Fathers Day Fun

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads! Baz started his with a card from the kids and a cheese omelet made by yours truly in our kitchen. Being a Sunday, our local shops were closed and we initially thought the morning baguette run was doomed- until Jack and I decided to head a few blocks north and found a market street complete with fresh fruit and veg, bakery goods, rotisserie and wine. Father's Day gift of wine and various treats for snacks today all sorted.

Our destination today was the Hippodrome Longchamp- ie the races! It was an easy trip on the metro with a free shuttle for the rest of the trip, and we arrived well in time for the start of the race meeting.

Baz was trying to figure out how to have a bet on the horses, and we were wondering why it seemed so quiet? He spotted a crowd gathered towards the rear of the stands, but when he tried to join them to see what the go was he was turned back by security- it was a stop work meeting by all the track tote staff. What?! The races with no betting? (don't forget the beach bar with no beer in Singapore....a mere coincidence?) Bryan laughed it off but a large number of the crowd were pretty cranky. Just after race 2 the workers got back to the job and Baz was happy to pick a Fathers Day winner.

The course was absolutely beautiful, with immaculate flower beds and gardens, and even a peek of the Eiffel Tower just to remind you in which city you were.

We headed off home to start our packing (off to Strasbourg tomorrow) and enjoy the last afternoon in our 'Haven in Paris'. This is the company name the managers of apartment go by, and it's really on the mark- we have loved our little home here, especially our rooftop lookout over Paris.

The other thing we have noticed many times over this week is that the sky has many visible jet streams from planes all the time. Has anyone got an explanation for us as to why they are more noticeable? Is it the air humidity/flight altitude or just the sheer volume of flights? Please comment if you do know and save me the google search.

As the sun set, we ventured to the Latin quarter via the Cathedral Notre Dame for a wander and dinner.

On the Ile de la Cite we came across a bird and flower market, just closing up. We managed a quick peek before they finished up.

On a whim, and with hungry kids bleating we stopped at a restaurant on a street just off the Seine, and had a nice meal. However once we finished and walked on though the lane ways we realized we had been a bit quick to sit down. Sone of the food on offer nearby looked amazing!

We'll eat again.... But a shame to waste a great dining opportunity! Lesson learned...

Walking home through the vibrant laneways was fun, and the kids enjoyed a glacé each.

Sharp eyes Jack again managed to spot an invader, but as there are over 1000 in Paris I would hope we would see lots! He may find it more difficult as we travel on.

It's nearly time to bid Paris Au Revoir, and I feel like we have just scratched the surface. We've all started to learn and put into use a few French phrases and the kids are getting their confidence navigating the narrow footpaths,

subways and venturing out by themselves on a few occasions. This feels like a city we'll return to again, or I certainly hope we can.