It was an overcast, cool day and we decided to explore our neighbourhood more. We had been left and right of our street and forward to The Seine. We went behind, and found a bevy of amazing shops and places to eat in the street directly behind us! Only took a week!
As we went further back there was more and more, larger department type stores, little boutiques, some reasonably priced, some not. Lots more places to eat, from cafes to high end restaurants, little fresh food places and sooo many patisseries...all within a half hour walk.
I saw a cute little pair of shoes I liked in one shop and popped in, language was initially a bit hard, but we got there and I came away with French style ballet shoes, patent black toe with a bow, red suede rest of the shoe, perfect to wear out that night. Another accessory shop found me my second beret. I had bought a standard periwinkle blue one earlier. This was a softer felt type material in black with lovely sapphire satin piping on it...I had to have it. I do love my berets.
We grabbed lunch at the local cafe and came home to get ready.
We then had to make our way to the pickup of near The Louvre at 6. So glam and warm we caught the train in. The wind was bitterly cold by this point, so we knew it would worsen...yikes!
We were taken to The Eiffel Tower by bus with a range of people of different nationalities. It was just getting dark by the time we made our way up in the lifts to the restaurant on the first floor. We had a fabulous view from the table. Our table by chance was filled with other Australians. One couple from Bathurst, who were a bit painful and a lovely couple from FNQ, she was a writer celebrating her 60th and very friendly.
After a meal of Foie Gras, Chicken, potatoes and mushroom French style, a lovely light coconut marshmallow cream dessert. With wine, coffee and views we were set for our cruise. We headed back down the tower and across the road to The Seine, it was freezing. We boarded our boat with a group of others from then tour, our guide nowhere to be seen, her instructions were a bit hazy so once the boat took off, we realized we were on a boat too early, oh well!! We were a little concerned for those left for the correct cruise, but we needn't have been, the entire group were on the boat. The tour guide gave us a severe talking to when we got back, lol, but when your whole group does the same thing I think it shows you your directions leave a lot to be desired.
The cruise, whilst cool on deck, but warm inside, was lovely, an hour. We cruised up to the two islands and back, lots of buildings lit up, but I loved looking under the bridges most of all, I love the quirky bridges here on The Seine, each one distinctive.
Once off we were all cold, and snuggled in a bunch to keep warm, while the bus arrived for us. It was easily minus something with a strong wind coming off the river.
Next stop, Moulin Rouge, very exciting, we had to line up as whilst we had bookings, we had to wait for the first show to exit, 950 people twice a night...wow! We were at the late show, starting around 11.30. No photos allowed inside inside, but what a place. Majestic foyer leading you down into the large club, lots of gold, burgundy, velvet and feathers, seating was tight but comfy and I doubt there was a bad seat in the place.
I ducked to the loo, very flash too, and arrived back at my seat as the show was starting...it's all in the timing, lol. What a huge stage and cast, I have seen shows on Broadway but this was something else, it's hard to describe the professionalism, shine and exquisiteness of the performances. At least 30 girls, and about a dozen men, all great dancers, some singers. Some girls performed topless or next to topless, others not, and reading the program later there are ranks within the performers, topless being the highest. The feminist side of me shudders at part of this, making your living from looks alone...that somehow seems wrong. However, it was very classy, and never seemed smutty. And what's wrong with sexuality anyway!?! The men, gorgeous and physically tight, were probably gay, so that took a little fun out.
There must have been at least 20 costume changes and sections to the show. The sets were very well put together (better than anything I have seen at The Opera), and numerous. There were also jugglers, contortionists etc. At one point the stage slid open and a large pool rose and a voluptuous woman dove in and swum with three large pythons...bloody hell!!! There was comedy, romance, drama, song, dance and costumes, costumes, costumes...or sometimes lack thereof!!
many feathers and dazzling looks, some of the costumes quite stunning, the headpieces were exquisite and the jewels dazzling.
And then there was The Can Can...what a highlight. We left on a high, it early Saturday morning and the buses were dropping us all to our doors...rather impressive. After an enjoyable hour or so, love the city at that time in the morning, we were back home warm and happy. What a marvelous evening.
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1 comment:
Another fantastic experience or two!
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