Hump Day

Today was hump day. At the end of the day we now have less time left in Paris than we have spent in Paris. We are over the hump.

The day started with some washing of underwear. Thanks Dud for supplying us with the travelling washline! Luckily there is a blow heater here, as there isn't anywhere to dry our clothes.

After completing that chore, we headed off in the direction of the island where Notre Dame Cathedral is situated. Dave foolishly told me that he had read there was a shopping mall along the way, and of course I did not refuse the offer. I found a store that had a clearance sale of summer stock, and found 3 garments to squash into our suitcase. I was starting to get sick of shopping, so we made a quick getaway to find the famous church and it's gargoyles.

The islands were not far away from the shopping centre, so it did not take long to find ourselves in what must be an exclusive residential area of Paris. The buildings are magnificent and the little park we came across was "tres jolie"! We have become accustomed to finding a surprise around every corner!

One street away from this gorgeous, deserted park, we found this:Some of you may recognise it as "Notre Dame". This would have to be the busiest place we have visited so far. More tourists here than flies around freshly laid dog poo! (THAT IS ANOTHER STORY!) The interior of the magnificent place is just wonderful. The stained glass windows are a treat to look at. This picture is a small token of the beauty within.
It is getting late now so I (DB) will fill in the rest of the story.

From there we left the crowds and cheap souvenir shops (after buying an umbrella) to walk through the other island and then into the Latin quater. As we were having lunch the rain got quite heavy (see below) but we were cosy in a Brasserie and ordered an extra couple of beers to ride out the storm. Afterwards found a very cosmopolitan enclave that we will try and explore further when we get a chance. The Poms are out in force with a rugby match in Paris. The always seem to congregate in an english style pub, never a cafe, brasserie or bar.This evening after changing into dry socks it was time to visit the Louvre which opens late on Friday. And of course all roads and signs through this huge building lead to one painting, the most famous of all paintings.

As Mr Bean would say, 'nice frame!'

The crowd was not too bad and there was virtually no wait to get in. So much to see but so little time. Not being a big art lover 3 hours was plenty. The DaVinci code lives.