Getting Around

 Today we tried to have a normal breakfast at home. Boring! But we're trying to get used to normal life here. Remember, we may be visiting, but we're not trying to be tourists. I got up early and went to my first ballet class here at the Dance du Marais. The class was taught by Frederic Lasserati, an old dancer of the Ballet Company of Mexico. It was fabulous. He has a little pot belly and I can tell that he was quite the dancer back in his day. He actually did the combinations, something that my teachers back home don't do. We took Trixie out for lunch (still cold) and learned that while dogs used to be allowed into restaurants, they are not anymore. However, they can hang out all over the patio, even sit in your chair.

 On the way home, we came across L'eclair de Genie. Holy mother of God, what a beautiful store. At €4.75 a pop, you can't just got buying whatever eclair you want.

 Aaron's chocolate one beat mine. Framboise is usually no match for the intense flavor of awesome. I should've know from the omen; my label was upside down.

 we then went to Notre Dame to see the crown of thorns and wouldn't you know, we missed it by 10 minutes. Oh well. We did get to go into the treasury and since we weren't rushed by another sight to see, we could actually read what we wanted. It's so different to view things at a slower pace. We saw this fountain on our way there and doesn't be look like he's barfing and crying black tears? Or he could be throwing up and wearing mascara like so many college girls I've known... You decide.

 Beautiful cathedral. Flying buttresses are all beautiful.

 A lonely gargoyle. He's hugging his legs and looking outward.

 Aaron said he wanted to change his profile picture to the gargoyle on top. They look nothing alike.

 Bam! Best window in the world. I love the rose window and I remember it from childhood. The only place I can think of with stained glass that's just as beautiful is nearby, Sainte Chappelle.

 Up close, you can actually see the shadowing on stained glass. How intricate. This was in the treasury.

 Anyone want a relic? This is what I'll never understand about churches. Why must you cut off some dead guy's finger or toe? Even if he was totally bad ass, this is SO creepy. Like Ted Bundy creepy. And don't try to change my mind otherwise.

 St. Denis outside the church. Apparently, his head was cut off and he continued to walk and speak scriptures.

 After Notre Dame, Trixie made a friend with the florist nearby and we bought some "pivoines" or peonies. The florist then gave her a "cadeau" or gift. It was an old tennis ball. Everyone here loves her and calls her "mignon" or cute.