With the previous night’s festivities, there really was no way we were waking up early. So the plan called for a relaxed day. Though I had some vague plans, I never really thought about them timewise. Our original plan was to see Sacre Coeur and amble around Montmartre for awhile before seeing Pompidou. But I then also added a get together with an OurParis Forum member who was also in Paris. We woke up at a nice time between 10 and 11, and got ready for the day. The metro was easy to navigate as ever, even Katie was getting the hang of the Parisian “L”. We got off at Anvers and made our way past the souvenir shops. We did not really want a prolonged breakfast but we were hungry and starving for caffeine.
Tucked into the souvenir shops was Columbus Café, the French equivalent of Starbucks. Even though I was not particularly enamored with the idea of having breakfast at the chain, I was hungry and knew we had gotten a late start for our normal breakfast. So we popped in and ordered lattes and crogue monsieurs, along with pain au chocolat (pastry with chocolate on the inside). A breakfast/brunch of champions! Despite my misgivings, the food was actually pretty good and the coffee was caffeinated, all for a decent price. Once we were fortified we made our way past the crowds to Sacre Coeur. And boy was it crowded! The steps were filled with tourists, though I did notice that the bracelet sellers were much fewer in number compared to the previous summer. After several photos from the base of the hill we began the climb up the stairs. The stairs were now so common to us, with the four flights to our apartment being good practice. On the steps we heard a song that tugged a little at my heart strings. “I just called to say I love you…” It made me a slight bit homesick for a few reasons. This song was always played on the Polish radio every Sunday after church, and it also made me sad that I couldn’t call home due to faulty internet to let someone know I love them. After listening and singing the refrain with the small crowd that had drawn around the performer, I was ready to move on.
The entrance to the Basilica was very crowded, and once inside we noticed that despite the “No Photos” sign, everyone was taking pictures. It seemed like it was so crowded that the security could not enforce the rule. And despite knowing better, I had to indulge the photographer in me and make the most of the borrowed camera! But before I went completely snap happy, I lit one of the candles and said a little prayer for those I left back home. Katie was in complete awe of the Basilica and I myself felt more of a connection here than Notre Dame. Even with the photographers this time around, it still seemed like a very holy place. We wandered around the church with the other tourists and worshippers alike before braving the tiny gift shop. Katie wanted to buy some rosaries for her family, and I remembered regretting not getting one for myself last time. So we looked at their beautiful selection, before making our purchases. It was one of those souvenirs that has more meaning then just having the word Paris stamped on it.
Once we escaped the madhouse of the gift shop we walked back down to the souvenir shops below. Amidst these stores we made a few souvenir purchases of the more traditional kind. I bought several scarves, a picture frame, and a Diwali necklace for my sister. Katie also purchased several scarves, plus a few tote bags for family at home. After making our souvenir purchases, we walked to Place du Tetre where we witnessed a tourists being chastised by an artist for taking pictures. She complained in French to the obviously non-French speaking tourist that she was not an animal or statue to be photographed and that she deserved more respect. The poor tourist scurried away, probably not understanding anything except the anger in her voice. Then the artist turned right back around and smiled at some people inquiring about her work. We looked at the artwork for sale but it was more than I wanted to pay for anything, so I moved on with Katie.
Our next stop was the Salvador Dali museum, which was open that day. This was a special request by Katie and I was intrigued too remembering the melting clocks from art class. The experience ended up being something I would think is akin to “getting high” or being “trippy”. I understand the term surrealism a lot better now. The artwork was very detailed but completely without any sense to it. I liked the collection pertaining to “Alice in Wonderland” and the holography works. Katie was completely fascinated by Dali’s works so we took our time in the tiny museum. Finally we had to go if we wanted to have time for Pompidou.
We went back to our apartment to drop off our bags and change scarves, before heading to Pompidou. The line looked long in the plaza, but it moved quickly. Before we knew it we were in. Now my first impression of the museum scared me, especially the first floor, and I warned Katie as we went up the escalator. We were greeted at the top by a view of the Eiffel Tower sparkling, so we oohed and awed over an image that will never get old. Then we made our way into the museum of nonsense where a blue canvas is art. Like me, Katie did not get modern art. We hurried through the lower level, past the vultures disemboweling the Buddha like man and went upstairs were a little more order reined. My favorite “modern” artist is Matisse so I did enjoy the second floor much better. I like the work of some of the more geometric artists as well. And for Katie there were a few Dali pieces. But this museum wasn’t for us so we left shortly.
Down in the plaza again we stopped at a food stand for a ham and cheese crepe for me and another croque monsier for Katie. We strolled with our food towards the Metro on our way back to Montmartre to meet Megan. We just stepped out of the Metro, a bit early and were going to sit down on the bench when Megan approached! Now this is what I love about the OurParis forum, the people! They are the friendliest bunch you could ever meet and Megan is a fine example of that. We chattered about her trip so far and made our way to a little bar. It became apparent that this was not the suave Paris bar, but more like a local dive bar. It really wasn’t bad but Megan was very apologetic. We enjoyed a glass of wine and exchanged stories. It was a lot of fun to finally meet someone whose words I had read online. Unfortunately it was a short visit as Megan had dinner plans. So we walked back to the Metro and said goodbye.
Katie and I then decided we were somewhat hungry and I knew the area by Rue de la Hutchette would have some crepe stands open. We also wanted to see Notre Dame at night. So we walked over from the Metro looking our fill before crossing the river to the busy area of Rue de la Hutchette. We found an open crepe stand and ordered Grand Marnier crepes…which were okay but we both decided nutella and banana are really the only way to go. We wandered the street a bit, with its carnival like air. At the end there was some sort of performance going on, but it was hard to see much as the crowd had already gotten large. So we decided to head home, but first stopping for some vin chaud.
Our feet were tired, but it was a well spent day.
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