Musee Rodin
We walked across the gardens of Invalides to the Musee Rodin. The museum opened at 10:00am. We were one of the first in line. We had bought a Museum Pass earlier in the week so it was free. I had planned a scavenger hunt to find all of the sculptures in the gardens. Whoever found The Thinker could have a Sprite (Elisabeth and Kate call it ("bubble juice"). The girls were quite motivated and worked well together with the map on the scavenger hunt. They found one model of The Thinker inside the Musee Rodin and the other in the garden. Unfortunately, the cafe in the garden was closed for renovations so they weren't able to order their Sprites! They spent the whole morning in the gardens playing hide and seek. Elisabeth also took photos of the gardens with her camera and Elisabeth and Kate enjoyed strolling through the garden while I read Rick Steves' France.
Hotel de Invalides & Napoleon's Tomb
At noon we crossed the street to the Hotel de Invalides for lunch in the cafeteria (which was just as expensive as the restaurant across the street!). I had planned to visit Napoleon's Tomb and head home for a video. But, Elisabeth and Kate had renewed strength and wanted to ride the double decker bus to Luxembourg Gardens and play at the playground, ride the carousel and ride the ponies!
Open Bus Tour of Paris
We found the bus stop across from the Hotel de Invalides. We waited for the Orange bus to Luxembourg Gardens. The girls wanted to ride on the top in the front of the bus. It was a very cold windy day, but they had a blast! They especially enjoyed listening to the tour guide on the earphones in French. Elisabeth said, "It sounds like music!"
Luxembourg Gardens
At Luxembourg Gardens, Elisabeth & Kate enjoyed more chocolate chaud before playing at the playground and riding the ponies, donkeys and the carousel. A very full afternoon. We enjoyed an early dinner at one of the small restaurants in Luxembourg Gardens before taking a cab home to the apartment.
