Cannes

I awoke to the smell of fresh croissants baking in the oven. Xin and Uli were so kind to offer such a yummy breakfast! Soon, we were off for the day, taking the Metro to Montmartre, where artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir used to live and create. Artists of today still flood the area.

Unfortunately, the Metro goes straight through the hill of Montmartre, so the two closest stations are on either side, necessitating a steep walk. I have found that a steady pace works best for me, and with time, I made it to the top, to be rewarded with a beautiful view of Paris below.

The Musee de Montmartre was easy to find and the lady inside was very helpful. Instead of entering the entire studio, we opted for admission to the garden, which is where Renoir painted La Balancoire. She also gave us a tip that the Musee d' Orsay has several Renoir's on exhibit.

The garden was beautiful and I strolled around taking several photos. In one place I could see down the hill, and Uli said the vineyard below is the only one in Paris.

Next we wandered to the Place du Tertre. Painters, sculptors and performance artists abounded throughout the narrow streets. The smells were indescribably delicious. In fact, everywhere I went in Paris, it seemed something good was coming out of an oven. I can definitely say that the number one best thing about traveling to Paris is the food! Even the little baguette sandwiches that Xin made for lunch hit the spot.

The Montmartre Basilique du Sacre-Coeur watches over Paris with gargoyles and stained glass windows from this hill. Outside on the steps, more artists entertain applauding crowds. We meandered down garden stairs to peek at picnickers through spring-green leaves.

Some of my favorite photos are of shuttered windows and painted doors in this neighborhood. Then we walked through the African Market. Most of the stalls had closed, but there were a few people hawking their wares dressed in colorful African traditional outfits.

Our next stop was a phone shop to buy a French SIM card for my phone. This is essential for my work at Cannes. The first store we tried had a SIM for $10 Euros which included $5 credit for calls. The clerk, Morgan was very helpful and even excited that I was from America! We put the SIM in my phone to make sure it worked and I called Uli so my number displayed on his phone. Good to go!

Let me take a moment to say that I am happy to report that I haven't encountered ANY rude French people. I don't know if it's just me or the fact that every one seems to be happy that Obama is president. I'm getting along fine without knowing any more French than: Bon jour, Merci, Oui, wah-la, ooh-la-la, and frommage. The stores all have cash registers so I see the number and give the right amount of money. I can point to what I want or say "Cafe au lait / Cafe creme" then I stay quiet and smile. Seems to work.

At this point it was 3pm when Uli, Xin and I realized that museums would be closed the next day. If I wanted to any Renoirs it would have to be today. We parted ways as they wanted to head home and start preparing for the evening's dinner party. Instead of going to the Louvre, I decided to go to the Musee d'Orsay.

Traveling the Metro was fast and by 4pm I was entering the museum. I looked at the map of exhibits and circled all the galleries with Renoir. I didn't have much time, so I had to prioritize. What a smart move this was because my FAVORITE Renoir was there - Danse a la Ville. If I had gone to Louvre I would have missed it! The famous Bal du Moulin de la Galette, Montmartre was also there, amongst many others - Ooh-la-la!

The painting Whistler - more commonly referred to as Whistler's Mother, was there, as well as famous artworks by Monet, Manet, Cezanne, Degas, Matisse, and Seurat. I love Impressionism. But after an hour I had to start making my way back home so I wouldn't be late for dinner.

I had a little time to relax before the other guests arrived - Max from Russia and Silvia from Prague. What an international group we were - and all couchsurfers. Uli cooked a dish from Spain with rice, chicken, mussels and shrimp. Yes, I ate ONE mussel and ONE shrimp. The dish had a wonderful flavor.

All the fresh air and exercise made me sleepy. It didn't take me long to start dreaming with a smile on my face.

Mariam Arthur en route to Cannes

Film Cambodia - Founder, Director of Operations

Thunderbird Film Festival - Festival Founder