Paris: Part I, Montmartre

I literally have not had a second until now to write anything in here about Paris.

Where to begin?

It was I who sprung the idea of staying in Montmartre, based solely on its history of being a bohemian artist enclave and its association with Toulouse-Lautrec, the Moulin Rouge, and other luminaries such as Picasso. But I never gave much thought to the geography of the place or where it was situated in relation to the rest of Paris. I really didn't know or never registered that it lies on the northern edge of Paris and is separated geographically and even psychically by an incredibly steep bluff that is only accessed by hundreds of steps (or a funicular, if the steps are too daunting). 

Montmartre is a funky, vibrant place full of winding, narrow cobblestone streets. Some parts are more touristy than others. Our little apartment is at 6 Rue Poulbot, three floors above a tiny restaurant called Chez Plumeau. We can hear talking, laughing, and the clacking of cutlery until well into the night, but it doesn't bother me. It's part of the Montmartre experience I wouldn't trade. I'm not sure how I would cope with it if I was a permanent resident, but as a visitor, it is charming.