Luxembourg Gardens, Les Halles & the Youth of France

Taking a (gelato) break from shopping.
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We set out today with the intent of visiting L'Orangerie. We got there just before the museum opened, only to find a huge line already assembled. We made a change of plans, deciding to try again on Monday when the crowds may be smaller.

We were in search of an art supply store (having been recommended one on Vanvin by Professor Moy), only to find it temporarily closed. No worries --- we were close to the Luxembourg Gardens and had intended to visit them today. Fortunately (or unfortunately), we found some great shopping on our way and spent a few Euros on gifts and gelato.

Statue of Liberty in Luxembourg Gardens.
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Luxembourg Gardens are quite beautiful. Men playing bocce, great flower beds and sculptures (including another State of Liberty --- this one had two flower memorials in honor of 9/11: one from the US embassy and one from the French senate.) We ran into an exposition in one of the buildings on bees and honey cultivation ("apiculture") which was actually quite interesting.

We then set off fro the Marais (Susan had an item to return at a department store there.) Somehow, not by our intent, the metro landed us square in the bowels of Les Halles, an enormous shopping mall on multiple levels that seemed to have no exits out to the streets. After more than 15 minutes of circular travel, we made it outside, only to find ourselves in a massive sea of France's youth and a huge music event on the streets. Large trucks pulling flatbeds loaded with loud speakers, young men and women dancing, and some serious bass pounding! Crossing the streets was a very physical event!

"Ohlala" --- what else can be said?
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We finished our shopping obligation, then went to find a cafe to rest for awhile. The woman who served our drinks was from New York, having just finished an acting degree at NYU. She has dual citizenship and is trying to find work here (fewer jobs for actors, but also fewer actors vying for those jobs.)

We then made it back to Montmartre (another challenge, since most of the kids who were previously partying on the street were now on the metro, moving on to the next party.) We had a late dinner of crepes and salad and called it a night!