The ex-girlfriend tour of Europe continues ...

First full day in Paris and I hung out with my old buddy Laurel, who happens to be on her own Eurotrip right now.

But before I get into the details of the day, I must report this:

IT'S ALIVE!

My trusty Samsung mp3 player somehow came out of its Amsterdam fog and has roared back to life. Maybe it noticed me beginning to entertain thoughts of finally breaking down and giving in to the man by getting an iPod. It couldn't allow that. And I thank it for that.

Anyway ...

It was mostly a walking and boating day. I'd like to say we started off at the nearby Jardin du Luxembourg, but I have no recollection of this (space cake finally kicking in?). We then walked to, in and around Notre Dame (but not up a tower -- I may still do that), which asks its visitors to be respectful, quiet, not to use cameras (thought everyone does), and only enter certain areas if you plan to pray (many tourists ignore this) -- all while having souvenir machines placed throughout the impressive cathedral.

Then we hit the mighty Baltobus boat. Basically it's a hop-on/hop-off water shuttle with no tour guide. But still nice/useful. We went around Ile St. Louis and by the Hotel De Ville before getting off the boat at the Louvre and not going to Musee D'Orsay (like other fine salons, it's closed on Mondays).

More walking around ... And noticing that much of this city's architecture has the same "important" feel, as if each building must be some historic landmark.

Eventually we Baltobus it again to the Eiffel Tower, which is more Eiffely in person. Walked under and around the site of one of Superman's most important accomplishments, walked nearby the Paris Hilton (ah, remember the good ol' days when that wouldn't be a joke?) and then to Palais de Chaillot, where we had a snack and chilled with a spectacular view of the tower.

Lingered there for quite a while.

Eventually we met up with Laurel's friend Julien, who brought us to an English pub (never before has English pub food tasted so good -- of course, this had more to do with me being on the verge of passing out from hunger) and then, somewhat accidentally, to the quaint Chez Julien (no relation).

This was an authentic Parisian restaurant -- no chain, just its own decorations. Of course, I was full on pub food, so the other two ate. Good call on my part (not really).

Then trained it back to David & MJ's, where I'm now trying to do laundry. If only I could read French ...

And thus ends an unspectacular recap of Monday's action (I'm tired ... Trying to ramp up for a couple of big days before dodging yet another train/bus strike on Thursday and heading to the airport).

Oh, we almost saw Sarah Jessica Parker. She was in some store on Champs Elysees promoting her new perfume. Big crowd outside the door.

Man, I travel thousands of miles away from LA and still I can't get away from that woman. I feel your pain, Matthew Broderick. Go give Mia Sara a call.