We decided today we would go back to Montmartre and see Sacre Coeur again. To me it one of the nicest spots in Paris. Because it sits so high on the hill, (remember this is where Bishop Denis was beheaded and then marched up to this spot carrying his head) you can see all of Paris. When we went before it was during the week so the crowds were minimal. But today there were people everywhere! These are not just Americans out touring but mostly the French and others. It took all the fun out of it for me because the streets are so narrow and most of the streets were wall to wall with people.
In 2 weeks Montmartre will hold its annual grape stomping festival. One little section of this hill has a grape orchard-the only one still remaining in the city of Paris. In the late 1500's wine was taxed in the city of Paris but Montmartre wasn't in the city then. This little orchard was started in the 12th century by Abbey monks. It produced wine and those budget-minded Parisians came to Montemartre for their wine because of the no tax. This little section is the reason for this annual
festival. People come dressed in costumes and it is supposed to be quite the deal. The orchard was open for tours today so we got to go through it and I don't think it could possibly produce much wine (I have no idea how many grapes it takes to produce wine but seeing what I saw I am sure it is for looks only). I gather this festival is just another reason for a celebration.
We feel that we are learning a lot while here. (1) We have now learned that you don't take the pink metro line on Sunday to Montmartre because it is the direct line to 2 very busy train stations. We were packed in like sardines today with people and their suitcases which only added to the heat and stuffiness of the metro.
(2)We have learned that a crosswalk means nothing. You are safest while you are in a group crossing a street.
(3)We have learned that emergency vehicles use their sirens for whatever reason they want to and usually it has nothing at all to do with an emergency.
(4)We have learned that the French people must not sweat because they never seem to be bothered by the heat of the subway.
(5)We have learned that when a man stands in a corner with his back to you, don't stare in disbelief but just move away as it always flows downhill.
(6)We have learned that salle climatase (air-conditioned room) means they have the means for air conditioning but won't turn it on.
(7)We have learned, while watching French TV, that all of our American actors speak fluent French!
(8)We have learned that baguettes are best purchased in the morning and not last thing at night.
(9)We have learned that our "flan coco" at our neighborhood patisserrie should be bought whenever you see they have it or you are out of luck!
(10)And I have learned "There's no place like home!" Print this post
2 comments:
I bet you wish you had taken that quiet apartment in the "Gay District" of Paris now- huh? Haha- just kidding!
I think that number 8 and 9 hold true here too! 8)Never buy your french bread at the grocery store before the 5:00 batch, or it's hard as a rock. 9)And if you go to Dunkin Donutsin the afternoon, and they happen to have some cream filled donuts left, you clear them out!!!
The crosswalk thing reminds me of when we were in New York, you really need to beable to move fast to get to the other side.
In regards to your comment about the French eating late...my cousin Summer who lives there says she would never go out to dinner before 9 or 10...I would not do well there at all..
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