Musee d’Orsay… NOT!

Today was a bit of a bust, but I still was able to discover some new areas.  My original intention was to visit the Musee d’Orsay, but upon arrival I was quickly reminded of the visit to Versailles when I saw several lines jam packed with people queued to simply to purchase tickets.  No thanks!  Been there, done that.  I looked over and noticed another, MUCH shorter line for pre-purchased tickets.  From now on, that will be my plan of action.  I’ll likely do the same with the Louvre if I have that option.  So, having crossed the museum off my list for the time being, I set out for lunch and enjoyed a delicious quiche and my first real French eclair.  Yum!

I also would like to share my experience in my first French public toilet, which I had pretty much decided I would avoid at all costs unless absolutely necessary.  That absolutely necessary moment came today, and I must say it wasn’t horrible.  Well, yes, it was, but not when compared to other public restroom experiences I’ve had in my life.

For the record, these are the public toilets that supposedly completely sanitize themselves after each use.  No matter, I still would rather die than actually touch anything in there, but I can now say from experience that they do work.  I also came across this Shell station that was so bizarre because the cars actually pull into the belly of the building.  From the exterior, you can hardly tell there’s even a gas station, save the sign.

On the inside there are not only pumps but a car wash as well!  The things people think of when there’s virtually no space and the community was built long before the advent of cars or the need for gasoline.

I also came across a mall called the Forums des Halles.  To my surprise, the mall is almost entirely underground.  Three of its four levels are underground!  Strange place.  I wasn’t a big fan.  Tonight: frenchiladas once again!

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