Exploring the City

Today began much later than I had planned.  I woke up at 9:30 this morning! I can't remember the last time I've slept in that late.  I made my way out the door as quickly as I could, anxious to start my day.  I headed straight to the Louvre.  I've been dying to get inside a museum and today was the day!

Eccos in the Louvre!

It was crowded of course and I really wanted to see the most famous paintings, but I decided to ease into the crowds slowly.  I spent the first while hanging out with sculptures, enjoying the quiet, and soaking in the fact that I was inside the Louvre!  

Eventually I made my way to see Napoleon's apartment.  Quite the apartment!  Not a thing like the flat I've rented, but stunning none the less!

Napoleon himself!

It was finally time to head over to visit Mona Lisa.  The crowds weren't going to get any smaller.  

There she is!  

We hung out for little bit and then I'd had enough of the crowds so I headed out of there as fast as my eccos would take me! 

I saw lots of other things while at the Louvre and had a great time just wandering.  I never looked at the map they gave me.  Listened to the information on the Nintendo and enjoyed finding whatever was around the next corner.  Hours later I made my way outside and decide what would come next. 

Outside the Louvre.  One of many fountains I saw today. 

I decided to wander through the gardens outside the Louvre and see if I could find the Musee de l'Orangerie where Monet's Water lillies have their own special rooms.  I found it without a problem and enjoyed wandering through the museum.  As I sat in the oval room where the water lillies take up most of the walls, the museum workers paced back and forth to make sure we were all silent and weren't taking pictures.  They took their jobs and their art very seriously!  While there, I saw works by Degas, Renoir, Manet and Cezanne.  Amazing.  Loved every minute.

Time for lunch... It was almost 5 at this point and I had only eaten a nectarine for breakfast.  I didn't even notice that I was hungry until I began walking past cafes.  I stopped for some pasta and tea, then made my way to the Seine.  I walked and walked.  

Pont du Alexandre III

Eccos and the Seine

These boys were playing a fun tether ball type game along the Seine.  I was so busy watching them I tripped over my own feet and landed on my ass.  They ran over to see if I was okay and helped me up.  I laughed the whole time.  It's the first of many falls I'm sure.  I'm just clutsy like that.  Ha!  

On my way back to the Metro, I saw this darling ice cream stand.  I didn't stop and get any ice cream, but I couldn't help but take a picture.  Maybe tomorrow I'll find it again and try some of the ice cream after all.  

What a lovely day in Paris.