Today we went to the Sacred Coeur Basilica. It's kinda tacky from the outside really, but the inside decor is amazing. But the true reason to climb all those stairs is the view of Paris. Outstanding. Not a lot of pictures today, since cameras are forbidden inside.
After the Basilica, we wandered back down the stairs, Gwen chased pigeons, and played a bit in the park. Then we wandered through the streets of Montmartre.
I have to say, Montmartre is a nightmare. Gone is the fabled charm of the twisted streets. Instead, it's a seething stew of humanity, and every other person you run into is trying to beg money, sell you something, or just plain harrass you. For every kindly man who advises you to carry your bag on your front, for fear of pickpockets, there are 5 people standing in your path, touching your arm, taking your hand. Selling you junk, telling you they are pregnant Bosnians who need money, trying to scam a metro ticket, trying to put bracelet on your wrist. It's maddening, We simply couldn't wait to get out of there.
Beggers are very common in Paris, much more common than I would have expected. We are tourists, so we go to tourist sites, and so we run into our fair share of beggars.
But today took the cake, It was madness. I was, Frankly, going to punch the next person who stepped into our path and begged/tried to sell me something. ARGH!
So we escaped to home, had a picnic, went for a walk. So, the day turned out well.
Paris is most charming simply strolling around our neighbourhood, browsing the local stores, eating crepes in the park.
Ahhh dont have words to describe these amazing things. I went almost everytime to these places whenever I was on my paris tours .
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