Doesn't Really Feel Like Springtime!

Today was more like a term holiday rather than an OS adventure but fortunately it was really what I felt like and needed. I had set my alarm for 8 at which time I reset for 9, then 10 and then 11! After six long weeks I am re-establishing my skill of sleeping! On the one hand it was a waste of my last morning in Paris and on the other it is what I need to be ready for school on Monday. Leaving the hotel at 12 I had a list of four destinations and the metro lines required. Heading first to La Madeleine, coincidently Madeleine's favourite church. It looks very different to the traditional church exterior and was lovely inside. I sat and listened to experts from the Faure requiem. Gabriel Faure was the choirmaster and organist at this church when he wrote his requiem in 1888. This is one of my favorite pieces we sing with choir, often on All Souls Day. Wonderful to listen to it where it was likely first performed.

Getting to La Madeleine I had got a little wet. Foolishly I hadn't checked my umbrella was in my bag. I continued to get wetter as I headed to Galleries Lafyette. A few handbags tempted but I showed great restraint!

 I explored, and dried out a little, before I hit the metro again to St Sulpice, which Sr Margaret, from choir, said was her favourite and worth seeing.
By the time I walked there I was officially pretty drenched and after a quick look decided that the last thing on my list, the Montpanasse Tower, which Rob and Madeleine had recommended as a good Paris viewing point, was best kept for my next visit.

Heading home I picked up supplies including red wine, cheese and bread for an afternoon of magazine reading (thanks Keryn) and another downloaded movie. I LOVE MY IPAD!

I'm packed, basically, and hope I have another fabulous sleep before my 8am shuttle pick up for my midday flight. Mouth ... Still improving with room to continue.



Hard to tell but the tree is pink blossoms

                                               
I hope you have enjoyed the summary of my experience of Easter in Springtime. Yes it could have been, warmer and sunnier but with only two wet days and lots of blossoms to enjoy I have been delighted to steal this moment in time, particularly to spend time with the Cottrells which was simply wonderful.

Certainly a once in a lifetime chance to say that over the last 8 months I have been in New York, London and Paris! Life is good.

By the way I'd be fascinated to know who are the readers of this in Russia, United States and New Zealand (that maybe the holidaying O'Brien family?)Please identify yourselves - I'm fascinated. helenl@a1.com.au