Ended up with over 12,000 steps yesterday. After we took a nap we took the Metro to Notre Dame. The line to go inside was long but moving quickly so we went in. They were having a mass so could only walk the outside isle. I remembered the inside differently from the last time I was here in 2015.
We ended up walking back to the hotel as it was a beautiful night out. Needed to stretch our legs after the two flights and nap.
This morning we got up early and were downstairs a little after 7:00 for breakfast. They had hard-boiled eggs but no fruit. I had 2 eggs and some walnuts.
We took the Metro to the Louvre stop and got our tickets from the Big Bus Company. We went to the Louvre to stand in line as it didn’t open until 9:00 am and it was only 8:15. Sure glad we got in line when we did as it was a long line by 9:00.
When we got in we headed directly to see the Mona Lisa so we could beat the crowd. We were able to stand directly in front of it and take pictures. After we left that room we walked for several hours looking at things. Both of us hit overwhelm at some point and decided we needed fresh air. We went down a level too low and ended up in a shopping mall. Finally had to ask somehow how the hell we got out of there. When we left the lines were really long of people waiting to get in.
The idea of a very modern shopping mall sharing space with with the Louvre gave me a chuckle this morning. Somehow I had trouble wrapping my head around the two of those things hanging out together.
We got on the double-decker bus outside the Louvre and rode it around town for a bit. Got really close to the Eiffel Tower and other cool sights. Finally got off when we were close to a restaurant as both of us were hungry. I ordered vegetable soup. It was delicious but it was purée veggies. Had to order some mozzarella cheese over tomatoes with pesto as I was still hungry and needed some protein.
We walked after lunch for a bit and then hopped on a Metro to go about halfway to the hotel then walked the rest of the way to our hotel. So far I have over 12,500 steps in and we still have the evening to go. Not sure what our plans are other than Nicole wanted to do some shopping.
Stopped at a little market close to the hotel and picked up some bananas, cashews and cheese to take with me tomorrow so I will have something for breakfast. We leave for our Loirie Valley Castle tour at 6:00 tomorrow morning so the hotel won’t be serving breakfast yet. Somewhere along the day we will have a lunch but never know if what they are serving is something I can eat.
Had a bit of a fast heart rate today and didn’t feel good for a while. That hadn’t happened since the first few days here. Not sure why it happened again today.
Not sure big cities are for me. I am craving my prairie today! Too many people, too much noise and too much stimulation in the city for this country girl. Glad we are going to the countryside tomorrow and headed home Wednesday. I am ready to come home.
Grateful for a soft bed in a hotel after a long day of walking, grateful for the Paris Metro to help save walking, and grateful the rain didn’t happen as was forecast for the afternoon. It was another beautiful, sunny day in Paris.