Day 4

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I have to admit I dragged my heels somewhat this morning. The thought of another entire day without speaking to someone was getting me down a little. I was perked up however at the prospect of seeing the Louvre which was first on the agenda today. Once again I did my metro thing and got to the glass pyramid nice and early before the crowds. In my haste to get in, get the audio tour and get to the Mona Lisa, I forgot to pick up a map. I found someone’s discarded one after faffing my way around for a bit and getting totally lost, however the map was in Italian which really did not help me one iota. I followed the signs till I reached the Grand Hall and turned the corner to see her for the first time. There was no-one there so I had a full few minutes of her all to myself – me and Mona – and I shed a tear. I really did! I kind of felt like this was the pinnacle of the trip, the most famous thing that I had come to see. The girls and I had talked about it a lot and they knew that I was going to see this amazing painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. So, I really did feel awash with emotion as well as sad that I was alone and not able to share it with someone.

The people were filing in now, so it was a good time to go have a look around, and see some more of the most famous museum in the world. It is so massive that it would take nine months to glance at everything they have on display. Napoleon once lived in the westwing and before him it lay derelict and home to squatters and mice. The floor was creaky but intricately laid with parquetry and it was fascinating. The whole experience was fascinating. I was fairly exhausted after walking around it for a few hours, so sat and had a quick coffee while contemplating my next move. At the table next to me where some distinct Aussie voices. Usually I would ignore them, but having been denied conversation over the past few days I jumped into chat to them. They were Maureen and Joe from Melbourne and had arrived the same day as us. An elderly couple, they were on their were on their own, not with a tour, and having a happy wandering time. It was 50yrs ago that Maureen was last in Paris. We exchanged a few things about what we had seen and where we were going and she said they were off to Moulin Rouge that night. We were too so in parting I jokingly said “Might see you there amongst the 500 other people tonight!! Hahaha, bye”.

I then made my way to the Rodin Gardens, where I saw “The Thinker” and “The Kiss” and had a nice stroll amongst the pretty trees and flowers there. From there I caught the Metro to a little street famed for it’s Markets, rue Cler, and it was quaint and delightful. I had a delicious baguette for lunch, bought some French chocolate and watched the style go by.

To be honest i cannot remember what i did for the rest of the day. Might have to have a look at the photos to rejig the old memory. I know there was a lot of walking, probably not more museums (I am a little overdone with the museum thing), more train rides, more shopping most likely.

When Justin got home, we got dolled up, went to a nearby pub and had a quick dinner before getting to Moulin Rouge. We got the wrong train at this point, then had to get off and get onto the right one, which made us just a bit late for our 8.30pm deadline. We rushed in there, quite amazed at the number of doormen and how they passed us from one point to another, instead of just telling us to do directly to the coat counter! Anyway, we finally got in and there were literally 500+ people there. Some had the dinner and show, they were down the front, but we were up in the stalls, so were shown to our seats at a table to 6 where there were already 4 other people there. A couple from England and a couple from Ireland. We got to talking and they were all fun people. We had a bottle of champagne to get us in the mood and them the show began.

It was great music, great singling, fabulous costumes and awesome dancing. It was a great show in every respect and i am so glad that we decided to go see it. The topless stuff from the girls was tasteful and not revolting porno, I wouldn’t be horrified if one of my girls told me in 15 yrs time that they were joining the show! They were all tall and leggy and gorgeous. Just like my girls!!

And who was at the next table????? Maureen and Joe! I was talking to them on the way out and Justin was like “Who the hell do you know here?”. Funny.

So we loved Moulin Rouge (means the ‘Red Windmill’). It was a highlight for sure. Too bad we couldn’t take photos in there. Anyway, back home for another super sleep ready to take on Saturday, but this time with my partner in crime. Yay!!!