Thursday Paris

A general French strike that effected Galleries and transport changed our plans. We had intended a trip to Giverny but things were too uncertain to travel a long distance. So decided on a nostalgic trip. A bus near us ends at Luxembourg Gardens where I painted in '79. These gardens are still lovely. Did a quick sketch here and listened to a Norwegian band playing in the rotunda. We then walked past the Pantheon to Rue Mouffetard my home for a month in '79. Found Greek restaurants but 30 years had brought enormous change and I had little recollection. We had a most disappointing lunch. Afterwards we jumped on a bus just to sit and see where it took us - the beauty of a travel card. Met a very helpful lady who made recommendations. The trip took us through Parisienne suburbia. Our trip back took us past Les Jardin des Plantes so we had a look. There were some interesting plants but things looked hot and dry and not particularly well maintained - am so looking forward to the luxuriant gardens of UK. The treed walkways however form shady glades from the summer's heat. The glass houses are huge structures. After much walking caught a bus to Gare de Lyon. On Maggie's recommendation we had coffee in style in The Blue train cafe with over the top Baroque decoration. Caught a train to Gare de Nord but had a long wait because of the strike. Took the wrong exit from the station but eventually found The Terminus Nord, a delightful restaurant also recommended by Maggie. (Did another sketch but managed to do it upside down in the book.) This was a most impressive meal and cheaper than Moulin de la Galette. Afterwards we were expecting to walk home but discovered a bus that saved us much energy. We have since used this bus from Rue de Magenta on many occasions.

Cheers
Jo