Weekend in Paris

Hello fellow voyagers -
Just another quiet, sunny weekend in Paris by myself - Debbie returned Sunday afternoon.  I thought I would get up early to run on Saturday - that didn't quite work I'm afraid.  Instead I snoozed all morning and then headed for the city.  It was a beautiful day, so I decided to go to Luxembourg Gardens.  I took the #6 metro to #10 and then walked to St. Sulpice first.  It was just before noon when I got there - and immediately, hundreds of school kids came pouring out of the church.  Not sure what the occasion was, but kids of all ages came out wearing their school shirts.

After it cleared, I went into the church, still smoky and smelly from the incense.  The church is huge, but pretty plain compared with Chatres or Notre Dame.  It does have an impressive organ that started playing while I was inside.  It felt like Phantom of the Opera.

Next, I made my way to Luxembourg Gardens.  I walked the perimeter, dodging the runners, and found a nice chair in the shade near the pond.  I spent a half hour or so just watching the people - all shapes and sizes, looking good and not so good, all nationalities I expect.  When  the sun is out, the Parisians flock to the parks for either picnics or sun bathing or both).  It's nothing to see the grass covered with picnickers, or people stretched out on metal chairs that are provided throughout the park trying to keep their summer tan.  The pond is also popular with little kids who can rent sailboats and run after them as they sail from one side to another (no electronics required). 

After sufficient time watching, I moved on to the Pantheon.  More specifically, I moved on to the Bombardier, an English-style pub next to the Pantheon!  I had a pint of bitter ale there for lunch and read the London Times for a while.  I was there during the quiet time between lunch and happy hour - pretty relaxing - didn't require as much concentration as watching people in Luxembourg!

I worked my way to Place Constrescarpe, Ernest Hemingway's old stomping grounds.  There's a street, rue Mouffetard, that has bunches of shops and cafes along it.  I walked to the end, window shopping and people watching.  Listened to some jazz on the street and saw some interesting buildings.  There's a long section that is pedestrian only, so that is nice to walk.  Retraced my steps back to Cardinal Limoine and past Ernie and Jimmy Joyce's places.  I spotted a very nice little hotel in the area - Hotel des Grandes Ecoles.  I can't vouch for the place, but the location is great and it looks lovely and quiet.  Behind a nondescript entrance, there is a green, peaceful courtyard surrounded by the hotel rooms.  Overall, this is a great area of Paris - near left bank activity, the islands, and Luxembourg Gardens.  If you come to Paris and can find a quiet place in the area, I definitely recommend it.  I picked up the #10 again on St Germain and made my way back home.

Sunday, I managed to make my run thank goodness.  Afterwards I headed to church.  I am never sure what I might encounter.  Today it was some sort of run.  I'm not sure what it was for, but all the runners were women - hundreds of them.  Looked like they were coming from the Eiffel Tower.  Also, along the course, various music was playing.  As I approached Pres Wilson Ave, I heard the drums before I saw the runners.  There was a drum corp all pounding together - just the thing to motivate runners, I would say.  I was able to slip through the runners at a slow point to continue on to church.  Heard more music along the way, but I liked the drums the best. 

Once I got to church, I was treated to more excellent music.  This time it came from the Musical Ambassadors of the University of the Philippines.  More fantastic music.  Of course I had no idea of this before I showed up.  That is one thing I love about American Church in Paris - you never know what you might find there.  I've heard Jesse Jackson preach and countless excellent musical groups.  I've listened to artists discuss what inspires their creations.  It's amazing - It's hard to believe I'm actually there.  I have to pinch myself.  Oh well, just another Sunday in Paris.  Au revoire.