Paris a City for the Senses

The more I think of this the more I believe it is true that Paris lets you open all your senses: Hearing: Perhaps walking in a Metro tunnel or on the train itself you can hear a lone musician playing for his or her muse. Or listening to the trendy music playing in a restaurant while dining the evening away. Tasting: Then there is the sense of taste in the pastries or wine you choose. The textures you encounter seem to be endless. Smell: Then there is the food you smell when you walk into a restaurant that gives you the sign that this is the place to be. Even the smell of an occasional cigarette doesn't seem to bother you much. Touch: Then there is the touch in feeling a new scarve or sweater you are considering buying. Or there is the perfectly fragrant lotion you are thinking of trying. Sight: I think sight is the most powerful of the senses by letting you see the most amazing paintings at the Louvre or in taking in the incredible architecture at Notre Dame So I say Paris is the place where all five senses come alive and open you to new experiences. It is the place to try new things. This is why I never tire of this city.

Well you know my luck zith the weather was going to run out and today was the day. Although it never rained, the sky remained overcast all day. I thought I would get new pictures of my favorite places but it wasn't to be. Despite the weather, I still made my way to the Effel Tower. I couldn't believe the number of people who still went in line to go up to the top but what could they possibly see? The usual number of street vendors were selling their Eiffel Tower trinkets and street beggars were asking if you speak english. I keep saying 'No' but I am not sure what story they are trying to sell.

After finding a metro stop, which seem to take forever, I made my way to Notre Dame. It is always an incredible church to walk through. I am glad I didn't visit too many churches on my trip because it is easy to become overwhelmed by them. I was amused by the fact that many people took pictures of the mass procession when for me it is nothing unusual but for some it must be.

Well today was my day at the Louvre since it would be open until 9:45 tonight. It should give me plenty of time to see what I want to see. However I really tried but I still wasn't able to see everything and I was there for about 6 hours. I wasn't able to see the exhibition of Titian or some of the Dutch paintings. I forget how impossible it is to see everything here. You almost need a two day pass to see it all. One thing that does frustrate me at museums especially like this one is how people behave in them. So many people are just there to take their picture in front of one of the famous works or they aren't careful with letting their camer flashes going off or they place a bag right on a statue without thinking this is ok. What is wrong with people. So many of these people don't seem to want to appreciate this talent or skill that went into that painting or sculpture. It is really a shame that they are just there to be seen and to say they something like the Mona Lisa. But at least I can say I gave the museum an attempt.

I didn't think I would find any restaurants open near my hotel that weren't too expensive but I was able to find one thankfully. It was 10 pm by the time I was able to sit done. There is a street near my hotel that has a lot of choices so I was able to find a place. One comment I can make on this is I think I had a lot more reasonable choices in terms of price when I was in Rome. For some reason I think the restaurants were less expensive in Rome. But it was still a nice dinner and here I am in time to finish off my blog tonight.

One last comment I wanted to make that I thought of today. Remember how I mentioned that I do see quite a few people riding the rented bikes here? Well I have yet to see a stand renting any of these bikes. When I was in Rome these stands were everywhere throughout the city but where are they in France? I have yet to see them. I even saw a tour of segways today. I just happen to see a flyer on them. Can you imagine spending 70 euros for this? It seems insane to pay for this kind of tour, especially with the dollar they way it is. Well I will keep looking for the bike rental stands. If I find one, I will let you know.

Well it is time for me to get to bed. It has been a long day. I don't know what I will do tomorrow since the weather looks to be cloudy again. I may just walk the streets a bit tomorrow and not go to any museums. So good night and enjoy the rest of your day.