Day 19: It's a Small World (not the Disney ride)!

The start was early to avoid as much of the heat wave as possible. I was trying to be as smart and practical about the state of the outside world as I could.

Apple in hand, I took the metro to Musée de la Vie Romantique, a free little museum tucked away in the courtyard of a hidden house somewhere in the 9ème. Covered by gentle leaves, I was hit by the serenity of this little alcove. Paris is full of these places, and I am energized each day by the potential to find them.

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There was an exposition on the literature salons and their implications where the thinkers and writers of the 19th century would gather, in the cover of darkness with the potential for passion. Victor Hugo was a major figure in this scene.

The old house, decorated with delicate oil paintings, is where the permanent museum exists. In a garden off to the side is a little tea room that I very much plan to return to, covered by a wall of roses with green chairs and tables scattered all around.

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I took a short walk to Rue des Martyrs, where the shade was a blessing, covering this street full of boulangeries and marchés...Oh my Jesus! The world of Paris is tantalizing me. I do not have enough self control to resist.

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Going from one tantalizing space to the next, Au Printemps was the next check on our list. It was the first day of "soldes" (sales)... So, guess how many people were in my five foot radius! Send me your answers...the closest will win the prize of being right (because that is all this college student can give). Upon entrance, I was smacked in the face with perfume. Did someone say they have a massive headache? Me, me, ME! Taking the escalators to the top, the 9th floor was finally reached and a beautiful view was lain out before me. Oh, what a view! What a HOT view! While I would have loved to just watch the world from up high longer, the sun was beating directly down on that rooftop.

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A little stroll over to Opéra Garnier, all the while still baking in the sun, to admire what a magnificent building stood before us. Gigantic and powerful yet intricate and ornate from the outside to the inside, it is an astonishing piece of architecture. The gold of the statues caught in the light and reflected back to those on the street, even brighter and stronger than before.

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A quick 30 second walk took me over to the Musée du Parfum which is a Fragonard Museum connected to the original center of perfumery in Grasse, located in the Côte d'Azur in the South of France. My group chose to take the guide in French; therefore it was only us three and the French guide. Starting quick in French, he continued on flawlessly to explain Fragonard as a whole and I understood each word. Cute, stylish, and knowledgeable on the history, making, and appreciation of perfume, I enjoyed the holistic, guided experience. At the end, he had no idea we weren't French...well, maybe I am exaggerating, but he was surprised when I explained to him that we were here as American students, studying for the summer.

My head, after smelling a plethora of perfumes, started to spin but I cannot deny that I felt like a new guru in perfumes. New career path?! Mom? Dad? What do you think...

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Because of the heat, we took the metro to Reid Hall.

A quick run to Carrefour was necessary to regain my strength which I did so with some prunes and peanuts.

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This evening we met Anna's family friend for wine at her place that was only two buildings away from the Eiffel Tower. The gigantic metal structure loomed up before us when she opened the windows later in the evening, after we had baked in a sauna of an apartment for a solid amount of time. We chatted, we laughed, Anna and I were occasionally incredulous. It was fascinating, and I say that with much conviction (ask me for details in person).

Strangest thing ever: A friend of one of the lady's daughters was over and threw a name that I recognized (i.e. it is quite the uncommon name) and then the word Nice (i.e. the South of France) together in the same sentence. Turns out the daughter and all these friends are now going to university with a girl I met in Nice some nine years ago. Trippy right!?