With the Viking Rinda docked on the edge of a parking lot, we could only see the upper level of rooms.  At first observation, it did indeed look like a small Motel 6, but once aboard it was quite spacious and even luxurious.  We’ll be excited to hear those engines eventually fire-up after a full day of getting used to the slight bobbing sensation of being stationary.

We located our room, modestly equipped with a small veranda and an even smaller bathroom.  In fact, you can sit down while shaving.  Unfortunately, I spent too much time in our Paris water closet,  feeling the effects of a stomach bug.  Apparently, the same malady has affected other members of our tour.  One couple was unaware that they were discussing a diarrhea problem within range of a guide broadcasting the conversation to the 47 people in our group.  Poops.  Oops.

Speaking of toilet humor, our fellow travelers also couldn’t stop laughing when someone in the group let out a foul explosion of gas right in front of us.  Talk about the Ugly American!  I know – all of this shouldn’t be funny following our experiences in and around the toilet.  After all, we were eventually forced to spend some of our precious euros on Imodium, and since directions of course were in French, we’re not really sure if we took too much or too little?

If you’re familiar with the phrase, “shit, shower,  and shave” to describe getting ready in the morning, you’re really going to like a river cruise.  You can honestly do all three at the same time in our tiny bathroom.  We even have a heated floor, should I have to spend another night paying homage to the porcelain god.

After some unpacking, we hopped on the Metro and headed back into Paris for the afternoon, focused on seeing two works of art that we had missed on our last trip.  Unfortunately, we went to the Rodin special exhibit at the Grande Palais, expecting to see “The Thinker.”  He was on tour when we had last visited and was not part of this 100th anniversary display either.  “Strike One!”  Also, my favorite Monet painting, “Sunrise, ” was missing from the Musee Marmottan.  Don’t worry it wasn’t stolen, just on loan to the Swiss!  “Strike Two.”  “Strike Three” might have been a near miscue in trying to make the round-trip back to Le Pecq.  We stepped on the wrong train, but caught the error just as the doors slammed shut between us.  I thought she might lose an arm or two like Venus de Milo, but no harm was done!  With the beautiful weather and unexpected treasures we’ve stumbled upon, Paris has been a “Home Run” each and every day of our stay!

Now, gentlemen (and ladies), let’s get those engines started and head up-river!  Oh, and could I have another glass of vino, s’il vous plait?