I was eager to get my “Paris legs” back, and what better way to do that than by loading up the Navigo card, and riding the rails – Le Métro!

Since the sun decided to grace us with its appearance, I ventured out early, making my way over to the 9ème arrondissement. Why? Because that’s where the Banksy Museum is, and it was on my list to see. It’s one of the (few) museums in Paris I hadn’t been to.

My daughter had gifted me with one of Banksy’s books a few years ago, but somehow, I didn’t know there was a museum here dedicated to his work. Since it is open every day, that’s where I decided to begin my adventure.

Initially, I felt a little out of rhythm, but I kept going. By the time I hit the familiar Sully-Morland Métro platform, I felt at home. That was my base last time I was here, and while I’m right around the corner, I don’t quite yet know my little Saint-Paul Village.

Getting a little lost is always part of the trip for me. (The secret is out, I don’t have the strongest sense of direction. I get there, but I probably won’t be first. It just takes me a while to build the map in my head.)

That said, it won’t surprise you to learn that after hitting the 9th, I walked right past the museum. It blends in!

The exhibit is in both French and English, which is not always the case here, but since Banksy is a Brit…

Even if you don’t agree with all or any of Banksy’s (political) opinions, you can’t argue with his method of expressing them. He is spot-on when he’s spot-on! What he can do with one silhouette and a can of spray paint is next-level.

Art always makes me hungry. So, I found a sweet little café nearby, and enjoyed le déjeuner. I started with une carafe d’eau, un poke bol au thon mariné. And then, I finished with un café et une crème brûlée à la vanille. Scrumptious. I needed it – all of it! I hadn’t eaten much since my arrival.

As I type, the apartment is filled with the sounds of birds. Mostly crows. And if you know me, you know I love crows, so it makes me smile to hear them carry on outside, along with other birds, the church bells, and sounds of kids on the playground beneath my window.

I don’t have a schedule on this trip, just vague plans to meet up with friends, and visit museums. This is the first time I’m here without a daily (and demanding) school schedule. I’m finding I don’t know how to relax. When I sleep in, I awake feeling guilty – like I’ve missed class! Some things never change.