I arrive in Paris with my sister Lorraine to a bright sunny day despite our cousin’s warning that the weather is horrible in Paris. We decipher the subway system and successful make it to the apartment of our amazing little cousin and his partner Dan and Virginie and their daughter Victoria.
Drop our luggage, a great coffee and off we go to Montmartre, Sacré-Coeur and d’Orsay.
We get to Abbesse subway and we laugh at the bunch of people waiting for the elevator and off we go up the stairs. One flight of stairs going round and round, 2 rounds of stairs going round and round, and more and more and more. What did we get ourselves to!!!! We finally emerge from the depth of the earth and start waking towards Montmartre. We find a cafe facing Sacre-Coeur. How majestic. Beautiful!!! And guess what, we got a friendly French waiter!! He asks if I want a large beer. I had no idea what I got into!!! Large is large!!

After a great onion soup and fries, we decide to forgo the funicular and walk up the stairs. Great view and definitely worth it!! We make our way back, now in the rain and cold on our way to D’Orsay. Not as much fun as waking in the sun :(.

We are all excited when they wave us in for free. Must be that we are so special!! We get to the 5th floor to view the beautiful impressionist collection. Some Monet I had never seen, and I re-discover Sisley. I love his paintbrush. Within half an hour we hear on the intercom, the museum closes in 15 minutes. Oh that is why it was free 😦 was worth it anyways.
Back to Daniel for an awesome cheese fondue, salami and wonderful champaign, red wine, and polish vodka. Lorraine beat her record of staying awake more than 34 hours ! An awesome first day!!

This is where u realize that it is not about what you visit or see, nothing is better than spending time with family and friends that you love. A wonderful day in Paris.