16,000 Steps with Special Friends in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
In the early summer of 2014, Charles and Judy Gattis stayed with us in our apartment… a tiny, inconvenient second bedroom and bath (with no electricity). What fun we had, what memories we crafted. Never a complaint from them, only gratitude. Yesterday, they were ending a 12-day Rhône river cruise in Paris, and we linked forces again to enjoy a busy day. Just to put this in perspective, I have known Charles and Judy for fifty years when we started our adult lives together in Atlanta, Georgia at Emory’s Candler School of Theology, a long story I won’t reflect upon here.
Rain was in the forecast, but we never got a drop until we were almost finished with dinner at 8:30. Just a fantastic day with lots of walking and picture taking. They had selected a few places they didn’t get to see before such as the Pantheon, but mainly they just wanted to visit with us spontaneously and eat dinner at a new restaurant for them. We chose Le Bourguignon du Marais. It was the best meal and best service we’ve ever had there. How nice. Enjoy the pictures!!
I apologize ahead of your viewing that some of the photos are out of order. I was merging multiple cameras and the Word Press program I use to post the blog has a field day with that, despite all of my efforts!
Judy caught the only light photo early in the morning from their hotel room. Seems like the sun has gone to sleep.
Paris is really about friends, both new and old. Yesterday was a glorious renewal. We wish Charles and Judy Bon Voyage!
À bientôt
L & B
November 3, 2019 @ 10:01 am
We loved being with you two. Such great fun.
November 3, 2019 @ 10:05 am
Mere words can’t express how much we enjoyed the day! Could not have been a more perfect conclusion to our anniversary trip to France. Thank you, dear friends, for an absolutely perfect day and evening. See you in December.
November 3, 2019 @ 2:16 pm
The weather is just awful today so we were blessed yesterday. We tried going to the car-free day on the Champs but it was rainy and windy and everyone scattered. Ate a bite of lunch and came home.
November 3, 2019 @ 11:31 am
I truly enjoyed your photos but most of all I enjoyed the joy in your faces and your words. The love and depth of a 50 year friendship shined through brighter than any sun could ever have.
November 3, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
Yes, indeed!
November 3, 2019 @ 12:51 pm
There have been lots of chestnuts this trip, but no macaroons. Do chestnuts come in flavors or varieties or is a chestnut just a chestnut? The memorial of those deported during WWII made wonder of the circumstances of Bernie leaving France. Has that been covered? Thanks
November 3, 2019 @ 2:19 pm
A chestnut it a chestnut from a chestnut tree. Bernie’s mother married an American GI and they left France with him and went to Kansas when Bernie was 10 years old. He was sent at age 2-4 to Strasbourg to be protected from the Germans.
November 3, 2019 @ 1:04 pm
The flowers on display at the George Cinq Hotel are always fully opened and spectacular colors. Wonder if they have their own florist and if you can visit?
November 3, 2019 @ 2:21 pm
Check out this web page which explains all about it. They change the flowers ever week which I didn’t know. http://eventsparis.fourseasons.com/en/floral-design/
November 3, 2019 @ 1:38 pm
Love it! You look so cute and French, Linda!
November 3, 2019 @ 2:14 pm
Merci!
November 3, 2019 @ 3:58 pm
I do love the flower shots, especially those at the George Cinq. Thank you for that link. Interesting that their floral designer is an American from Utah.
November 9, 2019 @ 2:36 am
Love the Louis Vuitton tree! Mom, you’ve stayed at the George Cinq?? So jealous of the chestnuts! YUM! Love, love the picture of you & Bernie holding hands – great catch Charles! That Memorial would be hugely sad & overwhelming – too sad for words seem appropriate. I swear y’all look younger…must be exceptionally happy!!
November 9, 2019 @ 4:47 am
No, of course, I’ve never stayed at the George Cinq. It’s like a 1000 euros per night. Just visited the flowers a lot and eaten in their Garden Room in the summer. Thanks for the “looking younger” comment! Yes, here’s to happiness!