Day Ten: Paris

'Tis Nick, as per usual on Clarissa's account.

Ah, what a wonderful day to be woken up by screaming children running up and down the apartment complex stairs, elderly women having loud phone conversations next door, and angry persons banging on the doors of other people. But that's alright, I had to be up early with the rest of the group anyways to go to the open-air market to shop for some fresh produce.

We all walked a short way to a nearby street in order to pick up some fruits and vegetables for cooking or otherwise snacking. It was sprinkling just a little bit, but not enough to require an umbrella. We purchased fine-looking lemons, tomatoes, strawberries, basil, and of course Paris' famous bread. We also ordered breakfast crepes, if you consider Nutella a nutritious breakfast. Which we do. Happiness is a nutrient. 

Anyways, after we were finished shopping, we noticed the rain falling just a bit more heavily and the wild just a tad more chilly, so we decided to stop back at the apartment for some thicker clothing and umbrellas. Then, we were out again, taking the Metro towards La Basilique du Sacre Couer de Montmartre, one of the large, beautiful churches of Paris. 

But first, we stopped at the square in Montmartre known as the Artists' Corner. By now, the rain was picking up some more and we were glad that we stopped back at the apartment for umbrellas. Much of the art was very astounding, but we weren't allowed to take photos. 

The church stood but a few minutes walk away from the square.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to have our cameras out while inside the church, as expected. Thus, this is actually the only photo of the day that we have. 

While inside, we gawked in awe at the magnificent aesthetics that filled the large cathedral. We lit some candles for some special people who have passed away then left.

On our journey back towards the Metro station, Clarissa stopped by a store to purchase a scarf to keep her warm. The rest of us waited outside in the rain, since we felt fine. However, as we were waiting a man walked up to us and started talking with us. His general questions about the weather, where we were from, and vacation turned into deep flirtation with Sarah. It was both creepy yet a bit comical. He made her promise to come back to the Artists' Corner and ask for "Paul" if she ever returned to Paris. Well, at least she can say that she got hit on by a French thirty-something year-old, every woman's fantasy. 

We again returned to our apartment to pick up even heavier clothing because, by this time, the rain was pounding pretty hard. We stepped in our door, wet with rain, and plopped down onto the couch. We were going to go out again and not be lame, I promise, but the hard rain was very dissuading to the point where we decided to stay in the rest of the day, watching movies and eating more Nutella. 

So we saw a few things today and had a good time anyways, even if we ended early and got no pictures.