Several Days

My departure Wednesday was harried and rushed. I have yet to master the skill of a smooth exit: no fevered brow, no thoughts of what is forgotten or keeping the car driver waiting. I only managed two out of three this time. Next time I will not forget anything.

Airport check-in presented no real problems. I was only six pounds overweight. I knew my suitcase was heavy, but the removal of Einstein’s biography by Walter Isaacson and my toothbrush (almost forgotten) reduced the weight to two pounds over. Then I was okay to go without paying $150.00. Luckily , I was carrying a small backpack for overflow items.

So, that was how Wednesday proceeded, except for having my seat selection changed on the Dulles to Charles de Gaulle segment of my trip. I would never recommend sitting next to the toilet by choice.

Thursday: PARIS! The RER train (euro 8.50) into the city was quite short as I was on board a direct train that only made a few stops. Gare du Nord, then Chatelet-Les Halles, my stop. I would like to state, at this point, that Parisians are quite generous. Many times I was asked if I needed help with my bag (heavy) up the escalator, down or up the stairs, or I was given an assisted lift onto the metro train. This happened even though everyone seemed to be going somewhere in haste, at 10:00 a.m.

Emerging from underground revealed sunny, partly cloudy skies. The temperature was quite pleasant, about 75°F. My studio apartment is situated in the Latin Quarter, just east of Rue Moufffetard, a major market street. On previous trips with my husband, we did not see much of the quarter beyond Rue Mouffetard. It is quite picturesque and I’m looking forward to exploring it. I have read that it is one area of Pars that has not changed very much compared to, for example, St. Germain-des-Prés, or the Marais.

Friday, today, I need to go now. The skies are sunny and partly cloudy again; temperature is pleasantly warm. Will be walking in the Marais and Bastille areas, as I have tickets for an Anselm Kiefer-staged opera celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Opéra Bastille. I’m hoping it will be quite as intriguing as Kiefer’s art.

Above is the door to my adventures. More tomorrow or in a few days. Please post any questions or comments.