Arts and Tarts

Joe and I went on a self-guided walking tour of Montmartre yesterday. Our guide book called it the 'Arts and Tarts' walk. Montmartre is the little village up behind the Sacre Coeur Basilica where brothels, bohemians, Picasso, Renoir, Moliere, and Utrillo all played their part in making the area famous. We spent a pleasant day strolling down leafy lanes, learning some history, and seeing a part of Paris we hadn't visited before.

Later that evening, we took the metro out to Belleville (another interesting district of Paris) to eat some Thai food. It is always a challenge for us to order Asian food from an all-French menu. Talk about confusing! But the kind people at the next table quickly came to our aid and helped us translate a few terms we weren't familiar with.

I hear it is terribly hot at home. I'd hate to rub salt in anyone's wound, but the temperature here in Paris is perfect! It ranges from 23 - 28 C and every day is a nice mix of sun and clouds. I hope the heat wave has run its course by the time we get back in mid-August!

We talked to 2 of our 3 kids last night. They sound great and Will is doing a good job of keeping home and hearth going.

Joe and I haven't yet planned what we're going to do today. It is such a TREAT to not have a care in the world and the only decision we have to make is which art museum to go to, or which arrondissment to explore. Heaven......I'm in heaven.