After getting off the train, we were a little intimidated with the language gap and finding our way to the next mode of transportation. I knew we needed to get to the subway and take the 4 to Saint Germaine des Pres. You find out just how much you can process each second in those moments as you think about pick-pockets, navigating, reading signs, verifying with google, finding the subway kiosk, understanding how to pay with your card, protecting your luggage and making sure you don’t get separated from your wife. – this was really what you experience when traveling anywhere!
We had made it to Paris! Mission number one was to get to the Madison Hotel to check in. The path was easy. The luggage at 50 pounds of dead weight is the x-factor for high stress on the way verses a quiet, enjoyable calm we could otherwise use to take in the ambiance of Paris along the way. We made it, checked in, lightened our load and decided to explore the surrounding area to chart out restaurants, markets, shops and transportation. We found a great market maybe only 300 feet from our hotel. After purchasing some wine, pringles and French bread, we headed back for night to relax.
When your body reminds you what being 40 equates to and you have accumulated enough steps to win a week-long Fitbit steps challlenge in a single day, you find it hard not to try and rationalize sleeping in. We knew we would have to rise early the next morning to do the Louve right.
Becky had spent time researching how to bypass the ridiculously long lines to get into the Louve. After some trial and error, walking one way to turn around and walk a new way, we found out where the mall entrance was and made it into the Louve in less than 15 minutes! Go Becky!!!!
If you choose to take this route, I will advise that getting to the Monalisa is poorly marked and very confusing. Get a map! It will still be difficult but you can get a sense of where you might be in the massive complex.
When you see that much art and sculptures in a single place, I feel like it devalues the
