Bonds Adventures: Last day in Paris

The last of anything is always a bit sad. The last drink of a bottle of wine, the final crumbles of cheese or sausage; the remaining smears of sauce in an empty plate. And so it is with our last day in France which is also our last day on the European continent. Our train for England leaves on Monday and so we decide to use the time available to revisit some favorite places and squeeze in a couple of those we missed the first time around. Metro Louvre left bank Latin quarter St Sevrin church time is short and the list is long.

Our arrival was mostly routine; the trains were on time, metro connections made, and hotel had our reservation. Mostly routine, the area surrounding our hotel was not like the area around the apartment we had rented, The street corners were filled with groups of loitering people. The two main businesses in this area were bars and hair dressing salons (loose use of that term). At night, we were there on a Saturday/Sunday, the streets started really rocking about 2000 hrs and were finally quiet around 0500 hrs the next day. Not what the hotel web site would have us believe -- effective marketing!

Our departure on Monday morning started well and then deteriorated. Arriving at the Gare du Nord train station to check in for the trip on the Eurostar we were greeted with large crowds outside the station. Our attempt to enter the station was rebuked by guards at the the doors. Apparently there had been a security breech in the station and the station area for the London trains had been evacuated and all trains delayed. We were scheduled to leave around 1200; we left shortly after 1500 hrs. This delay caused us to miss connections in London. After reaching London and having a long wait in lines to arrange transport we finally arrived in the south of England around 2400hrs. Long day.

Our trip on the M4 line was easy and smooth. This appears to be one of the lines with the newest cars.
we were told there was an effort to improve the quality of all lines. There has been a slight error in the planning with new cars ordered that were some 6" wider than the older ones. two time six is 12 and in some stations where these cars were destined there is not an extra foot. AND SO the updates for some areas are on permanent hold.

This is one of the few remaining Metro entrance signs remaining from the 1920's

St Sevrin's church is noted for some notable architectural details in the windows and support columns,

It is also guarded by a multitude of gargoyles. These evil faced guardians would certainly keep Satan at bay.

From the Nave looking at the altar and chancel the mixture of new and traditional window styles can be seen.

The chancel has these very modern abstract leaded glass windows.

The very traditional designs of the clerestory windows are an off set to the modern.

Who ever designed and built churches was a brilliant engineer and from the similar appearances they seemed to have mastered the mass production of vaulted ceilings.

The column in the center of this is notable for its spiral design. the one immediately in front is octagonal while teh one behind is hexagonal and the farthest one is fluted. it would look like the designer was trying out designs.

This box contains relics (ie; bones) supposedly of a nun named Ursula. Read the description below for the rest of the story.

The real story

Since it was Sunday and early in the morning the Latin Quarter was quiet. This cafe was all set for the crowds that would eventually appear.

Waiters are prepping the tables for lunch.

displayed trays of food are set in place

Fruita de Mare are placed on display

sign boards for French specialties are set out

Rotisseries are lit and loaded.

And this old gentleman is wandering the streets selling his bunches of fresh mint to bars and restaurants. while we watched he would check with the head waiter who would check with the chef. he made three cash sales in about 10 minutes. it appeared that he was well known by the restaurants and this early morning route was a regular feature. Score one for French entrepreneurial spirit.

International row apparently. Greek, Cuban, Asian, and English all in a single block.

Ladies, want a free drink? This is the place to bare it all or not depending upon dexterity.

I am certain this has some special meaning to someone, but only that person.

Left bank book sellers awaiting the Sunday strollers.

The projections from the side of this building appear to be the route to the roof. Ladders? I don't need no ladders.

here we have a young lady looking for directions on how to ENJOY something. Paris? Life? Sex? I wanted to ask her to move her hand but lacked the nerve, didn't want to interrupt her.

Fashion photo shoot on the Pont Neuf over the Seine.

These children play in front of a centuries old wall unknowing of the tribulations that lead to their ability to climb and slide with out cares. In a moment of reflection I wondered how many more generations would be able to enjoy the same luxury.

It is a common tourist event to have a photo so positioned that it appears as if the pyramid is held by one or both hands. The light standards provide a step at just the right height to permit such photo. here all lights are occupied.

Linda shows her incredible strength by capturing the pyramid between her hands.

Arc de Carousel at the end of the Louvre plaza. Similar design to the Arc de Triomphe at the other end of the Champs-Elysee

as with every major venue there are armies of trinket vendors attempting to get your to part with your money. These three had apprently teamed up ans were selling a variety of goods to entice every buyers taste,

A stroll through the Jardin des Tuileriers is a good way to spend a free afternoon. the gardens are maintained by a large staff and clearly show the care of these dedicated workers,

an enterprising person has made some sailboats and floated them in this fountain. For 2 euro you can rent a long stick to guide them around the fountain area.