Continuing

After a much needed night of (fitful) sleep our second day in Paris began with a great breakfast of bread, pasties and all that go with a continental breakfast at our hotel.  We had decided on taking a half day guided city tour to ensure we covered the major tourist sites (and frankly I had no desire to try to navigate my way around such a confusing place).  As it turned out this was an outstanding idea.  I would probably be still stuck on the Metro if left on my own.  Our driver/guide was very good at scaring the hell out of me as he weaved in and out of traffic while barely using his horn or cryptic language (which I presume was derogatory comment on some one's lineage).  I will admit I never saw one accident my whole time in France or Portugal, and can't explain why.  But I digress.

The tour covered almost all the major sites.  We had a few problems thanks the President of Singapore.  I don't know whether he was in town for official  business or shopping but his motorcade screwed up traffic, and we seemed to be in his path periodically.  I will give the French credit, they take terrorism seriously.  Their security people (police or military) have the most up to date gear and they looked like they wouldn't hesitate to use it.  I was a bit taken back by the military patrolling Notre Dame.  They were in full battle dress with assault weapons.

At the conclusion of our tour we were deposited at the Louvre and thrown the mercy the hoard of tourists trying to get a glimpse of the famous art work.  I basically saw three things.  First the Mona Lisa.  Since it was a total mob scene that was from thirty feet.  I refused to get into a shoving match with half of China.  Second was the Venus and third was the Winged Victory.   The last two from uch closer vantage points.  It took almost two hours to see these three works due to the size of the museum and our inability to agree on how to read the map guide.  So we called it a day and took the Metro back to the hotel.  We didn't get lost in spite of ourselves (and thanks to some helpful Parisians).  However, before going to our room we stopped at one of the many Cafes for an adult beverage and a bit of people watching.

I have a lot more to tell but must go get the mail now.

CC

PS - Twinkle Toes are the greens to your liking now?  I noticed a big change from 10 days ago.  Or maybe it was jet lag kicking in.