Day 2 in Paris

It was a gorgeous day and we spent it discovering the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, among other things. We decided to take the Metro, which is easy to understand and if you need help, the information booth people are very accommodating. I've done subways in NY City, Boston, and now London, but this was the first time I lost my husband. Even though there are trains coming and going to your destination about every two minutes, it's human nature to try to catch the one that is beckoning you with it's wide open doors. So, we made a run for it. I ended up on the train and Andrew ended up a door sandwich. A collective gasp sounded throughout the car....I was bent over laughing, but stopped when I realized that 1. The doors did not open back up  2. Nobody else was laughing or even smiling....yikes! and 3. I had the map and Andrew didn't know which stop to get off.

Now, a test: How well do we know each other? What will he do next? What will he think I'm thinking? So, to make a long, boring story, shorter - we both got ourselves to the Louvre (in different ways), but sat out front in different places for another 20 minutes until Andrew spotted me. I must say I was QUITE relieved to see him! Now we can enjoy the beautiful art...

Some people think this pyramid structure in front of the Louvre is a monstrosity, but I like it. I think it's an architectural wonder.

To get the shot of this beautiful lady, I employed my very tall husband to get above the heads of the mass of tourists!

I managed to get a shot that hides the fact that they are doing construction here as well!

This is the only shot I got of the Arc....we didn't get any closer. Too much to see, too little time!

To get to the Musée d'Orsay from the Louvre you just have to cross the Seine.

Inside the d'Orsay, view from the front entrance. The Musée d'Orsay was once a railway station. For it's very interesting history, check out this link: http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/garedorsay.htm

View from the top (5th) floor (opposite entrance), where the most fabulous collection of Impressionistic art is shown.

View of the clock from the inside. Love this shot, would love to have directed the people to stand in different places, but did not want to be arrested....

We are still on the top floor of the d'Orsay, but outside on the terrace, with a gorgeous view overlooking the Seine.

We're exhausted and want to head to a café for a bite to eat and glass of wine. I want to go to the Café de la Paix, which our guide mentioned yesterday. It's right in the center of everything, the Place de la Concorde. So, we find a bicycle taxi right outside the d'Orsay (why didn't I take a pic?) and meet our driver, George. This is George, doesn't he look French? He's from Texas...LOL! He's been in Paris for 5 years and loves it. He was a great tour guide....here he is telling us that this is the most dangerous roundabout in all of France....highest mortality rate......thanks, George!

We thanked George for the awesome ride and told him if he can cart us all over Paris, he's ready for the Tour de France!

That's me at the Café de la Paix, ordering a glass of wine in French....LOL. Can you see the waiter smiling? He spoke to me in English....he was so sweet. We had a lovely time there and a delicious meal!

One last stop before we crash for the night. Andrew needs something from a Patisserie.....something chocolate! We ended up at Café Nicolas, right around the corner from our hotel. Mmmmm.....the spearmint was good, too!