I've just woken up from a nap. I never take naps, but when you walk over 14,000 steps before lunch and stop counting by 3pm, a brief respite is required. We started the day by having breakfast in the cellar of our hotel. Walking down the steps, I remembered being with my mom and descending that very stone stairway to the charming nook where a very Parisian breakfast was served. My mom was only 75 when I took her to Paris, and stairs and walking were not an even issue for her. The memories of that visit with her are everywhere as I walk this city with John. They wrap themselves around me like a protective blanket as we wander the very same street that leads to Notre Dame and take pathways that I remember so well.

After the delicious bread, coffee, eggs and two glasses of fresh squeezed orange juice - I had John's, because he said, "I don't want to push it with the citrus." The gluten doesn't bother him here, and neither did the wine last night. By the way, it was the smoothest, fruitiest carafe of wine I have ever tasted. We made our way to Notre Dame, which has been beautifully restored after the devastating fire. It still takes my breath away when I walk inside - but new this time is a very loud recording that you can't ignore. "SHHHHHHHHH," it starts - like a slow rumble from a mountain top. "Silence, Please." and then it gets repeated in a few languages. I joked that if this were in the states, it would say, "SHUT THE F&(*)&* UP!" 

I lost track of John a few times in the crowd - sometimes because of his stature, but other times because there were a sea of tourists. After I contemplated lighting a candle, but didn't want to light one without paying the 2e charge  - we set off on our walk to the Musée d'Orsay. We found a charming corner cafe on the way where we had a cafe latte and Nutella crepe and then set off on our day's adventure. Once in the museum, John didn't really appreciate my humor as we looked at the timeless paintings and statues. This was a serious business looking at art, and James humor, it seems didn't have a place in it. We, unfortunately, didn't have any bottled water with us and we could feel our dehydration creeping up on us, so as we exited, we purchased two - being sure to keep the empties to fill up on the many fountains around the city.

Just like with Rosemarie, I had to constantly remind my husband to close his bag. As we reached close to 14,000 steps, we stopped to get a sandwich which we ate in a charming park, noting the chocolate shop we passed along the way. After his chicken panini and my mozzarella and tomato, we walked back to that shop where we purchased four of the most incredible chocolates.

"Do you think they'll melt if we get them?" I asked, which was one of the most ridiculous questions of the day as we popped them in our mouths before we made it to the corner. The sun, in all its glory, forced us to the shady sides of the street as we explored St Germaine and another church, which in my mind was just as spectacular as Notre Dame. I did feel bad for the man inside who was obviously tortured as he prayed in front of a statue of Mary and then again in front of another saint as we were leaving. I wanted to tell him to go on Prozac or see his therapist, but maybe someone holy heard him and he's doing fine.

As we debated on going for a mid afternoon drink, we settled for another coffee before crossing the river back to our hotel for a much needed nap. As we crossed the street, a vendor called out "Ti Ti,"  and said he loved my Tweety Earring and tattoo. I took that as a sign that he too saw my mom walking with us today. I held back the emotion and we continued on, but not before purchasing a bunch of little jars of incredible flavors of honey that are going to make some amazing cocktails.

"It's past our cut off for coffee, will you be able to nap?" John asked.

"Please, I slept after three cups yesterday, it's not going to matter."

And matter it did not as we just woke up from another power nap. On tap next, more food, more wine and more steps. The weather has been spectacular and at night the breeze has made me forget the intense Texas heat back home. As with Rosemarie, it is shaping up to be the trip of lifetime, We are reclaiming the city we love from the memories of recent visits, remembering the trips we made with our mothers and making new memories that will forever inspire us in the years ahead.