A breakthrough day for me.....

I actually spent some time alone today, while Elle was doing some of her walks, and I made a breakthrough with the rapid transit system, Le Metro. I descended the depths of the heretofore 'rat-tunnels,' dodged several scurrying parisians, and made it to the 'Billet' window to purchase my very own 'Carte Orange.' Fortunately, I knew how to pronounce the word, I had the little photo and I knew what I needed, as the frenchy behind the counter refused to speak english to me. Anyway, once i had the little treasure, I descended further into the belly of the earth and made myself figure out how to get the Cluny museum. I figured out the colors and the train changes and made it there. I honestly felt as accomplished as the day that I changed my own 'effin' tire at the airport.

The Cluny Museum was great. There are some old roman ruins of a bath house on site and an amazing display of tapestry, including "the Lady and the Unicorn" series of 5 allegorical tapestries. Here is a shot of the Cluny as well.

Elle and I met up shortly at the Shakespeare Book Company. It is a special place, filled with memories of the times of prohibition in America and the escape of several of our great artists to Paris. After all, they could have a few drinks in Paris! I have read two Hemingway books again, since I have been in Paris. He mentions this book store so many times in these books - The Sun Also Rises and A Moveable Feast. So, I felt strangely attached to the area and the book store. Fun to read literature that was written here while you are here. I know. It is the nerdy English major in me that wants to do these things.

The final pic here is of the dinner spot we found in one of the narrow streets on the Left Bank. It was actually a greek restaurant masquerading as a french restaurant. The food was fine, needed some seasoning, but fine. The waiter was just downright bizarre. He kept hovering over Elle and I. He kept leaning over the table and putting his arm on the table. He picked up my map and looked at it. He picked up Elle's camera and looked at it. He made us both rather uncomfortable, but he was a stringy little guy. Elle and I could have taken him down and walked away unscathed in any kind of scuffle. Two moderately tough chicks are just no match for a stringy greek.

Tonight, I am packing a box to send to Mr. Bashor so that my suitcase does not weigh too much. I will pack another tomorrow night. My goal is to lighten up by about half. I have been here for several days and I kinda know what will work now. I am beginning to feel much more comfortable about the place now. It is so beautiful and the depth and intensity of things to do and see and learn in truly astounding.

Good thoughts to all!