Paris - Good Friday, 18 April 2014

This morning we thought we had discovered the elixir for jet-lag management of two-year-olds – deprive them of their routine afternoon nap.  Sure, we had paid a price yesterday when coming home from Parc Astérix, as Xavier melted down over the course of six to eight Metro stops; but this morning all three kids slept in until 7:30am (French time!)... ah, the elixir!

However, like many elixirs, the side effects do not become apparent for several hours or days; and so it came to pass that our otherwise wonderful family excursion to view the Jardin des Tuileries, the exterior of the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, was interspersed with numerous and varied behavioural discussions with all three kids.  We have carefully selected the photos below to show Jenkin-McKinna family members appearing to be happy (these were taken in between "incidents", and mostly under the threat of “consequences”).

 

 

 

At Notre Dame, we were confronted by yet another long queue for entry to “Visite”, but adjacent, with no queue, an entry for Good Friday “Messe”.  Relying on her Catholic heritage, but still somewhat cheekily, Elle confidently took Grace and Will in the entrance for “Messe” with a polite “Bonjour” to the security man.  The three sat quietly and respectfully in the back pews for some prayers and reflection.  However, with mass not starting for another 45 minutes, and with Andrew waiting outside with Xavier, we thought we shouldn’t wait.  So we took a quick “visite” past the numerous little chapels and alcoves where people were making their confessions, past the beautiful stained glass windows, and then out.  Then home via the beautiful Art Deco Cité metro station and another delicious meal at Vavin café.