tomorrow this time: Paris

tomorrow, around this time, i will just be arriving in Paris, by train at the Gare de l'Est.

yesterday, i remembered the art book i have here, from an Impressionist exhibition. browsing the pages was like browsing through Paris, a century and a half ago: all those city views. the one on top is from the world exhibition in 1867, the one the Eiffel tower was built for. the lower one is the "Quai de Louvre" by Monet.

today started more practical, with advice from the friend who's been to Paris last year, the one from the post below. she wrote: "I'm envious of your trip. Paris is so beautiful. As much as I loved the art museums, I was just as happy walking all over and enjoying the people and architecture (and cheese shops). My tip is to take buses instead of the Metro, so you're above ground. Take lots of pictures."

so i now looked for a Paris bus map. printed it. looks like a layrinth at first glance, but actually, close to where my hotel is (near Gare Sait Lazare), a whole flock of bus routes start. one goes to the Musee d'Orsay, the other to Notre Dame. here's a taste: (from "goparis"):

Certain bus routes are particularly scenic and can be a cheap alternative to Paris bus tours.

Line 38 runs north to south through the city center and provides memorable views of the Latin Quarter, the Seine river, or Notre Dame Cathedral.

Line 68 offers a vantage of the Musee d'Orsay, Saint-Germain des Près, the Seine, The Louvre, and the Opéra Garnier

Line 28 offers lovely views of the Ecole Militaire, the Assemblée Nationale, the Seine River, le Grand Palais, and the Champs-Elysées.

Line 96 winds through beautiful spots on the right bank, including Hotel de Ville, the medieval Marais neighborhood, and trendy Bastille.

so: tomorrow. me. in Paris.