"Signs" that it is Monday

Here are 2 signs I encountered today that helped me to realize that it was Monday.

First:

"Ascenseur en panne" - Elevator Broken

This was found in our apartment building.  This means that every time we leave the apartment, it requires us to walk down 118 stairs and then back up 118 stairs until it is fixed.  This includes taking the dogs for a walk, getting groceries (and hauling them back up), going out anywhere.  We're hoping this sign doesn't stay up long.

The second sign was at the bus stop where I catch the bus to work, after taking the 2 trains:

This sign is too blurry to read.  I took the picture 3 times with my phone and it was blurry every time.  This must've been another sign that it was Monday.

Anyway, this sign is the bus schedule for the stop.  It reads "Dimanche et fetes - Service non assure"  This means "Sunday and holidays - No Service".  Why did that mean something today?  Well, when I walked from the apartment to the Metro, there was nobody on the street.  That was odd for 7:15 on a Monday morning.  The Metro itself didn't have many people on it.  Neither did the RER train I take to the suburbs.  That's kind of odd.  So when I got off at the RER station and noticed that the bus wasn't there, I decided to look and see what was up for today. 

Easter Monday.

"Easter What?"

Yes, I said Easter Monday.  The day after Easter is a holiday here in Europe.  I had a dilemma.  I could walk to the office.  It was probably a 3 or 4 mile walk.  I also had 2 guys from Belgium coming to work with me this week.  I decided to call one of them.  When I asked when they were coming, he said, "We're coming tomorrow morning since today is a holiday."  I quickly covered with, "Well, I know it's a holiday.  I just wasn't sure when you were getting here... um... tomorrow."

At that point, I realized the office was probably closed anyway, so I hopped back on the train for my 45 minute commute back. 

Overall the day was a good one, though.  I worked until about 3pm and then we headed out to the Latin District to look, shop, and eat.  We stopped at our favorite Gyro place.  We've been here 8 weeks and have eaten there 3 times so far.  They are outstanding and are less than 5 Euro apiece! 

The good thing is that Sandy and I have now noted the French holidays so that this will (hopefully) not happen again.  Yet another thing to learn.