My days in the salt mine are now behind me.  Heigh-Ho – no more off to work I go.  It’s now Heigh-Ho, Heigh-Ho, a traveling I will go.  Instead of the Seven Dwarfs, it’s the Seven Wonders of the World, and I’ve yet to see one of them!

The Eiffel Tower is indeed a wonder, but not one of “The Seven” of any era.  I’m glad that we made it our first stop on this adventure through France.  Yesterday, we looped the Arc de Triomphe, tip-toed through the Tuileries, reacquainted ourselves with Mona Lisa’s smile, munched on macarons, lost ourselves in too much vino, and finished the day with bare-breasted burlesque.  It was a 32,000 step day starting from our hotel just off the Champs Elysees.  Vive la France!

Travel has taken its toll: swollen feet, blisters, upset stomachs, lack of sleep, and empty wallets.  I’ve found that unlike the U.S., France is not very Senior friendly.  There have so far been no benefits for being over sixty-five.  The passport line was a 45-minute wait and the restaurant service even slower than I remember.   Our first meal consisted of pizza and french fries, two dishes that the french would like to claim as their own, but we know better. Tonight, we’re off to a fancy french restaurant, with prices that have me a bit concerned.

The impressionist paintings at the Musee d’Orsay were impressive, but after three art museums, it was good to go to church.  The Hunchback was out to lunch, so we stopped to enjoy some Pain, and then proceeded to get lost on the Metro.  Finding our way underground was not as easy as we thought, and we were forced to find a Sortie and a cab back to the hotel.  It’s easy to get tired and frustrated when you’re retired and think you’ve seen it all.

I wonder when I’ll see a Wonder?  Maybe on my next travel adventure.  Heigh-Ho!

 

 

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