Tuesday morning. Coffee with chantilly and I’m promising myself I won’t finish the pain au raisin, which will be a Herculean effort.

Half the pain au raisin is gone. Ugh. That was quick.

Palais Garnier today. I actually need to buy another 10 Métro tickets, too. What’s my route? What am I wearing? And what’s the weather?

It’s cooler today. We all know that’s because I bought those summery dresses, right? OK, so pants today, and comfy shoes for all the walking — and a cardigan.

Travel Options:

• 14 minutes – by moped
• 16 minutes – by bike
• 20 minutes – by scooter
• 24 minutes – car share
• 25 minutes – le taxi
• 26 minutes – le bus (hmmm haven’t done that yet)
• 27 minutes – Le Métro
• 39 minutes – à pied

Not in the mood to walk 40 minutes. I am tempted to take the bus. They use the same tickets as the Le Métro, and I haven’t done that yet.

C’est temps de se préparer!

OK, turns out the bus system is even easier than le Métro. I rode all the way to le Palais Garnier on one bus, and hopped off right at the theatre. I had a digital ticket, but stood in a short line to pay extra for the audio/video machinery for my self-guided tour. I spent 2 hours there, taking my time. I enjoyed all the Fantôme of the Opera legends – including the water/laker beneath the Opera House, where it was reported a man with no face lived there – inspiring Gaston Leroux’s story.

Le Palais Garnier is breathtaking.

The next two statues have a family connection of sorts. My Aunt Mary sent me on a mission to find these lovely torch-bearing beauties because her mother, my paternal Grandmother, had a bust of a woman made by the same sculpter: Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. I

t’s a long story. I don’t think anyone knows how she came to be part of the family. And let’s just say “Isabelle” (my Grandmother’s name for her) has been through some things over the years. She’s still LOVELY, though.

There were so many busts of dancers, composers, artists, architects, and others throughout the theatre. In addition, there were many paintings.

At one point, they opened the doors, and I was able to watch some rehearsal moments with the dancers. This is one of the few stages my children didn’t dance on – though my son has some friends here.

When I’d had my fill, I walked across the street to catch my bus home. Easy-Peasy. Beyond, really. And now, I’m all set for Saturday night at the ballet! J’ai hâte!

It was 15h30 at this point, and I was hungry. I decided to enjoy a cheeseburger (!) at the local café. Of course, it was delicious. I was texting with friends whilst enjoying the PERFECT weather and a glass of champagne. Magnifique! Lots of beautiful French people to meet and greet, too.

They don’t drink coffee here except for in the morning – and never anything larger than an espresso. They must think we Americans are crazy with all the venti, grande, big gulp type coffee containers! Lol!

À tout à l’heure!