low tech/high tech

In addition to manual agenda planning we also use the computer to make efficient trips. Rick Steves has audio and video tours that we have used both on the computer and on an iPod and an iPhone.

We found that the video podcasts (less than 5 minutes) are useful before we go to get a sense of the place before we visit. We use the audio podcasts (up to an hour) to find out more about what we are seeing when we are actually there.

Listening to Rick works better in buildings than on the street. ‘A’ was vexed after 20 minutes of listening to “look left” and “look right” on the walk from Notre Dame to Pont Neuf because there were other things he wanted to look at.

Having access to the internet is a good way to check operating hours and to find more information about sites.

-B

Dinner at La Rotisserie du Beaujolais

This evening we had dinner at La Rotisserie du Beaujolais, which took some planning ahead of time (because the menu was in French) so we didn’t accidentally order calf’s head with mayonnaise (Tete de veau sauce gribiche) or rabbit JAM with mashed eggplant (cul de lapin confit tapenade et puree). When we arived they took our coats and we sat down at a table near the window.

The late owner of the restaurant also owned the prestigious La Tour d’Argent which is just across the street. We were able to see it from our table.

Once diner was finished we walked back to the apartment and were able to see Notre Dame at night time.

-A

A side note

One thing you can do to see the pictures better is to click on the thumbnail and you’ll see the full size. Just thought you should know.

-A

Headless Accordionist

Today as we were walking back from our morning adventures we saw an accordion player that looked a lot like Saint Denis (headless) though we could tell that he just had it underneath his suit. It seems on Sundays there are a lot more street performers than the other days we’ve been here. Also I think Max will like the picture that goes along with this post, be sure to show him.

-A

View from the top

We climbed to the top of Notre Dame after a busy day. The view of Paris was spectacular, and this is the only way to see the gargoyles up close. My brow is furrowed thinking about going down the 443 tiny sloping stairs from the top of the tower to the ground.

-B

maps and wayfinding

Our apartment is on rue Perdue on the map. Now named rue Maître Albert. According to our landlord (a philosopher) the street is named for Albertus Magnus, St. Thomas Aquinas’ teacher. The building shows clearly on the Turgot map, it’s in the bend of the street. We can see that the building has a central courtyard. It is easy to find the street (and the apartment) by tracing a straight line from the back of Notre Dame to the bank of the Seine, and then following the only crooked street which is rue Maître Albert.

The room that the boys sleep in has wallpaper taken from this map, and Notre Dame is at the foot of Max’s bed. It is a bit confusing because on the Turgot map north is not at the top, so the left bank looks like it is on the right.

Max enjoys looking at the maps as well as the Eyewitness Travel Guides to plan his trips. He likes Barcelona.

-B