The weather in Paris has been absolutely beautiful - nice spring days, very comparable to being home in MDR. I had planned to hit a few museums on the right bank, but once I started walking, I couldn't convince myself to go inside - so focused on just seeing a little more of the Marais.
The walk in pictures...
Started out just downstairs from my apartment at the Marche des Enfants Rouges (Market of the Red Children? Don't ask me.). It was built in 1615 under the rule of Louis XIII - which makes it the oldest market in Paris, and older than America or Canada, for that matter.
After that I beelined for Place des Vosges, another gift from Louis XIII which houses some amazing architecture, Victor Hugo's house, and a great little park. Park is interesting in that it's split into 4 quarters, and it seems people are allowed to sit and hang out on 2 of them... but not on the other 2. At least that's my assumption based on the people crammed into one side, while the green lay bare on the other. Did I mention that my beeline was actually in the exact opposite direction, and took me out past my map's range before I realized what had happened? Ups and downs to this while untouched street system in the Marais, to be sure (Yes, I'm blaming it on the streets - let's see them dispute it). Ahem, Place des Vosges... what used to be upscale housing for Paris' elite is now a great combination of cafes and boutiques, and a not as great section of boarded up emptiness that made me feel like I was in a lonely back alley just steps away from the bustling part of the square.
From PdV (as those in the know like to call it - at least I assume so) I wandered south across the bridge to Ile St Louis, where you can get right down by the Seine and wander under the bridges. Mysterious sight as you do so... there are tents set-up for the homeless - apparently given by Doctors without Borders to shelter people during winter/harsher times of the year. Wondered if they'd let me set up a tent on the beach in MDR... I could probably put in some hardwood floors and turn it around for $500k.
As I crossed over to Ile de la Cite, I ran into this cute older couple - the guy was playing violin while his wife/partner held the sheet music. He was quite good - so many of us were trying to take his picture, as you'll see by my fellow cameraman caught in this pic.
At Notre Dame, I just hung out and enjoyed a Crepe au fromage in Jean-XXIII Square, before heading back home for another baguette w/ gouda.
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