It's Here - The Big...Bastille Day, ofc

Wow. It's here. Bastille Day. I've waiting years for this day. I'm not sure what that says about me...but it is what it is, as an ex would say.

I awoke early, showered, and ran out the door. I didn't think the Louvre would be open, but it was. It was my understanding that the metro system would be extremely limited and that business and cultural institutions would be closed due to the holiday. That information was wrong. I took a bus to the Louvre, which was free.

I couldn't believe how giddy with excitement I was. I hadn't anticipated such emotions. I ran through the Louvre with my AudioGuide thrilled at every turn. Well, thrilled at every turn aside from all the people. =D

I saw all the requirements: Mona Lisa, Winged Nike, and Venus de Milo. Then I also saw things that were important to me, largely Mesopotamian, such as the Code of Hammurabi! WOW!

I had to run back to the flat to meet Anna. We were meeting up with Aussie Paul and his friend Aaron at their hotel then heading to the Eiffel Tower/Champs du Mars to picnic and watch the fireworks. We knew Aussie Paul was lying when he told us it was a ten minute walk, but we didn't think it'd be closer to a 45 minute walk.

We found a spot, moved a few times, and settled in for the long haul. We had a great spot. A little boy and his family sat next to us and we played football/soccer with him. As the sun set, the crowd fell silent. The celebration had begun!

These were the most amazing fireworks I had ever seen! It was more a ballet than a display of ammo. WOWZERS.

All was pure bliss until we began collecting our belongings to go home. Anna's camera was missing! I said, we'll use the flash on mine to find yours. Mine was gone too! Our cameras had been stolen!!! For me, the loss of pictures was intense. For Anna it was really intense; the camera was brand, spanking new.

Thankfully others had cameras, and have shared their pictures. But we are largely without pictures from the beginning of the week. We had to drown our sorrows. Thanks for the drinks and shots Aussie Paul!