Bohemian Rhaphsody

Today ka and I were off to Montmatre - the heart and soul of an artiste's paradise. First stop - Moulin Rouge. We didn't go inside, as neither one of us had any interest, but just stopped to take a picture. It looks much better in the movie Moulin Rouge. Anyway, at that point, we were off to La Musée de la Vie Romantique. We saw an incredible collection of art from Pierre Lotti. This museum also had works from George Sands. One point of interest for me was a porceline cast of Chopin's hands. All those hours of trying to play Chopin on the piano, picturing Chopin's hands as long tapered fingers, only in reality, his hands were not much bigger than mine! If anyone has ever attempted to play Chopin, you will note that his works contain a lot of movement, very quickly with complicated chording. How he did it, I'll never know. The museum also contained works and items by George Sands - the pioneering woman of the romantique era. The museum also contained a delightful Tea Garden, where ka and I had lunch. We both got big pots of tea, and the staff were wonderful.
After lunch, it was determined that the rather large lunch was needed, as we trucked up the hill (flashes of Halifax were going through my mind), only to veer off in different directions. ka went to the Salvatore Dahli musuem, and I went to the St. Pierre de Montmatre cathedreal. We had agreed ahead of time to meet at Basilique Sacré-Coeur. The cathredal to me was amazing. It was built in 1134 and remains standing as a working Catholic church. I lit a candle to St. Theresa for my mother. Ater it was determined that ka needed a little more time at the museum, I wandered through artisan's alley. There were many artiste's sketching portrait of the people that paid for their portrait, and several calls of "mademoiselle!" to me, I had the fortitude to start bartering prices of their artwork. After walking away several times, I went back to search for ka. As I was mounting the stairs, I happened to see her coming. We entered the Basilique Sacre Coeur together, and I must admit, I was overwhelmed. No words could describe the santitude of this church. Tall gothic colums surround the church, as well as little prayer rooms to the saint in which you wish to pray.

After it was determined that a little fortyfiny café was needed, we headed to an outdoor café. There is nothing like watching the people go by in Paris. After leaving the outdoor café, we went ack to artisan's alley to start batering for art work. I bought 2 original pieces of art, then felt guilty about talking the artist down, but then again, she would not have agreed had she not wanted to sell her artwork. ka also bought 1 amazing piece of artwork, and I helped her with the negotiations.

Since our feet dictate what we do next, it was determined the best course of action was to go back to the area of the flat and have supper, and retire for the night. But on the way back down the hill, it occured to me that many artistes must have made this trek up and down the hill after a night of debauchery. We stopped at a "Frommagerie" and bought cheese. ka bought very stinky cheese, and I bought some very soft brie and guyère (my stomach may not agree with all the different types of cheeses, but I'm enjoying them anyway!).

We are getting really good at using the metro stations - 3 short hops and we were back in our stomping ground. Went for a light supper at an outdoor café, bought a couple bottles of wine, and headed back to the flat (with the very stinky cheese!).

It was a good day.