Now, I bet there will be very few who will know where this lyric is from, and it has nothing to do with a waiter. We have arrived, safe and sound in Paris and hit the ground running yesterday. Actually, I think we bit off too much yesterday, and will break today up a bit more. Yesterday we went to l’Orangerie and saw both the permanent collection and the Frida/Diego exhibit, then strolled through the Jardin Des Tuileries, then a stroll to the Palais Garnier, but stopping before for a bite to eat at Café de l’Olympia. Once at the Opera House, we purchased tickets for the ballet on Thursday, and then off to get my card for the Autolib’ so I can begin driving in Paris and make is just a bit more dangerous for pedestrians! We didn’t get the card, because they were having some computer problems, but then tried out Uber, and it worked just as well, if not better, than in New York. I also didn’t mention that we took the bus to l’Orangerie, which was also seamless. The ramps for the wheelchair are similar to those in Monaco, and very easy and quick. Today, we will cover all the transportation options available, and drive – I am determined!
We did get a surprise at the Musee l’Orangerie when we arrived. Well, two surprises. First, when we got there, there was a line winding quite far from the entrance, and I saw that there were steps, so rather than get in the line, I walked to check to see where there was a ramp, and before I knew it, we were whisked into the building through a side entrance and I went to the cashier to buy tickets, and she handed me the tickets, and I asked “Combien?” and she said “Gratuit”. It seems most, if not all, the museums in Paris are free if you are handicapped. I would prefer paying the 10€ but, it is a little silver lining. The ballet tickets were not gratuit!
When we arrived in Paris, we got to the apartment, and it is beautiful. The neighborhood is varied and interesting. Lots of wedding dress and men’s clothing stores. On our first evening, Alex met us and we went to the café on the ground floor of the building for a bite to eat. Not great, but serviceable food, and I am sure we were become regulars for a coffee and bite in the morning. Then, the next day, Alex, Claire and Theo came over and we relaxed at the apartment for a while and then headed off to a restaurant recommended by Ida, who we are renting the apartment from. Terminus Nord was a typical Parisian brasserie, and was a great way to start with Alex, Claire and Theo. Across the street from the Gare du Nord, it was bustling with folks coming and going from the station. After lunch, we strolled with them for a while and then headed back, leaving them to find their bus.
We did hit one little hiccup when we arrived at the apartment – David’s wheelchair doesn’t fit in the elevator with him in it. Ida had taken measurements, and if the doors weren’t accordion doors, it would fit, but the doors are the problem. We decided to see if we could find a more suitable option, but have come up short. Looked at two places last night, but they both had issues – one had the same elevator problem and the other the bathtub was too high for David to get in and out of. I think we will stay put, but David wants to go home earlier than we had planned, and we might go back just before Thanksgiving. David is missing the warm Palm Springs sun! Until then, I am planning our days and nights as best I can, around the raindrops!