Paris under our own steam

8 June – Friday
Waved goodbye to our fellow coach travellers and set out on our own to conquer the city of Paris. Found our way to the Opera House without trouble (it was just around the corner!) and then discovered the most beautiful department store called Gallerie Lafayette. The inside of the building was simply fantastic – a huge stained glass cupola and all the floors had balconies overlooking the main floor, each one beautifully decorated. Myer may need to refurbish their stores! My French (together with a bit of miming) stood up to a bit of shopping and asking for a garment in a different size – I actually made myself understood. A change of hotels from the Ambassador to the Tourisme, and a very pleasant surprise. Our room is bigger than the 4 star hotel room in Nice, and recently refurbished.

The best part of the day – a visit to Monet’s Garden at Giverny. A longtime ambition finally fulfilled and definitely worth the wait. The weather was slightly overcast so the light was wonderful, the warm air heightened the perfume of the flowers, the place wasn’t overrun with tourists and the lily pond was just glorious. With the climate being very similar to Tasmania, the plants were very recognisable, with lots of roses, day lilies, pansies and lady’s mantel, plus many others.

9 June – Saturday
A full day on our feet – 7 hours of walking. First stop today was the Musee d’Orsy, the museum famous for its impressionist paintings. Be warned, not only was I very fond of Monet’s Garden, I also loved the Musee d’Orsy – photographs were allowed! How wonderful to stand in front of original Monet’s, Van Gogh’s, Degas’ and Renoir’s paintings and drawings, as well as Whistler’s Mother. I would have been quite happy to bring a few home, but what a decision that would have been!

After a few hours at d’Orsy, it was a slow stroll back to the hotel via the grounds of Le Louvre and the crowds along the Rue de Rivoli, with its souvenir shops and gypsies. The gypsies were very obvious today, their main ploy being the "found wedding ring" or "Do you speak English?" with the second gypsy coming from behind while the first one talks. The really infuriating (and sad) beggars are the women who sit on the ground holding a baby or young child who are obviously drugged. We also came across these types of beggars in Nice. One feels so sorry for the children – where are the authorities who should be caring for their welfare!

Today the sun finally broke through the fog and the clouds cleared – how much better the Eiffel Tower looks in the sun. Paris does have a nice feel to it. There is a fabulous florist shop near our hotel and the range of cut flowers is amazing. Not only the usual roses, but peony roses, white astilbe, scabia and ageratum plus many more I can’t remember. There is also a Haagen Dasz icecream shop right next door! The day finished with a short stroll to the Eiffel Tower to watch the lights display at 10.00pm. Although the sun had only just set, it was still quite spectacular, especially with the darkening sky and all the jets buzzing about.