Twelve Thousand Steps Around Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
It’s Thursday in Paris and even here, we are smothered in the James Comey testimony. We were so hoping to get away from the politics, but it’s impossible.
Yesterday was a fun, busy day beginning with some housecleaning in our apartment. We will leave it far cleaner than when we arrived, and that’s okay. Bernie discovered a new vacuum cleaner which he proceeded to clean out probably for the first time. He always does the vacuuming, and I do basically everything else. Maybe you don’t remember that a fine black dust settles almost overnight from the car exhaust. We have to stay behind it daily or our sinuses will go crazy.
We were invited to lunch by one of Bernie’s friends, Didier Quersin, who accompanied us to a new bistro called DaDa’s in the 17th arrondissement, not far from the Arc de Triomphe. The ambiance and friendliness of the staff characterized this spot more than the food, and we thoroughly enjoyed the outing. We ran into one of our favorite waitresses from the cafe below us from last year, and it was great to see her. In many ways, Paris is a small town! Here’s a picture of these two good friends.
We left Didier and sought out the Marriott Ambassador Hotel for our friends, Joe and Marie Newberry, who are coming over for the Paris Air Show on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. We will meet them on their arrival and take a spin around the Champs for dinner. Unfortunately, their dates directly coincide with the visit of my family so we will have only a brief time to share with them. The Ambassador is a very nice hotel on Boulevard Haussmann.
We walked over to the traditional opera house, Le Palais Garnier, to hopefully purchase some inexpensive tickets for a performance. After much back and forth in part French, part English, we secured two tickets for July 3 to a ballet called “Sylphide” for only 12 euros per person. We’re in the upper tiers but at least we will get to experience something we haven’t done before. Here are some shots of the opera house exterior, most of which were taken from the very famous and lovely, Café de la Paix, directly across the street.
The “Purely Paris” photo of the day has to be the abounding chimney pots which dot the Parisian skyline. Bernie’s zoom lens got a wonderful shot. To think that every one of these is tied to an internal fireplace says a lot about life in close quarters.
We love hearing from so many of you! Merci beaucoup. I don’t always have time to respond to each comment, but they truly make our day.
Remember to tap on the photos to enlarge for a better view. Have a super day or as the French say “Bonne journée!
L & B
June 8, 2017 @ 11:57 am
As usual, we are enjoying your trip. Nice break from all the politics here. Trump is wearing me out. I wonder if you feel embarrassed for our country over there? France at least elected someone with some sense and intelligence when they went for change.
June 8, 2017 @ 12:02 pm
Most people here feel as you do about Trump. It is a frequent topic. But they are somewhat undecided about Macron, waiting to see what he does, not what he says. Isn’t that always the case?
June 8, 2017 @ 12:46 pm
We are enjoying every step of your days and nights! Speaking of steps, do you have a favorite kind/pair/brand of walking shoes? You always look so classy!
Katie
June 8, 2017 @ 1:55 pm
You are so kind! This year I brought the fewest number of shoes I’ve ever brought…five pair. I have horrible arthritis in my feet so this is always an issue for me. My walking requirements are no wedge heels but no flat heels, some good support, open-air so my feet can breathe (except for my rainy day black shoes) and absolutely nothing between my toes like a thong. I spent almost 100 euros on a pair last year that have served me well by Luftpolster which I think is German. I try not to look like an old woman but that is harder and harder to achieve. Ha!
June 8, 2017 @ 10:33 pm
I hope Bernie doesn’t mind but I’ve made this photo of the angels on the roof the wallpaper on my work computer! I feel so protected now!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos and guiding us through your trip!
June 9, 2017 @ 6:45 am
How neat is that!!!
June 9, 2017 @ 1:01 am
Thank you for the photos of the Opera House! Watch out for the Phantom. Don’t forget to “hold your hand at the level of your eye”!
June 9, 2017 @ 6:44 am
So glad you are following our blog!
June 9, 2017 @ 10:58 pm
Of course. All the unhappy democrats are amusing. Don’t ever apologize for being “so American.” Thank God we are. Safe travels.
June 9, 2017 @ 2:21 pm
Hi Linda –
Sharon has been telling me about your trips for yours and I am finally subscribing to your blog. What took me so long?
Ralph and I have spent many very pleasant days just walking around Paris — no agenda, no destination, no schedule (other than meals, of course!). What a great city. Thanks for letting me share in your adventure.
June 9, 2017 @ 2:30 pm
Glad to have you along. And it sounds like you know how to be a true Parisian. All of my posts for this year so far are on the web site so you can catch up! Sharon is one of my dearest friends, and I miss her every day.
June 9, 2017 @ 11:50 pm
Linda , I’m so glad your going get to see a performance at the opera house I always wanted to get to see one there just the couple of times we were in Paris they didn’t have any going on and when I did get to chance to be there to see a performance it was for Madame butterfly it was cancelled I was heartbroken. So enjoy !!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it !!!! Merci love your blog and posts
June 10, 2017 @ 4:37 am
We are excited as well! Glad you’re enjoying our escapades.