Day 3: Neighborhood Paris and the Louvre
Rose: Fulfilling my dream of a Parisian picnic :)
Thorn: Not feeling very good and having to miss out on the Lourve.
Today, the tour group went on a marvelous walking tour of the Marais (Jewish) neighborhood in Paris. This was perfect timing (good job Rick Steves!), because Jewish stores close on Saturday and stay open on Sunday, unlike the rest of Paris which closes on Sunday. We took the Metro to meet our fantastic local guide: Elizabeth. She shared a great deal of information about Parisian life, and we visited the most adorable Parisian market (Market aux Enfants Rouges). We also sampled great food, such as cheese, baguettes, apple strudel, and dark chocolate along our walk. The quality of the food was like no other, and my mouth literally exploded with fireworks with every bite. Even simple fruit, like strawberries and cherries, were so flavorful. Très bon!
After our Marais walking tour, the group took the Metro to the Lourve. Graeme gave us a brief introduction to the Lourve, and then we were off! Unfortunately, I was not feeling well, so Susan and I opted out of the Lourve for a lunch and nap. I know - "when in Paris, do NOT nap, instead, see the Lourve!"
TIP: Sometimes you need to know your limits! We knew that we would both be able to enjoy the rest of our tour more well-rested and fed rather than walking around Paris hungry and tired, which is why we chose to nap.
Following our nap, we took the Metro back to the Marais neighborhood and Rue de Bretagnes to pick up a Parisian picnic for dinner! We grabbed baguette sandwiches, pain au chocolats, and cherries. It was great practice speaking French, and we really enjoyed the back door European experience!
Thorn: Not feeling very good and having to miss out on the Lourve.
Today, the tour group went on a marvelous walking tour of the Marais (Jewish) neighborhood in Paris. This was perfect timing (good job Rick Steves!), because Jewish stores close on Saturday and stay open on Sunday, unlike the rest of Paris which closes on Sunday. We took the Metro to meet our fantastic local guide: Elizabeth. She shared a great deal of information about Parisian life, and we visited the most adorable Parisian market (Market aux Enfants Rouges). We also sampled great food, such as cheese, baguettes, apple strudel, and dark chocolate along our walk. The quality of the food was like no other, and my mouth literally exploded with fireworks with every bite. Even simple fruit, like strawberries and cherries, were so flavorful. Très bon!
After our Marais walking tour, the group took the Metro to the Lourve. Graeme gave us a brief introduction to the Lourve, and then we were off! Unfortunately, I was not feeling well, so Susan and I opted out of the Lourve for a lunch and nap. I know - "when in Paris, do NOT nap, instead, see the Lourve!"
TIP: Sometimes you need to know your limits! We knew that we would both be able to enjoy the rest of our tour more well-rested and fed rather than walking around Paris hungry and tired, which is why we chose to nap.
Following our nap, we took the Metro back to the Marais neighborhood and Rue de Bretagnes to pick up a Parisian picnic for dinner! We grabbed baguette sandwiches, pain au chocolats, and cherries. It was great practice speaking French, and we really enjoyed the back door European experience!