Sunday 4/09/2011, Paris: Cite' Universitaire/Musee d'Orsay

Paris
4/09/2011.

Despite good intentions re the Literature review, I realized it was the first Sunday in the month and therefore Museum entrance in Paris is free. Accordingly I worked out my travel plan by train (poor mans METRO); RER line B to Saint-Micheal Notre Dame, then change trains to RER line C to Musee d'Orsay. I spent most of the day rattling around this "ex-Victorian era  Railway Palace", now one of the best art museums in Paris. By using the RER and staying indoors I avoided the frequent rain showers.

The d'Orsay also have an excellent restaurant, so I treated myself to a 20 Euro (plus tax and tip) plate "de saison". Poached Salmon (appropriate I thought) on a french carrot base, plus a pastry for desert. I asked for "just water", having choked at the wine list prices, forgetting that they only provide bottled water at an elevated price. Still, it was an excellent lunch. The first time I have treated myself in France, so far my meals have been either self-cooked or a cheap take-away. I also took a stroll by the Seine adjacent to the Museum and RER station. Very pleasant if slightly damp afternoon.

The reverse trip home was a little bit stressful. All I needed to do was retrace my steps but that is sometimes easier said than done! Unlike the bus, the RER has multiple lines and multiple destinations. Thankfully they are well sign-posted and the platforms have scrolling displays of the next trains and their routes. The problem is they (the signs and displays) are in French, and I am not familiar with the place names. Having access to Google map on my phone was a help.


Tomorrow morning I have to find my way to the Cathedral of Notre Dame by 10.30, to meet up with Dave and Jo Welch (and their 2.5 year old) who are on their way to Greece (via the French Disneyland). We are to do an early Lunch! I think the RER will be the easiest way again. No changes from line B and a stop labelled Notre Dame.

I think tomorrow is also a French holiday but I am planning to go to the Central Library at around 2 o'c in any case. I emailed the head librarian to find out if they are open; I may get an answer on Monday morning but then again, if they are not open I probably won't.