Jet lagged gripped us in different ways this AM. I was wide awake at 5:30am and fooled by the kitchen watch that read 9:40am. By the time I realized how early it still was, there was no way sleep was returning. Plus I was too excited to sleep! Sleep is so overrated when you're on vacation. Not to mention our noisy bathroom where everything from the flush to the water heater grunts and chortles periodically throughout the night. Noisy bathroom and jet lag makes for bad sleep. BB, on the other hand was soundly snoring until 11am when I finally decided to shake him awake.
Notre Dame was second on BB's Paris bucket list. Our metro ride was eventful as we were apparently nearly robbed. A couple of girls came and stood really close to mom. Two ladies sitting across created a commotion about them trying to rob mom's purse and reporting them to the police. The girls bolted out of the train at the next station. Nothing was lost and we were thankful for the watchfulness of the good ladies.
We walked along the Seine from Hotel de Ville to Notre Dame. The weather had thankfully cooled off a bit this AM. BB commented that everything in Paris was turning out bigger than he had imagined. First the Eiffel Tower and now the Seine. He had imagined it to be a mere sliver.
Notre Dame is magnificent and so was the line to get in. But it was moving right along and we were inside shortly. BB took it upon himself to photograph every nook and cranny. He was excited about Hugo or rather Disney's Quasimodo and his friendly gargoyles. How can you not be wonderstruck by the somber yet grand 12th century gothic architecture, spectacular stained glass windows, prolific sculptures and profusion of pious candles!
Later, we meandered into the Latin Quarter and got some crepes on the go. Missed DB as I stopped for a delicious quiche aux tomates - he loves to indulge in these impromptu bites. Mom had read about Becassine (french vintage) dolls in a book and further research led us to a hidden treasure in Paris - the Musee de la Poupee or the doll museum. It was supposedly close to Notre Dame, so we went on a hunt. Barely anyone had heard of it to help with directions but we managed to find this hidden gem after a bit of a trek. Thanks to BB for spotting the board in a discrete alley.
The jaunt was well worth it. The museum houses many rooms filled to the brim with vintage dolls - all from a personal collection. It was also hosting a special Becassine doll exhibit. We spent a lovely afternoon exploring dolls with so much history, such varied expressions, made from many different materials, wearing such a variety of dresses, many orginating from different countries. The museum gift shop also sells antique dolls. Such a treasure trove for doll lovers and collectors!
Jet lag was beginning to work its way into ammamma by now. BB wanted nothing better than to return home. So we headed back. A short break later, we decided to explore a neighborhood park. Jardin de Ranelagh has wonderful play structures for kids as well as an outdoor gym 'play' area for adults to work out. What a great concept! Although I'm so envious of the super skinny Parisian women - why do they need to exercise? The butter and sugar filled life works wonders on them. Moms wear heels and dresses to the playground and look just as chic as they do on the metro as well as on the streets. Not one pair of track pants, sneakers, or tshirts have been sighted so far.
Living la vie Parisian style, we returned home with a baguette in hand from the neighborhood patisserie and a packet of Carambars for BB!
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