Today I got out to ramble around by myself. Yesterday Deb had a couple issues after a lunch in one of the markets. Don't know for certain what may have been the cause so names will remain obscured. Anyway today's jaunt started at the Port de Plaisance de Paris Arsenal (the beginning of the Canal St. Martin). I got off the subway at Bastille and walked along all the houseboats and yachts moored along the canal until I reached the Seine.
Then I turned west along the quai until I reached the Ile St Louis at which point I crossed onto the island. There are many little galleries showing some very interesting art and shops selling souvenirs and food. From there I crossed over to the Ile de la Cite and walked the streets flanking Notre Dame. Of note was the site where Pierre Abelard and Heloise lived before they were discovered and Abelard was gelded. This was by far the most spring-like day we've had since we arrived, I was sorry Deb could not be there to enjoy it.
Having read two books on Notre Dame it was fun to look at the exterior and find all the interesting architectural bits that were noted in the books. And of course to be able to interpret (a little) the iconography of the carvings in the main doors. A masked mime out on the Parvis was performing by striding around and surprising everyone by tapping on shoulders and popping up in front of them. A few people responded in less amused manners which added to the amusement of the crowd. I ended the day with a bus ride back to the apartment and a nice quiet dinner with the convalescent Deb who is by now fully recovered.
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