Paris by Bike

We awake to our beautiful first day in Paris.  The sun is shinning and the temps promise to be in the 80's.  Dan found an outfit that has an English speaking guide that will take us on a bike tour of the city. Not an easy task.  We meet up with Paul at Notre Dame Cathedral and because we don't have a reservation we have to wait to see if there's room for us.  I appreciate the "Greek" in Paul as he comments that "As the owner, I'll make room for you because I want your money".  I love you Paul!  We're in!  We are then introduced to Adam who will be the guide for our group of 8.  A couple from Chicago and a couple from Australia will be our bike mates. We mount our steeds and set out for a 3 hour tour, yes a 3 hour tour.  Adam is a great guide and shares so much history as we wind our way through the narrow back streets of Paris. Traffic is as crazy as ever and Terry has a little confrontation with a motorcyclist.  It is comical to see these 2 guys yelling and gesturing at each other, neither knowing what the other is saying, but they both feel better after letting off a little steam.   As before, we are bombarded with information, sometimes too much to digest but we take it all in and try to remember as much as we can. Doesn't really matter, it is such a beautiful day and being right in the heart of the city on a bike no less, is such a thrill.  Upon completion of the tour we return to the bike barn and say goodbye to Adam and Paul.  We have had a marvelous morning.

I had wanted to see the 200,000 twinkling lights that memorialize the French citizens who were deported to the concentration camps during WWII but it is closed for the season.  Guess I'll have to come back.  Instead we visit the holocaust museum which is equally moving and emotionally exhausting.

We are spent.  Time to return to Rue Du Temple.  Appetizers and a glass of wine are an appropriate end to this memorable day.