The 18th Arrondissement

 We're now in a new Airbnb in a different part of the city. I really loved where we first landed in the 17th Arrondissement, but it's fun to see and get to know another part of the city.

It's been a bit rocky over the last week, as this is the point where I transition from the maintenance meds I took in the US to what is available here in France. I've got my new prescriptions; we'll see how it goes. I'm still waiting for the doctor to confirm whether or not I still have a lung infection - whatever that means.

In the meantime, Chris's niece Shayla has been visiting us in our new place and we've had some fun. We went back to the Marché des Puces (flea market) with Shayla.

An example of an antique store at the Marché des Puces

On our way home we came upon this urban garden along some old railroad or trolley tracks.

We also got a snack/lunch at a café that had these cool fluorescent lights:

Who knew there could be cool fluorescent lights, right?

On Monday Shayla went out to the Champagne area to go on a tour of Möet et Chandon. Chris and I decided to explore Montmartre, a large hill in the middle of the 18th Arrondissement with the Basilica of Sacré Coeur at the top. It was a bit dicey for me, as I was not breathing as well as usual. Here's a picture of some of the steeper steps one can find in Montmartre. I took one look and said, no way.

But we were able to keep walking uphill on the street we were on and eventually got to a place where the steps were more reasonable.

Sometimes when we go to these places that are more touristy I get a bit claustrophobic. I've been spoiled being able to live in non-touristy areas and appreciate ordinary Parisian life. But some of the touristy things are the best way to see parts of the city easily and quickly. Chris and I took a "train" from close to the top of Montmartre down to the Moulin Rouge area (also the red light district). There must have been no shocks on the car (it really was a car, not a train), because we were jerked and bounced all over the place.

We stayed in the car long enough to get back up to Montmartre and to Sacré Coeur. I didn't take pictures inside the basilica, as there were signs discouraging it. We hope to attend mass there some Sunday. When we were here with the kids in 2000, we went to mass in one of the crypts of the basilica. We want to be in the sanctuary this time.

Outside the basilica was a great panoramic view of Paris (no picture; I took a kind of crappy video).

Last night we went out for a drink and dessert at a café. It was warm enough to be outside (although it is still only getting warm at an agonizingly slow pace). We saw this lovely little street and a charming building that overlooked it.

Today, Chris and Shayla went to Giverny, Monet's country home. I decided not to - still not real warm and not feeling the best as I adjust to new meds. Tomorrow we're going to the Museé D'Orsay, a train station that was converted into a museum of Impressionist Art. The building itself is a gorgeous work of art. I'll have pictures next time.