Branching Out: Paris edition

 No childhood in Paris is complete without a visit to the Luxembourg Gardens. The main fountain is know for sailing toy boats.   Almost a hundred years ago, a man hand made a bunch of small sailboats and took them to the gardens for children to sail.  Those boats are still used today.   For 5 euros, you receive your choice of boat an a stick, and you have 30 minutes of fun.  It is amazing.  It is all done on the honor system and it all works beautifully.  The boats are truly wind powered.  The sails will fill and change the direction of your boat; much to the frustration of Quimby and Kenyon. The large play area was finally open and we spent several hours there.  It was made even better in that 2 of Kenyon's classmates were there.  The boys definitely like having English speaking hide-and-go-seek partners.  And of course, on the walk to the bus station, we had to end the amazing park day with gelato.

 We arranged for a double date out and about and decided on a wine and walking tour of the left bank. In addition to great wine, we also got to sample some fois gras, and a vast array of honey.    Our tour guide took us to the Pantheon (only roman temple in Paris) and Saint Sulpice.   It was a great afternoon out with out good friends.

 Our first big adventure in the newly reopened Paris was a trip to the Palace of Versailles. I read all the travel blogs about going to Versailles with kids.  I was prepared.  And I think we had a great day. The boys were less than enthusiastic about the main chateau.  It was good that is was so empty so we were able to move through quickly.  Most of the Chateau is an art museum now.  I don't blame the boys for not being interested in old paintings without an English explanation as to why they were important.  Most of them look very similar.  They were impressed with the Hall of mirrors; it's hard not to be.  I thought about the audio guide but I think slowing things down would have made things worse. We are there on a musical fountain day.  It was windy and chilly but the music and the fountains helped make being out in the cooler day fun.   As part of my research, We took the little train to the Grand Canal and had a very deliciou...