Adventures without Maps

I started today by making my way over to the American Express past the Champs-Elysees near the Opera. Well, actually I started it by reading about Roy Halladay’s no-hitter (of course I miss history being made). I stopped in a small café and had a croissant and orange smoothie before heading out. I had not really looked at the map before walking over there, so I had no idea what was on the way (it’s more of an adventure that way). Either the way I pronounced croissant or my general appearance gave me away because the guy behind the counter immediately asked me “for here or to go.”
A bit of the walk was along the Seine, which was nice. It was especially surprising, for me anyway, when I passed by the National Assembly building before crossing over the Pont de la Concorde. Like many other things on this trip, it brought back memories of Ralph and the French Revolution seminar. Across the Pont de la Concorde I briefly stopped by the Obelisque de Louxor and the fountains on either side. This little island was quite beautiful, and had a great view down the Champs-Elysees toward the Arc de Triomphe.
Further on down a side street, I passed a Chanel store where they were having a photo shoot with a model, not something I see every day. I resisted taking a picture in case they would try to confiscate my camera (that’s kind of a joke). I didn’t really go up to the Opera when I got there, since there was a bunch of construction or remodeling going on.
On the way back,I stopped in the Jardin des Tuileries, where I was greated by a man "watering" a tree. After some time there, I decided to take a different, scenic route down the Champs-Elysees. My initial thought was to walk down to the Arc, but after walking a few blocks and it did not seem any closer I thought better of it. Instead, I walked past the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, making a mental note to come back to them if I have time later. I could not help but walk across the Pont Alexandre III, which is quite the opulent bridge. On the way back to my apartment, I stopped off in a bakery to pick up a baguette for breakfast/other meals.
Back in my apartment I called my contact at ESA Headquarters who said I could meet with her at 1400, so I spent a few hours getting some work done/resting my feet.
On my way over to ESA, I passed by the Ecole Militaire, a huge military academy where Napoleon once studied (among many others, of course). I made my way over to ESA and had a productive, if brief, meeting with the ESA historian, librarian, and graduate aide. I should get some good information from here the next week or so, starting tomorrow.
After ESA, I returned to the Eiffel Tower and tried to take a few more pictures for a certain family member who asked for them. I thought about walking up to the tower and seeing if I could climb up to the second floor, but my feet said “NO!” so I might try it another day. Instead I stopped in a market I had passed by on the way out and picked up some clementines (from Spain) to fulfill my fruits and veggies needs. I then took a slightly different route back, which took me down what might be the greatest street ever made (Rue Cler). They have stores for just about any food you need, bakeries, fruits and vegetables, cheeses, wines, meat, etc., plus what look like some good restaurants. I will definitely be returning, perhaps tomorrow, when I decide to get some food to make dinner.
Speaking of dinner, I made my way back to that street, but every restaurant was overflowing with people by then (around 2030). I decided to double-back, and I was glad I did because I stopped in a restaurant I had noticed on the corner but had not checked the menu. I thought about ordering a chicken sandwich (I was not going to order a burger like every other American), but instead decided to try Ravioli Saint Jean (I believe was the name), which was tasted somewhat like alfredo sauce, only much better and fresh. After such a delicious meal, I had to spoil myself with a chocolate tart (I tried posting a picture of the tart as well, but I gave up after 10 or so tries). Wow, what a meal. With that sitting nicely in my stomach, I decided to retire for the night in preparation for my first full day in the ESA library.