Friday Fun

After our late night with the long-winded opera singers, Colin decided to stay home and sleep in this morning. By the time we really got going, it was time for lunch, so we decided to indulge our craving for "real American food" by trying the diner in the 5th. Known as Breakfast in America, this restaurant proudly proclaims its status as a "real American diner in Paris." After reading through the menu online, I was practically drooling with anticipation.

I wish I could say it lived up to my expectations, but it didn't. Don't get me wrong - it was good food, and definitely a diner-esque atmosphere. (I was surprised to be greeted in American English.) And, I can honestly say that my root beer float rocked. (Funny what six months without an A&W can do to you.) But, Colin's milkshake was too thin, and the burgers were pre-made patties that weren't the real, truly meaty and juicy style that I love. (Of course, Colin grills the best hamburgers in the world, so I'm already spoiled for nearly all of the competition.) I guess there are just some things that you can't get in France. (By the way, the picture is from the women's restroom. I managed to get a picture before the light turned off on me. (The button in the women's stall was broken, so you had to push the button in the men's stall to turn on the light. I enjoyed a few moments of panic when I couldn't find the lock on the door. Argh.)

After lunch, we met up with Rachel and headed over to the Musée Rodin. It is really a lovely place -- just big enough that you are satisfied with the amount of stuff you see, but not so big that you're tired before you're finished. Of course, I am a big fan of Rodin's sculptures. After my trip to the Musée d'Orsay, I realized that no one can hold a candle to his work. We got to see "The Thinker" in person, as well as "The Gates of Hell" and "The Kiss," all among his most famous works. Of course, there was the usual requisite number of illiterate people who apparently didn't understand any of the languages requesting that no one touches the statues. Sigh. But, I decided not to let it bother me. The weather was just spectacular outside, so it was hard to be in a foul mood.

After we toured the museum, we sat outside at a café for a while and just chatted. It's so great to have nice weather again. Of course, half of all of the Parisians are wearing coats and scarves as if we were in the middle of winter. (Doesn't anyone watch the weather report around here?) Rachel and I also hit a couple of sales in some nearby clothing stores so that I could have something else to wear besides printed t-shirts that I got in college. I finished the day with a stroll around the neighborhood with wild-man Didge, who tried (and nearly succeeded) to run in every direction at once. He's a bit happy about the nice weather, too.