Last night was the captain's farewell dinner (since tonight we'll be busy packing) and afterward there was an imressive piano concert by a man who plays at the opera.

Although rain was predicted for today so far the morning turned out to be warm and sunny. Mom and I tried to visit the textile museum, but it (and most of the shops) are closed because it's Ascension Day. I had several conversations in the few shops that were open, and was able to make myself understood. We ended up 'licking windows' instead.

We had taken along our Euro apiece to participate in the 'bread discovery' activity, but cut our walk short to conserve strength for our late afternoon foo foo walk (and then back to the boat) so we did not find any patisseries. Presentations were fun (everyone 'required' to use 5 French words.)

After lunch (amazing, as usual) we were off to the silk painting workshop. Although most places now do it by machine, this place still does their silk screening of scarves by hand (and then hand sews the hem.) While we were there we saw a demo of that, and also the hand painting of the velvet fabric, before heading upstairs to their shop. I found a beautiful piece that would go with a dress of mine... but wasn't inclined to spend 350 euros (about $470!) Mom did manage to find something (at a more reasonable price) for one of her gifts.

We decided to take the bus back to the boat instead of making the long walk from the old part of town. Since there were so few shops open due to the holiday we figured it just wouldn't be worth it.

We probably should be packing (tomorrow morning we leave the boat for the long bus ride to Paris) but it's nicer to just sit out on the top deck.

Because of the holiday 'everyone' is out and about today walking, biking, etc., and there are lots of young people by the river. Yesterday the police searched a group of them right outside our boat - and today the police are back doing the same thing.

Around 5:00 it started to rain, but we are very grateful that it held off for our day out and about.