It’s a little weird, returning to the areas of our previous visits. In 2006 we stayed in the area of the Luxembourg gardens and in 2008 it was in Saint Germaine. Both are fairly Tourist inundated. Staying this year in the 11th, we have not heard an American accent, which has gotta be a plus in my mind.
As I write this I hear French voices from above our little outdoor garden. Children’s voices and laughter drift in and out while we watch the birds land in our garden looking for a feed. A radio can be heard somewhere in the background with the odd motor scooter whizzing up the street.To say we have enjoyed our 4 weeks is an
understatement. Being with the locals here sheds a different aspect on this trip. I’m not sure if I would call it a holiday as such - living a week at a time you actually meet people. Guided tours are not of for us - Today is Tuesday, it must be Barcelona - no, no, not for us.OK!!! Get on with it Leon, she says…. Ok, what did we do on our last full day?
On the Metro with the locals to Grande Boulevards to see the covered passageways, one of which was Passage des Panoramas which the 1st street in Paris to have gas lighting
in 1817.I bought a little scale model of a DS Citroen similar to the car I owned in 1975.
From here we took off to Rue St-Andre des Arts where we stayed last year. Very touristy and busy, hordes of people and more Anglais than Francais again.
Lunch at a great little creperie in our old street and then wandered off to let Sue to do shopping. She didn’t buy anything, but I did, she is soooo indecisive.
I needed to see Arenes de Lutece, an amphitheatre built at the end of the 1st century. Restored in 1917, we saw young boys playing soccer within the historic arena.
Oh well - its time to pack the bike and the suit cases and return the great OZ down under.Goodbye France and hope to see you again sometime.
Attached are just a few pics of the last 2 days in Paris in no particular order.
