December 20, 2003
Laurie and I walked up to the Cluny Museum. We found out that it was cheaper on Sunday, so we decided to wait to go in. Instead we walked up to the Luxumburg Garders. On the outside of the gates there was a photographic display of 50 years of historical moments in the world. It was very good. By the time we finished, it started raining. Laurie decided to go walking and I went to the internet. I had a disturbing message from my sister. Her husband was in the hospital with heart problems. By the time I got home it was late enough to call. I really didn't have much news except that they were going to do an angiogram.
The rest of the day I read and watched a movie we had rented. It was "Bridget Jones' Diary". I really enjoyed it. It was a funny love story. Laurie had popped the microwave popcorn. Come to find out, it had sugar in it. It was good, but I like the other better.
December 21, 2003
I walked around this morning. Laurie and I were meeting Mana and Elsa at 12:30 in front of Notre Dame. Mana and Elsa were a couple of people that we hiked with in Naple. It was so good to see them. Elsa took us to this Italian restaurant. We ended up closing the place at 3:00. We all went back to our apartment and had wine, cheese, and talked. Elsa had to leave early, but Mana stayed till 7:30. After Mana left, I called my sister to see how her husband, Joe was. I couldn't believe it, but he was home already. He had 90% blockage in one artery and they put three stints in and he is fine. I am so glad. It brought back memories about 11 years ago when my father was in the hospital for heart problems at the same time of year. Unfortunately, my father wasn't so lucky. It still amazes me what the doctors can do and how quickly the body adapts and heals.
December 22, 2003
Laurie and I walked to the Louvre today. It is an enormous building in a U-shape. One part was built in the 1200's as a fortress and rebuilt as a palace in the 16th century. It became a museum in 1793.
In the courtyard there is a large glass pyramid built by an American IMPei, but I don't know what year.
We took a guided tour of the museum. It only gave us an overview and showed a couple of highlights, such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. There were hordes of people in front of the Venus de Milo so it was hard to get close to it. It was stolen and came back in 1910 or so.
I was overwhelmed by the building. It is beautiful inside, but there is so much to see. I didn't really know if I wanted to try and see anything. So after the tour, Laurie and I took a walk to the Montmarte section of Paris. This section is known for the Moulin Rouge. This area is high on a hill and at one time it attracted artists and writers because of the Bohemian lifestyle.
At the very top, there is a church and I got views of the city below. It was not a real clear day so it was hard to make things out.
Laurie and I then walked back to the Lourve. Our tickets last all day and it closed at 10:00 pm. We only picked out a few things to see. It would take months to see everything. It is not just painting and sculpture. It has many other art objects.
One area that was incredible was Napolean III apartments. The chandeliers, the furniture, and the largeness of the rooms where unbelievable.
I left and wandered the streets. I went to the grocery store and picked up some food for dinner. Laurie came back later and she picked up a movie. She said she hadn't seen "Glory" so I told her to pick it up. When we started watching it we found out it was dubbed in French. Laurie took it back. I mentioned "Full Monty" was good and maybe she would like it. So we watched a movie and it was time for bed when it was over.
December 23, 2003
Laurie and I got up early so we could catch the train to Caen. We took the metro to the train station. Once we got to Caen, we had trouble getting to the memorial. We had conflicting information on how to get there. We took a train and then tried to get a bus but couldn't find the right stop. We finally found it after talking to several people. We got there about 11:30.
The memorial is called the Caen Memorial and it is a large museum memorial dedicated to the history of the wars starting from the first World War to present wars. It was very well done. The Battle of Normandy took place on the beaches near Caen and Caen was the town that was pivotal in the battle.
We spent about six hours there and still didn't see the whole thing. We had to leave to catch the train back to Paris. As it was, it was after 9:00 by the time we got home.
December 24, 2003
Laurie and I walked to the Opera area. There was a film documentary on the building of Paris. It was very good, but I thought expensive for the 45 minute film.
After the film we went grocery shopping. We didn't know when the stores close. It certainly didn't seem like the holidays around here. There are lights on the streets and some decorations, but people don't decorate like we do at home. Then again they don't have yards either. I also miss the Christmas music.
I did a few other errands. Laurie and I decided to buy Christams gifts for each other, but with a 5 euro limit. I still needed to find something. I wanted to find a Christmas ornament. I couldn't find too many.
I then went to the internet and then to the video store. Laurie and I then went to the mass at 6:00 at Notre Dame. It was long. When we got back we ate and watched the movie that was really weird. It was called "Mulholland Drive".
