We started today with fresh pastries from our friendly bakery. After a quick breakfast we were off. Our first stop was picking up a metro map for dad. On our way to our first destination we swung into the Cimetiere du Montparnasse. It was interesting for the children to see how other cultures respect the dead. They saw family tombs with individual names listed on plaques displayed on the top. They saw shrines with flowers and names listed inside. They were surprised to see that not only were there potted plants but permanent planters which the relatives maintained. There is no grass in the cemetaries only markers.
Our first destination was Marie Curie's movements around the university. We began on la Glaciere where she began her married life to Pierre in a 3 room flat. Off to two more of her apartments while she was a student. She did not have elevators, hot water, or heat in her 6th story apartments. From there we headed off to see her laboratory. When we arrived it was before the time when it was due to open but I thought I saw a sign that it was still closed for renovations.
The Pantheon was not far up the road so off we went. We looked at the frescos along the wall and I explained the importance of Saint Genieve to the children. She provided supplies to the Parisians when Attila the Hun was attacking.
We then entered the crypt. The first two were Voltaire and Rousseau. Although the children do not know about them yet, it is my hope that when they do learn in school they will be able to say they saw his crypt. We moved deeper into the crypt and found Marie and Pierre Curie. There were flowers and notes placed by them.
In front of the Pantheon Christmas trees were decorated. We moved along the side to Saint Etienne du Mont. This is a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve.
Her heart and her preserved body were there along with an image of John Paul II when he visited. It was interesting to stand in the presence of a saint. We headed back to the Curie Institute to see if it was definitely closed - alas it was - maybe later in the trip I can run back and sneak a peek. We picked up hotdogs which were like none other on our way home. They were two dogs covered in cheese on a roll like only the French can make. They warmed our chilled hands and empty stomachs. We crossed into the Jardin du Luxembourg and found a free bench to watch the birds and enjoy our meal.
We picked up some medicine on our way back to the apartment. After dropping off some tired children (5 miles today!) we went out to pick up some dinner: wine, baguette, quiche, cheese, and merange... We did not pick up the HUGE merange early in the day
so they had to settle for a smaller one. As I write they are winding down watching pink panther - good night.
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