We had a good little metro and walking tour of Paris, ending up at the Louvre. Bruno was in the lead. We had 2 hours in the Louvre, and my gang managed to see the Winged Victory of Samos, and the Moaning Lisa, but the Venus De Milo was under wraps, and could not be seen. We split up, promising to meet for lunch, and I enjoyed Hammurabi's Code Sthil, and some of the sculpture gardens, including the clock-face people.
We met, and except for Josh, who voted to stay in the Louvre, and later went by the Pompeidou Center, the rest of our Durham bunch found a not too expensive sidewalk sandwich shop (near some shopping) and had an outdoor lunch. We probably should have picnicked, but sitting, eating, and watching the people of Paris is great sport. Watching the other tourists is not bad, either!
We walked along the River Seine down to the Cathedral of Notre Dame, which was, as usual, beautiful, and not too crowded. We also saw the Deportation Monument which is hidden behind the N.D. If you ever get there, please go see this, it is a somber monument to all the folks the Nazis deported from France to the camps, most of whom never returned.
On the way back to meet Bruno, we had a chance to shop at the little used book and print stalls along the river. I bought 2 very nice prtints for E5.00 each. It was a nice walk, even if we were rushed! After this, Bruno took us back to the Hotel to pick up our luggage so we could take the night train to Italy.
Ah, the night train to italy! Now there is an experience! 12 hours at night ending up in Florence for breakfast. We took the bus to the Gare de Bercy, a very small train station. EF had supper delivered. We rode 6 to a couchette, and our gang made up their beds early, while other folks in the rest of the group celebrated the Alps with wine, vodka, and rum! all we did was drink a bit of house red, talk a lot, and sleep the sleep of the innocent (at least I did!).
Day 7 and Florence, next time! Chao!
We decided to get lunch at Covent Garden, except Josh wanted to shop, shop, shop!
Trafalgar Square has a problem with "Pigeon People" who feed the birds illegally.
Here is our bunch in front of the New Globe Theatre right there on the Queen's walk by the Thames
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