Started today finding a coffee shop in the Marais called Noir that I have been meaning to try. Excellent coffee but as usual no terrace. Inverse relationship between good coffee and good terraces! First idea was to check out the Pompidou center, closed till 11:00am so off to Luxembourg gardens, after that back to Pompidou, way too crowded. Walked around and ended up having lunch at a nice cafe next to Pied de Cochon called Poppy. Went next door to try and get into the Pinault museum, but even with a membership, the security line was way too long. From there, off to try the Arc de Triomphe yet again. Last trip, I was sold a ticket at 9:00am for a 10:30am entry only to find that they were on strike and had been for a month. Don’t think I ever got a refund in spite of a number of comical emails wherein I suggested that I use the ticket at another time and they said that is was only valid for the issued time and I pointed out that they had sold me a ticket when they knew they were closed etc…. This would be fraud in the USA but normal in France. Nice walk down the Champs Elysees and a stop at Gentlemen 1919. Then dinner with Darren, Sharon, John and Léopoldine at Pierre Sang. This is a Prix Fixe that really exceeds expectations. Many courses and much great converstations…. A Chateau Neuf and a Pomerol….Sorry no pictures of dinner!