To stroll the Tuileries on May 3, stretching from the Louvre to the Place de la Concorde, is a very Parisian activity. The walk through the Tuileries with its formal hedges, fountains, and flower plantings is very pleasant. Today we noticed bleachers had been set up around the Egyptian obelisk at the center of the Place da la Concorde in preparation for an upcoming summer Olympics sporting event. How photogenic the setting will be!

At one end of the Tuileries is the L’Orangerie, the museum that houses Monet’s Water Lilies collection of paintings depicting his home and gardens in Giverny. Monet designed the two rooms of the museum to house his masterwork. Painted at differing times of the day to catch the light changes on the lilies in his pond, with weeping willows dipping into the water, his work is a 360 degree panorama of impressionism at its best.

From here, Randy and Melisa, our friends, and we hiked to see the Rodin Gardens and Museum. Melisa was particularly interested in viewing  “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.” We were able to see many of Rodin’s sculptures on the wonderfully tranquil grounds of the manicured gardens of the mansion built in the early 18th century. Imitating art, Randy struck the thinker pose at the base of the bronze work. “The Kiss” is a marble work housed inside the museum along with many other marble works from antiquity.

After a long day, Randy charted our course back to our hotel via metro underground. The Paris subway system is extensive and relatively easy to use. The subway stops are clean and bright; unfortunately, while elevators and escalators are available, stair climbing and descending is unavoidable. Once again, we noticed soldiers walking around, fully armed, and we realized preparations are fast underway for the summer Olympics. The National Assembly of France has Olympic colors in statuary representing various sports adorning its front. 

Our evening was reserved for a meal at Le Train Bleu, one of Paris’s finer restaurants. I had made the reservations several months in advance. Housed in Gare de Lyon, a train station, the restaurant was built to accommodate wealthy travelers and to showcase the sights of France through paintings on the ceiling and walls. This was formal dining in a magnificent atmosphere of gold gilt and statuary. Smartly attired wait staff changed plating, silver utensils and glass ware depending on each course’s order. Randy had a lobster starter, and I ordered asparagus with warm olive marinade. The wonderful meal for the four of us unfolded from there. I had selected crepes Suzette for my dessert, and the flaming delight was prepared table side. It was a beautiful evening in a magical atmosphere. 

Kathy and Melisa inside Le Train Bleu