France 2011

We set out to what has turned out to be quite a beautiful day: sunny finally :-) and in the low 70's. We needed that nice weather for our day outdoor. Our prayers were answered. 

The girls started out on a Scavenger Hunt through the small and narrow streets in the Hills of Montmartre (in the Northen part of Paris). This is also the location of the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur with an amazing view of Paris and some of its most famous monuments and building such as the Tour Montparnasse, Centre Pompidou, etc. Montmartre, which used to have vineyards, is also famous for its quaint streets; famous artists and painters (such as Toulouse-Lautrec) used to live there.

Pretty soon, after admiring the view, we discovered the inviting and more than welcome terrasse of a French Cafe. So we stopped there and had an improptu 11am soft drink, hot chocolate and a variety of crepes break. This was probably their favorite part of the morning. It was nice and relaxing. We meandered through the picturesque and quaint streets looking and purchasing some paintings, scarfs and other trinkets; we also got to taste some authentic artisanal French baguette. We the had lunch on the steps of the Basilique while being serenaded by a harp player then an accoustic singer.

After the morning, we went to the Centre Beaubourg (which hosts the Modern Art Museum in Paris). And we sat, once again at a nearby cafe, noticing some commotion near the entrance of Beaubourg. It was because the French president Sarkozy was about to leave Beaubourg, escorted by his Security personnel. We almost got to see him, but we had to leave to go back to Danielou on time. 

We went back to Danielou, happy about the day, and exhausted from the bustling activities of the day. The girls are still experiencing the jet lag, but everyone seems to slowly adjust to their new surrounding.   

We will post some additional pictures tomorrow or over the weekend.