Giverny

Monet's garden.

Although of historical significance, I kept thinking, "We could've just gone to the Huntington." 19th century Impressionists and post-Imps were enamored by Japanese graphic design work seen in the Ukiyo-e woodblock prints:One culture's dead-end became the other's paradise, as Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, et al, were struck by the lack of shadow and flat design of the ukiyo-e prints. I could go on about this, but will just add that this cross-cultural meeting of aesthetic purposes expressed itself in residential architecture (FL Wright, Greene brothers) and theater, as well.

Scott, our young American bike-touring guide, knew the basics, but it was hard to just stand there listening to his commentary. I rode Jack on a tandem and stopped pedaling for awhile just to see how much the little guy could support me. Bravo, Jack!

FYI, Fat Tire Bike Tours was the outfit we used, taking a train to a village where the bikes were stored, then rode out to Giverny, picnicking along the way:

Looks serene, but it was actually miserably humid.

One fallout of our lack of stability is that Michael never learned to ride a bike, so this was his debut. After a rocky start, he took his characteristic position: leader!We took our characteristic position as a family photo-op on of the Japanese style bridges. Monet was wealthy and built himself a beautiful country garden based on "strolling" garden principles: the observer becomes part of the landscape by entering it.
The train was delayed on the way back, postponing our desire to go souvenir shopping at the Bon Marche, but good down time with fellow bicyclists, ordering another round at the local cafe, watching the World Cup. The earlier days out in Paris were demanding for Michael & Jack, being out on city streets all day, entering adult spaces, so this physical outing - we've never bicycled as a family before - was a welcomed change. Next goal: hiking!