chocolat, the Louvre, and Eiffel

Monday

We returned to one of my favorite places in Paris, as is a tradition for our little trio.
Breakfast in Place des Vosges
At Carette

The chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) is thick, rich, and delicious. Be prepared to lick your spoon and your cup!
The macarons are as colorful as a painter's pallet and as delicious as the varied fillings-raspberry, pistachio-caramel-cafe-etc, etc, etc

This year we celebrate French delicacies by including cream scrambled eggs to the array spread across the table, as well as an Opera Cake, Saint Honore, and pain au chocolat.

We needed energy for our journey to the Louvre.......

Braving the brisk wind and light rain, we make our way to one of the entrances of the Louvre. People are massed around the pyramid, some sitting and resting their tired feet, others standing on stone pedistals photographing themselves touching the top of the pyramid (visual play on objects).

The long lines inside the Louvre move rather quickly--one line to purchase a ticket from the kiosk, another line to pass through security, another line to enter the display area...and a mob of people pressing their way to see Mona Lisa.

Martha and Jerry place their 50th wedding anniversary love lock on a bridge near the Louvre, Eiffel standing stately in the background under a cloud filled sky.

Afterwards, we walk east along the Seine, gazing at treasures hidden inside the green bookseller stalls-postcards, posters, coasters, old books, magazine ads, Eiffel tower replicas...

Though it's cool and windy, the sun does intermittently make it's way around the clouds.  We sit at an outdoor cafe and watch the world roll by, while smearing cheese onto a crunchy baguette.

Later in the evening, we rush, rush, run, rush up the Metro steps and onto the Trocadero plaza.  Eiffel tower twinkles at 10PM.....but it didn't.   Eiffel tower twinkles at 10:30PM per the security officials...but it didn't.

11:00PM - finally - - -