November 18. Day Two of our Paris Extension of our Viking Cruises’ Cities of Light tour
Started with an incredible breakfast at the Pullman Hotel near the Eiffel Tower. Buffet style with a chef preparing custom omelets and wait staff bringing espressos and cappuccinos, not to mention incredible lattes. The yoghurt, cheeses, and fruit were my favorites. I’d like to find that melon for my garden next year; it tasted like a melon but had a texture and color like papaya.
Didn’t go inside the cathedral today but took many pictures with my iPad. I think it’d make a good puzzle. It was the last stop of the day. Ken kept us moving by promising that the next site, the next stop, or lunch would be in just two more blocks. I think we walked fourteen miles in six hours.
Weather was lovely, in the 50s. I wore sandals.
Today’s highlights:
We took a taxi to a hotel where Ken knew the previous owners. Nice location near a metro link. Recently remodeled their downstairs and breakfast room which were lovely.
Took in exhibits at the Goblin (pronounced Goh-blen) tapestry workshop. Enjoyed the Napoleon exhibit, the rehabilitation of old tapestries, and the preparation/organization of threads before starting a project.
Saw the Verlaine hotel where Hemingway lived for many years. Took a photo of the outside with the Nikon.
Had lunch at a crepe place where the meat was halal. I had a Greek panini, not American style. Thin baguette bread with feta a few tomatoes pressed in a panini iron. Small counter place frequented much by students from the Sorbonne and the University of Paris. Lunches in this quarter were reasonable as a result of the large student population.
Went to the Shakespeare and Co Bookstore and had an espresso at the coffee shop next door. The bookstore was split into two parts: a small room filled with pricey first editions and a small narrow warren with a diverse selection of more popular and classic books. I was in my happy place! Most of the workers were British. Another photo with the Nikon.
Ended our day outside Notre Dame. Took pictures. Lots of soldiers standing guard in front of the cathedral. The stone saints, gargoyles, and Our Lady seemed to be protecting the building too as they have for centuries.
Wind was fierce as we took the photos. Tried and failed to get the gargoyles, gusts would almost rip my mini iPad from my hand as I fought to get those pictures.
Took a taxi back to the hotel where I soaked my feet!
Michelle Knowlden writes... 
Wonderful!