Today we went on the Bateau Mouche on the Seine. The idea was to see the city from the river. Two things happened: one unusual and the other extraordinary. First, the water level on the river was much higher than normal and they announced the boat would not be able to go under the bridge at Notre Dame. For that same reason, I think, the upper deck of the boat was closed and everybody had to sit in the enclosed lower deck. The second thing, the extraordinary one, was that there was an enormous police presence there. As we had walked to the quai, countless police vans, motorcycles, and cars went by, sirens blaring. The boat went down the river and turned around right before the Pont Notre Dame. As it headed back upstream we saw the reason for the police. Thousands and thousands of people were marching along the river with bullhorns, flags and banners. The news reported that there were a million people. They were protesting gay marriage. Apparently there were two other marches in other parts of the city; one in favor of gay marriage and another for a 6th French regime. We hear that marches and demonstrations are common in Paris. The 'family' marches were specifically planned for today because it is Mothers Day in France.
I stopped taking pictures of these marchers after a while. They were separated into large groups, each behind a large banner. It seemed like an endless mass of people.
Afterwards we went walking on the Champs Elysses.
Then we took the Metro back to our neighborhood where Beth enjoyed the modern-day street toilette and we went in search of our first crepes.
My crepe was made with creme de marrons (chestnuts).
There is a definite need for tiny cars here in Paris, especially here in the Marais. I am taking photos of these cute little vehicles. This one is a truck.
More on these later.
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Location:the Seine
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