for the rest of the day and asked about getting a drink I made a quick escape.  I had been asked out 3 times today by old men so I think I won't wear my hair up any more! Haha

I am now back at the hostel in a dry pair of pants and am taking a break from the rain! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!