After we arrived in Paris today and got situated in our apartment, we ventured out in search of food. Though our clocks read 2:00 p.m., our bodies felt like 7:00 a.m. Perhaps because of a subconscious desire for something resembling breakfast, we settled on a little restaurant with a quiche specialty.

I recall talking before my trip with friends who had been to Paris. They all indicated that a (complete) lack of French language skills would not be a problem, because “virtually everybody” in Paris speaks English. Maybe I’m simply having bad luck, but I have yet to encounter any French person anywhere outside the airport who knows how (or is willing) to speak French.

Due to this language disconnect, our ordering of lunch consisted of pointing to the menu and smiling. Fortunately, this proved adequate, and we received food resembling what we believed we had gestured towards.

Other lessons learned: The automated ticket machines at the airport do not take American Visa cards. European cards appear to work fine, but that didn’t help us. However, my Visa card did work at the cafe. I haven’t yet seen a store that accepts American Express credit cards, but nearly everywhere accepts traveler’s cheques from the same. French customs was a joke: they barely glanced at our passports and asked us no questions at all. Somewhat more startling was that we were not IDed at the gate upon our departure from Chicago. Anybody with a valid ticket, regardless of their identity, could have boarded that plane. Not good, in my opinion.

After lunch, we visited Notre Dame. All I can say is “Wow” — now I understand why it is world-famous. The history, skill, and power which shines from the architecture and workmanship is unrivaled in my travels. Truly it is a breathtaking edifice.

Watch my photoblog for periodic photos from my trip.

To do tonight: learn French.