Paris to Barcelona

Early yesterday morning we visited the Gothic-style cathedral, Notre Dame. The surroundings and cathedral were quiet and peaceful without many people. Then we walked around the Latin Quarter to see the Pantheon and spend some time in the Jardin des Luxembourg before meeting up with Jack for brunch at one of his favorite places, an American-style diner complete with banana pancakes, hasbrowns, eggs and bottomless coffee. Not Parisian, but delicious.

The afternoon found us wandering through a cramped, yet classically charming bookstore called Shakesphere and Company. Apparently Hemingway enjoyed it.  We swapped two of the books we had finished reading and a little cash for a new book (Tennessee Williams short stories - also not Parisian). And then the Louvre.  We saw as much as possible before our aching feet demanded rest.  Mona and a few others were immediately recognizable as among the most famous in the world.

Then we watched the World Cup game at Jack's new flat (formerly the Swiss compound for a world's fair) and had a night picnic with wine on the Champs des Mars with an orange-lit Eiffel Tower in the background.  Every hour it sparkled and was really beautiful.   A perfect Paris ending.  Had a great time with Jack. 

Riding the subway to the airport, we realized how familiar Paris seems.   We were often reminded of the Back Bay and other parts of Boston with the mass transit and architecture. 

We are now in Barcelona. Arrived yesterday. Barcelona is fun and stylish.  We've enjoyed walking Las Ramblas boulevard with its restaurants,  flower stalls, and street performers.  Ventured through a beautiful fresh food market yesterday and watched the energetic Spain v. Paraguay game with the sounds of oohs and awes all throughout the narrow side streets.  Today we saw the port filled with sailboats getting ready for the Barcelona World Race, enjoyed the Museum of Contemporary Art, stopped for tapas and sangria, and are now headed for the Picasso Museum.