My friend, Joline and I went to Paris at the beginning of this three-week trip. It just happened to be the weekend of the inauguration, with all the pomp, and the tightest security I've ever seen.

We were lucky enough to catch sight of The Republican Guard. They guard the President. We saw them this day in their fancy parade uniforms. And following directly behind them? A mechanical broom. It's always on the Sanitation Department to clean up, once the parade passes by!

We traveled from Brussels to Paris on the Thalys train. Seventy-five minutes travel time. So civilized!

This is going to be a short post, since we only visited the city for two days. I'd never been there before, and there is SO much to see and do. I'm really happy to have had at least a little taste of what Paris has to offer.

At The Louvre Museum. I could only get a ticket with a 10:30 am entry time. It was a madhouse! I've been in packed NYC rush-hour subways where the people behaved better! Next time, we get 8:00 am tickets, to be the first people in the galleries.

We took the boat tour up and down the Seine. I kept thinking of the Judy Collins song, "My Father" — We took the boat tour up and down the Seine. I kept thinking of the Judy Collins song, **"My Father"**

This was the perfect time of day for the boat tour, with the setting sun making this beautiful city seem magical!

And just one more post card image...Paris is a city of bridges, and this one is my favorite.

And now, I'm studying French with the help of my friends, and two apps on my phone. Maybe I will bring Ted here soon, and we will need to ask directions!