October 30 2014

Company’s acomin’ in Paris

Bonjour,

Since we began our Paris trips ten years ago, we’ve always enjoyed having company. This year will be our marathon year for hosting both friends and family! Yesterday, Bernie was sure that our friends Jan Smith and Tony Porter would arrive around 3:30. They had been on the cruise with us but stayed over a day in Amsterdam. We had eaten lunch and Bernie was napping while I read. Suddenly I heard a loud whistle and a booming male voice shouting out something that sounded a little like “Bernie”. I ran to the window and couldn’t see anything but a gut feeling told me I should check it out. I scampered out our front door, ran down the steps, opened the front door and there was Tony talking with the taxi driver. It was just a miracle that I responded and got them into the building with their 7 (seven!) suitcases. They were starving so we made them a quick lunch and decided to make our way up to Montmarte because the weather was pretty nice. We climbed all the steps, looked around for some artwork in Le Place de Tertre, had an aperitif at Chez Plumeau and headed over to the rue St. Paul apartment for another aperitif and good memories. They love that little apartment! We had dinner reservations at a Salon de The in the Place des Vosges, and it was a surprisingly great dinner but too cool to eat outside. They were exhausted so early to bed for Jan while Tony and Bernie had one of their infamous debates.

Today has been like late spring with the temps almost 70 degrees. We decided to show Jan & Tony two places they had never seen before, one of which was new to us. The hottest thing going right now in Paris is the opening of the Foundation of Louis Vuitton, a contemporary art museum near the Jardin de Acclimatation. The line to get in was very long so we just used it as a photo op and did not go inside. It is built in the shape of a ship with the explanation that the creation of art is like a journey where one is transported to new horizons. We will likely go back for an inside visit with other company next week. Enjoy the lovely photos. As the French would say, “Formidable.” Then we rode to the end of Metro Line 1 to La Defense to introduce Jan & Tony to contemporary Paris and the Grande Arche. It is a massive sea of glass, mirrors and reflections especially on a sunny day. They were totally impressed. It was a gorgeous walk on a beautiful day designed to rid us of the calories that were consumed at a great little cafe along the way.