Sunday is a Day of Rest

Cheryl and I basically took Sunday, 4/13, off.  As you know, Sunday is often considered a day of rest, particularly in Christian tradition, as it marks the day of Jesus' resurrection and is seen as a continuation of the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship in Judaism.  In my family, we've got both bases covered proudly.  It was also Jenny, Dave, and the girls' last day here and they left about 2:30 in the afternoon to catch their train back to Nottingham.  Cheryl was, understandably, blue after they left so we spent the afternoon doing what we do best in a typical afternoon - napping.  

Before they left, Aaron, Melissa, and Chloe took the girls to get pastries that morning at a nearby patisserie, and then left (sans girls, of course) to go to the Trocadero where they walked around and had a first viewing of the Eiffel Tower as it popped into view from behind a building - a shocking surprise as he described it.  And, soon to follow they saw the Paris Marathon in full swing with people cheering loudly with funny signs, another welcome surprise. 

After some sandwiches, they walked down beautiful Parisian streets to a painting class.  The objective was to paint whatever was in their heart and minds, and all three of them did a wonderful job.  The instructor, however, did tell Aaron that his choice of a cup of coffee, croissant, and the Eiffel Tower were a bit "cliche".  His feelings weren't hurt.  My granddaughter Chloe's work came from a photo she took that day near the Trocadero and is pictured here.  We understand she's getting great reviews from her art teacher in her freshman year of high school so who knows?

They returned to the apartment after wandering around to the Champs Elysees, and we had a nice Asian dinner nearby.  I was somewhat apprehensive about my choice for a restaurant because it was completely empty at 6:30 p.m. when we arrived.  By the time our food arrived, it was half full, and quickly filled to the brim soon after.  It seems to be characteristic of Paris and its locals and tourists that people simply eat later.  It is nothing to see the cafes and restaurants full from, essentially 7 p.m. until 11, 12, or later.  Every night.  An interesting phenomenon.

Today, Monday 4/14, brings new life to us and we plan on splitting up:  Cheryl and I intend to go to the Arc de Triomphe and view Paris from its top, and then walk down the Champs Elysees and ogle the ultra wealthy stores that line it (e.g., Louis Vuitton).  I hope not to see in my minds eye the Nazi troops goose-stepping down the beautiful corridor but I probably will.  Such a distasteful image for me.  Aaron, Melissa, and Chloe intend to go to Montemarte and then start working their way down "a big list" according to Aaron.  I told him they're trying to fit 10 pounds of fun into a 5 pound bag, but I'm sure they'll make a big dent in it. 

More on Monday to follow.  Bonjour from Monday morning in Paris.