With my camera exhausted, and me in similar shape, I headed back to my hotel for a rest and recharge, before seeing the Centre de Pompidou (open late Wednesdays). After resting a bit in a phone booth by the Eiffel Tower, my reinvigorated body decided to eschew the Metro after all, and walk the 15 minutes I needed. Stubborness of a mule.
About 10 minutes later, after crossing the Seine and approaching a Metro station (and map!), I quickly realized my legs were not so reinvigorated after all, and “15 minutes” would have been at a jog. Had to try the Metro eventually, and rubbery knees made as good a reason as any. Stamina of a mouse.
How does le Metropolitan compare to the TTC? Naturally, the Metro’s coverage is far, far, FAR better. It’s like a mutant octopus compared to a horseshoe-and-string. They even have signal throughout (well, based on my short journey). The subway cars are uglier though, some with graffiti. I also noticed Parisians seem to be terrible at “moving to the centre, away from the doors” to allow other people on. I saw packs of 15 huddled around the doors, and yet totally clear aisles! Why?
It didn’t take long to figure out how to navigate the Metro, and I’m glad I did, for just standing took a lot out of me. I took the short walk back to my hotel (the weather seems to be getting colder), picking up a panini on the way (recent meals and shopping sprees have imbalanced the budget!). Now to relax, rest, and recover…
… and perhaps ignore the budget and revisit that patisserie with the lovely cakes later tonight.
