We are back in the apartment after a long and mostly sunny day out. We all woke up late and didn't make it out until almost 1pm. It was Sarah's day to plan and she wanted a picnic in Jardin Luxembourg. We started off toward Rue Muffetard to gather lunch goodies. We found the open market just closing (they are open 8-1 and 4-7...not made for the late risers that we are). We bought some mini bananas, fraise de bois and cherries. As we make our way toward the Jardin we are stopped by another older French woman, who offered her assistance and guided us in the right direction. We make our way and along the way stop for some tarts, sandwich with mozzarella and a little pasta salad with onions, tomatoes and olives. A lot of things here are heavy on the olives.

Once inside the gates we find a spot with some chairs and a bench. It is really a beautifully sunny day and I am wishing I had applied more sunscreen. We have a great picnic and fortunately the woman at one of the stores put in a fork and a napkin so we did not have to search around for a pea pod. The parc is crowded, tons of people, kids, enjoying the day (see photos).

Sarah really wants to rent a boat with a stick, so we do and she has a fun 30 minutes (for 2 EUROS) chasing it around the fountain (see photo).

Then we head off to her next destination of choice, Ile St. Louis. We walk down Blvd. St. Michel to get the metro but on the way stop in some stores. There is a GAP on the Blvd and we stop in just for fun. Same sorts of stuff at twice the price. Amamzing! We take two metros and exit at Pont Marie. The sun is still shining but there are a few sprinkles. On the island we find a wonderful candy shop and buy a few things for some friends back home. Then we see Bertillion. Em: Melon Sorbet Deb: Poire Sorbet and Sarah: Chocolate glace. Marc tastes all three. We go in and out of tiny stores and see all sorts of whimsical things. No purchases (much to Emily's dismay). It started to rain as we crossed over the Seine and we made our way back tot the apartments, tired and a bit wet. We stopped off at a pharmacy on the way home to get some "rolaids" medicine (just in case, to carry with). It's actually amazing what you can buy in a French pharmacy without a prescription.

It's our last night here. These few days went FAST. It was a different type of visit than last year....minimal museums and a lot of Right Bank...not our usual haunts. I think the girls had a good time. A lot walking. They will be in great shape for the Archer mile!

Tonight we will probably go somewhere local for dinner...but will blog later. We need to get up early to return the key and catch a 9:30 train to Annecy.