Open in August

There is a saying here that 'nothing is open in August.' A lot of France shuts down for a full month to go on summer vacation to wherever they go on vacation. Must be nice. That hasn't stopped me from enjoying what might be the best city I've ever visited. Last night I caught up with two friends I met in Rome who have friends studying abroad here in Paris for the summer. We went to a great authentic restaurant filled with the local crowd, where I had some delicious veal and ham over a pile of sliced potatoes covered in a creamy mushroom sauce. Afterwards we regrouped at their apartment, bought some wine, and went to the canal to digest and relax. Another fine and serene evening came to an end saying au revoir to friends, planning to start a band called Open in August when we get back. This morning we went to the Picasso museum, filled with art from some guy who obviously can't draw or color or see straight or, well, I don't know my art, but it was certainly odd. We walked through the Luxembourg Gardens and watched people playing chess and people getting frustrated losing at chess. We finished the afternoon with lunch behind Notre Dame and a savory crepe filled with nutella, bananas, and strawberry jam. Oh yes. I'm here at the hostel catching my breath, but soon leaving to spend the entirety of an evening and night at the Eiffel Tower. Not looking forward to the flight back, but definitely some ice cold water and a long long sleep. At this point I've taken nearly 1700 pictures, somehow, so be on the lookout for many more when I have a decently functioning computer. Au revoir!