Day 3

Day 3 (April 2, 2006)  Paris, France

7:30 was our wake up call, but we didn't leave until 8:45. We had a good European breakfast to start our long day. The weather looked bad having just rained, but it turned out to be a great Spring day. We picked up our tour guide from yesterday, Regine. We then took the bus to Giverny and the home of the painter Claude Monet.

The Murphys and Heslings in front of the Manor of Claude Monet

Regine talked about how Monet and the other artists had a hard time being accepted in Paris because of the established artists. Monet and other artists formed a society in Giverny to practice their craft. Monet and the other were poor and had a hard time making ends meet.

Views from the grounds of Claude Monet

A famous view from the grounds of Claude Monet

A spring time view from the grounds of Claude Monet

His paintings were taken to the U.S. and became a hit. He and the other impressionists became rich. He bought a place in Giverny and with his money, created a giant garden, water garden (where he planted his lily pads), and painted and created art to his heart's content.

We toured both gardens and his mansion and spent time in Giverny. I went to the American Art Museum and learned about how American Art was influenced by the French. A lot of Americans after the civil war produced art/paintings and in the process, went to France to learn techniques. I also visited the church in Giverny which is where Monet is buried. All in all, it was an enlightening time about art and French society.

We took the bus back to Paris and started our tour of the city. Regine explained how Paris was formed, its boundaries designated by walls that were torn down and rebuilt further out, to include more villages that were outside the city. Now, the city is bound by a highway (the A-3, I believe) that goes around the city.

Regine also talked about how the Isle de France used to be filled with woods that the King would visit to hunt. Hunting was described as a major pleasure back then to men, so it was taken seriously. Women were considered minor pleasures.

Spark enjoying the Eiffel Tower

We ate lunch at the Champs d'Elysee and saw the usual sights of Paris. We missed the Opera House because we saw some protesters coming and didn't want to be caught up in the protests that were going on in Paris. We found out that the protesters were protesting the protests that were going on in Paris. The tour ended at Notre Dame, where we got to see the gargoyles and hunchback.

A gargoyle at Notre Dame Cathedral

The Hunchback of Notre Dame on the wall

Regine left us and we were sorry to see her go. We were

impressed by her knowledge and expertise. We stayed and shopped around the area before going to Franklin D. Roosevelt's Metro stop to meet Mike for supper. We had flams, which were a lot like pizza. Instead of a crust it was like a tortilla shell. They were like the ones I had when I was in Europe the last time. Everyone liked them and ate their fill.

We headed back to the hotel and arrived around 9:00 p.m. Mike talked to the group about expectations and tomorrow's possibilities. We were not sure about going to Versailles, as there could be strikes the next day. After the meeting, I helped the ladies in our group with the telephone cards and they were able to call home. Before bed, I was able to watch the last of the movie “Catch me if you can” in French.

Exchange rate was $100 for €80.