May 29 in Paris

Another busy day over here across the Atlantic. Started off at the Eiffel Tower. A big skating show was setting up to go for the weekend. Someone going for a record vertical drop. We went on up to the top of ET for a great view of the city as you can see from the pictures below. The French rugby league had it's championship game out at Stade de France this evening. The crazy rugby fans were all over town all day wearing their team colors. A very festive atmosphere.

Our next stop was the Marmottan/Monet museum where we saw a great selection of works by the Impressionist master including, "Impression Sunrise," the painting that coined the movement's name (actually meant to be a derogatory label by a critic of the era). Sorry, no photos allowed in the museum.

We continued the afternoon by taking an architectural walk in the Marais district, taking in St. Pauls/St. Louis church, the largest surviving remnant of the Medieval city wall, Hotel de Sens (one of only three remaining great medieval mansions remaining in Paris), Hotel de Sully, Place des Vosges (the first planned square in Paris, built by Henri IV and scene of jousting tournaments during the 17th Century), and Hotel de Sourise, which boasts some fabulous Rococo style interior decor (Dr. Stevenson was absolutely giddy about discovering these rooms). :^)

We also encountered a French Bachelorette party on the street. The bride to be was required to solicit signatures on a t-shirt and carried a baguette "purse" on a string over her shoulder. They also carried the frame that you see around the group picture. Another unexpected cultural experience. I suggest you ask about the kazoo incident when students return.

At an evening meal, all who were brave enough sampled Escargot--Yum.

One more day in Paris. Tomorrow, the Grennelle market and then the Musee des Arts Decoratif.

Au Revoir