And a few more thoughts. . .

Duane faded last night, but I'll wrap up this morning while Paula is still asleep. Yesterday, as reported, was fantastic. But enough about Monet. In a continuing run on fashion and culture Duane will never get used to the idea that the French are as cold as they seem to be. Yesterday was in the low 80s (Very warm for this time of year!), yet so many French people were wrapped up in their jackets, sweaters and scarves. Funny thing is, they don't appear to be uncomfortable. Paula gets WARM at any temp over 68, so she is in awe! To get to Giverny one takes a train to Vernon and then catches a bus to Claude's place. It is one of those huge tour type buses with seats for hundreds of peoples. The bus was warm, but bearable on the way to Giverny. On the way back it was frightening, insightful, scary and in a slightly twisted sort of way, hilarious! We arrived back at the bus at a little before 1600 for a 1615 departure time. They started to load at about 1600. The bus was HOT inside, but we were certain he'd turn on some air when we got going. We got going.  Now, it was at least 90 in the bus, he turned on the AC and blasted us with slightly chilled air until the ambient temperature inside the bus reached a "French Comfort Level" of 85 or 86. Then HE TURNED THE  AC OFF! We still had about 15 - 20 minutes to go. By time we arrived at the SNCF  station the French were still nicely chilled and wrapped up while all the old Americans had passed out, including Paula. We may never understand. As we sat outside at our Thai restaurant last night we sighted almost all the French in their evening wear of shirt or blouse, maybe a sweater vest, a medium weight jacket (Often Leather), and the obligatory scarf (frequently wool or heavy silk). None are wearing gloves and stocking caps yet. I think those will come out once it get down to a frighteningly chilly 65.
As they used to announce on "Monty Python's Flying Circus". . . . And now for something entirely different! Walking around the Place de Vosges at night is always great fun. The French are just wrapping up dinner at 2200 hours and lighting up their Marlboros. But enough about them. I'll post some more pics on the right.