Another hill

Today began with a long walk to my new lodgings. It was a little over 6 km, lovely walk partly alongside to Seine and the Eiffel Tower, partly up towards the Arc de Triomphe, through some residential and shopping areas, and finally to the sidestreet where the Hotel Avenue de Jonquierres is located. Because it is outside tourist district, the rates are little bit cheaper, as is the food and drink. In a lovely gesture of hospitality, the innkeeper gave me orange juice and coffee because the room was not ready, and even carried my 20 kg suitcase up two flights of steps.  I got a kick out of some of the booking.com and trip advisor reviews of this property. It made it sound somewhat questionable, both in terms of the neighborhood, the noise, and the facility itself. Come on folks – this is Paris, one of the most expensive cities in the world. For €75 a night, it is perfectly adequate.  AND it has a full size bathtub -- I wish I had had that last weekend after the Camino!

But I think I am addicted to walking. Although I have a perfectly good subway pass, I decided to walk to (and up) Montmartre.  This is the arts District of Paris, and houses, among other things, the Salvador Dali museum in Paris.  I know surrealism sometimes considered a bit of a joke in the art world; nevertheless I like it. Dali's exuberance, combined with his irreverence, make him a perfect artistic icon for me.  The gallery was made up largely of lithographs, prints, and statues. But it was very engaging, and I have put a few photos some of my favorites here on the blog.

But I didn't stop there. I walked by the Moulin Rouge so I could tag Kelsey in a photograph -- Moulin Rouge was one of her favorite movies as a teenager.

And then I went up the highest hill in Paris. Dominated by the church of the Sacred Heart (Sacre Coeur) with its several domes, Montmartre is a cluster of working painters, sketch artists, street performers and bistros, which, though catering to the tourist business, also bring a particular energy to this part of Paris. 

But the best part of the day was from the top of Sacré Coeur.  For a meager seven euros, tourists can stand on the outside of the top dome. The sign at the bottom says 300 steps. I didn't count, but it certainly felt Like it!  The view was amazing, and some of the architectural features including the other domes, gargoyles and inner roofs were spectacular. 

Take out sandwich, some cheese, some fruit, some nuts, and litre of beer made for a picnic supper in my room!

Today's Music:  Les parapluies de Cherbourg (I know – wrong city, and at least for today the wrong Weather, but it is lovely, and French, and romantic)

Today's Paces:  23,216

Tomorrow's Prayer Intentions:  The parish of Lantz, as they finish the first weekend of the apple pie sale.