The Siren Call of the Streets of Paris

The siren call of the streets of Paris is strong.

I made a long list of things to see before we boarded our  plane for Paris: the gigantic Monet waterlilies at the Musee de l’Orangerie, the decadently dark hot chocolate at Angelina’s, the hall of mirrors in the Palais de Versailles, and even the shapely bronze statues of the garden of the Rodin Museum.

The fully revealing statues provided great discussion topics.

I should have known that our list would go largely, joyfully and  unconquered. Instead, history came alive as we strolled the bridges over the Seine, taking in statues, lovers, and willingly giving in to the seduction of Paris.

Seeing lovers hang locks together on the Pont des Beaux Arts seemed hopelessly romantic to Bella.

Walking along the banks of the Seine, we saw the greatest sign.

Jack beamed from ear to ear when I explained that this was definitely not a no fishing sign.

The children complained bitterly when I dragged them out of the sunshine into the churches we crossed, but surrounded by the soaring arches of the Eglise de St Sulpice, they were immediately awed and quiet.

The graceful arches of the Eglise de St Sulpice

Before walking into the Louvre to fight the crowds for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, we posed in front of the Pyramid. Going up was a lot easier than coming back down with my huge belly.

Night falls late in Paris during this time of year, well after nine, but everyone was still smiling.