A Surprising Sunday
Bonjour mes amis,
Well, we’re down to only two days and enjoying them with friends.
Our Saturday dinner with our former neighbor, Chantal, was delightful as always. She had just returned from two weeks in Germany for Christmas. She left a plumbing problem in her apartment and returned to the same issue with a cancelled repair appointment from her plumber. She was preparing to host us at her apartment but we changed to a lovely dinner out at Sorza. It was sleeting when we left and then turned to rain. Alas, no snow. And…would you believe, we didn’t take a single picture! There is a slim possibility that she could visit us here in America this coming year. We will hope for that! Here’s a little side note. A high school friend had wanted to mail us a Christmas card here in Paris. I explained to him that we as renters had no access to the mail kiosk so sending it directly to us would be impossible. I suggested he send it to us in care of Chantal. What a special surprise when she pulled the card out and presented it to us! Thank you, Pat!!!
Yesterday, temps were in the mid-50’s and all of Paris was out strolling and sitting at sidewalk cafes. It was still gray but much warmer. I really, really wanted to find the cafe that appears in “Emily in Paris.” I knew it was on the Left Bank and after just a little research discovered that it was around the Pantheon. We found it with ease!
The surrounding area is quite nice. If you visit Paris, it’s worth an afternoon in the Pantheon.
Leaving the area we spotted an unusual sight in Paris, an NBA store. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you realize that you haven’t.
Our special dinner that evening was a gift from Hannah at her favorite restaurant, Le Grand Colbert. We were snuggled in a back corner where it was much quieter with a fun waiter who played around with us all during the night.
This morning in the rain we made another trek to see the doctor at the American Hospital only to be told that Bernie was some better but would struggle with a cough for a few more weeks. That knowledge cost about $130.
As a final good-bye we met Hannah for lunch at a neat British pub called Sir Winston near the Arc de Triomphe. It’s a cute place with British food and a fantastic bar space. We were sad to say Au Revoir to Hannah and wish her the best.
So we cap off the day with another friend soirée this evening. Tomorrow will be packing and we’ll flight out early Wednesday morning. I will send my final blog with many best wished to all of you.
L & B
Monica & Marlyn
January 6, 2025 @ 3:20 pm
May all of your farewells be sweet and your travels home safe. We are literally snowed in: 14-16″ of snow here, so you wouldn’t even have to hurry to come see it. You wanted snow, but we got it!
Judy McPeak
January 6, 2025 @ 3:41 pm
Looks like a fun dinner with Hannah and a fun place for lunch at Sir Winston’s! Enjoy the end of your visit!
Peggy M. Bilbro
January 6, 2025 @ 3:49 pm
I know you have mixed feelings about leaving. Sorry to go, happy to get back in your home. Your are missing a horrible cold spell here. It is still in the 20s here at nearly 9:00am! I have to ask if Bernie was praying over that shrimp? Haha! Enjoy your last two days!
Thad and Gretchen Mauldin
January 6, 2025 @ 4:20 pm
Thanks, Linda! Enjoy your last day!
Pat
January 6, 2025 @ 4:27 pm
Something about little green spaces in urban settings attracts me — I enjoyed the little park.
Thank you
Sophia B
January 6, 2025 @ 4:27 pm
Safe travels, Linda and Bernie. Weather here might have snow flurries Friday. We enjoyed all of your posts and photos.
Cynthia Ludwig
January 6, 2025 @ 5:54 pm
I’m thrilled to hear your trip is ending with friends, delicious meals and in an upward direction. Enjoy the rest of your time there. I look forward to your final post, as well as seeing you again.
Cindi
Penny Billings
January 6, 2025 @ 7:05 pm
I have enjoyed my virtual trip to Paris. A new perspective at this time of year. My favorite way to start the day!
Natalie
January 7, 2025 @ 6:41 am
Peggy- I wondered the same about that shrimp! Mom, so glad y’all had some joyful times with Hannah & Chantal. Yay for Pat’s card making it too- how kind of them to send for you. Love the food and dining…is that a new top you’re wearing? OH- I have an idea- why don’t you blog your Huntsville adventures too occasionally…y’all eat out, mingle and do this/that there. Would be a neat follow with another perspective to a town you know quite well! Paris may be wrapping up for y’all but Huntsville has lots to share from Linda & Bernie’s perspective too- just a thought!!
Ellyn
January 7, 2025 @ 9:42 am
NO NO NO… You cant leave! How will I survive with out your pictures of our Paris.. and your pictures of your gorgeous food! Ye gods, Im hungry right now after seeing those meals!
Im glad to see Bernie is at least wearing a scarf around his neck. There seems to be something going around here too ( in NYC) with coughing. I coughed for a couple of week, but it is now over. And other friends were/are coughing. Hopefully Bernies will stop soon too!
Enjoy your last few days in Paris…As Hemingway said, Paris is a movable feast. So now you will bring the feast back here!
Safe travels.. happy and heathy New Year to you. both.. and bring home butter!
Ellyn
Amy Cameron
January 7, 2025 @ 1:50 pm
qI suspected Winter in Paris wouldn’t be your favorite, but I’m soooo disappointed you didn’t see snow! Safe journey home & crossed fingers for snow here on Friday. Have enjoyed your description of experiences in the city which began a flourishing love ❤️
Amy