Took the Metro to a boulongerie, Pain et des Idees, which is recommended by everyone. Got the chocolate and pistachio escargot and pain des amis, both of which were very, very good. Walked around the area of the Canal and had a lunch of Japanese salads at Ooka- they were interesting and quite good, but not something I'd go out of my way to eat. Went to the Bassin de la Villette to get the boat for a 2 hour ride on the canal. As the sun was out and it got fairly warm, the canal was lined with people eating lunch or just enjoying the weather. We sat on the top deck of the boat to get the best views despite the sun. The guide had lots of interesting information and was really delightful. During the trip, you go through eight locks ( two sets of doubles) each lowering you three meters as there is a twenty for meter difference from the start to the end. The boat is nice and has a bar with snacks and drinks so we shared an artisinal beer,Folie Douce, very cinammony. The last eighteen minutes of the trip are underground and the temperature change was amazing. The trip ends at the marina Port de l'Arsenal, which is at the Bastille and right around the corner from the apartment. The marina is long and narrow and filled with houseboats three deep on either side. One of the conditions of their rental is that they must leave for two weeks during the summer to allow room for visiting boats. The waiting list requires a twenty year wait. Stopped and had a kir at Le Grand Bleu Paris, an outdoor cafe overlooking the marina. Home for a little while then to Au Pied du Fouet, a large brasserie around the corner, for dinner. We both had duck confit and fries. Good. Fun day and really enjoyed the canal.
Observations:
On Saturday and Sunday there are lots of fathers out with their children, shopping, eating, in the parks or just walking.
Haven't figured out why Parisians are always rushing in the Metro. They act like they are going to miss the last train, which is pretty impossible as a train comes every 3 or 4 minutes.
I always remember the day Gary and I were on our own and couldn't figure out what train we needed. One of the "rushing" ladies stopped, seeing our confusion, and offered to take us to the right track, which was on another level by elevator. She got us situated and then headed back to her train, which had come and gone, but would soon be followed by another.
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