For some reason, we all woke up really early today, including Jeanne. We enjoyed several cups of coffee, and then while Kathi took a shower and did her hair, Jeanne and I went a couple blocks away to the weekend market. It's basically a bunch of vendors who set up tables and coverings and sell all sorts of stuff, from fresh fish (which is what Jeanne was after) to trinkets, fruits and vegetables, flowers, etc.

Jeanne found the specific fish she was after, paid for it and we were off to the boulangerie, which is French for bakery. There was a line out the door, but it moved quickly and I was so proud of myself for being able to order what I wanted in French--that is until the server asked me something, and I didn't have a clue what she said. I asked her to repeat it and right as Jeanne told me what she was saying, I figured out she was asking me if I wanted my quiche warmed up. :))

After getting some fresh croissants and the quiche, we went back to the apt and chowed down--so yummy!! We hung around for a while and then decided on a game plan and away we went.

Kathi and I needed to add another week to our metro pass, so we took care of that and then boarded a train for the Pantheon in the Latin Quarter. We were in pursuit of some cute trinkets that Kathi had purchased there the other day. Jeanne liked them so much, she wanted some for herself.

After that, we made our way over to the Marais district to visit L'Éclair de Génie for some éclairs that are works of art and just as delicious as they are pretty. The worst part is deciding which one to order!

We then continued to walk around and found a falafel place that had a table outside--we placed our order and treated ourselves to a Heineken, which is quite tasty here, not so much back home.

We were all feeling pretty mellow at this point and came back to the apt to do some laundry. There is a washer/dryer all in one machine, but it literally takes over three hours to do a small load! We threw in some clothes and Kathi and I headed back out to do some souvenir shopping.

We had to change trains several times to get to where I knew some touristy shopping places were, so it took a while but we got there eventually. I was on the hunt for a bag that could go across my body that was large enough to carry maps, an umbrella, etc. Found one for a reasonable price and then we started shopping for other people.

Since it was almost dark, we decided to go over to the Trocadero area so Kathi could see the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which it does every hour on the hour after dark. We found a restaurant and had yet another bowl of onion soup--our 4th place so far--and a glass of wine. Just as we were finishing eating, the tower began to sparkle. Kathi went outside so she could have a good view of it, and the waiter took her picture.

We were both pretty tired at this point--all those stairs we climbed today taking the different subways were catching up with us, so we went home. Early roll call tomorrow as we are taking the train to Rennes and renting a car to drive to Mont St. Michel! A French adventure, to be sure!