Early Arrival and A Day of Fun in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
Yesterday, Bernie’s phone rang around 8:40. I answered. It was Sharon who said, “Hey buddy, we’re sitting at Miss Manon having coffee. We’ve already been to the ATM and stored our bags at the hotel.” Yikes! Bernie had just jumped into the shower expecting to leave our apartment about 9:30 for a prearranged 10am rendezvous. So….we hustled as fast as we could to reach our guests, Sharon and Johnny Tyson, who had arrived super early. We hated that we weren’t there to say “Bienvenue à Paris” but such is life.
We had a great first day, though in Johnny’s words, “he was a bit foggy.” We understand. After a cool start to the Sunday morning, it got blazingly warm throughout the day. They insisted on walking to our apartment which was fine with us and found it to be what it is, a lovely palatial place. We stayed in this new neighborhood for a bite of lunch, showed them La Place de la Republique, then took them over to the Hotel Caron near our old apartment by 2pm to a wonderfully air-conditioned room which was ready. They took a break for the rest of the afternoon to get settled and refresh.
We went for an early dinner across the river, showed them Eglise St. Paul/St. Louis, La Place des Vosges, the old Paris wall, the beach and the construction work on Notre Dame. I feel quite sure they fell into bed and hopefully had a good night’s rest. What we would give for that cool air.
Enjoy our day in pictures which included some new café chairs, street art, and lots of dogs in cafés. Sunday is a good time to find them.
Bernie’s goal is to go at a slower pace, if possible, and have plenty of time for relaxation, enjoyment and wine, wine, wine. The first part is hard to do in Paris but not the second!
Because we have to keep air flowing through the apartment, we leave windows open and fans on all night. I’m being eaten alive by something, most likely little black gnats. Any advice from anyone??
À toute à l’heure
L & B
August 1, 2022 @ 8:19 am
I loved seeing the lines for ice cream. One of my fave places when I lived in Paris was going for a melangé at Berthillon. But not in August. They closed in August since that is when the traditional French take les vacances and desert Paris! . Imagine, one of the busiest months to sell your product and you. close down.!! Zut! alors! I know that would never happen in the States
And lack of AC. I remember that well. And heat for me. When I was in school in Paris, I lived for a while in a chambre de bonne. Almost wonderful room, top floor of a building on Quai de la Tournelle. Location couldnt be better, even if I couldnt afford La Tour d’Agent! But little heat, little hot water.!!, just great view. When my parent’s friends would come thru Paris they would always take me out for a few meals. The first one who came thru asked what she could do for me. so I told Aunt Helen that I would love a hot shower in her bathroom. They were staying in a 5 star hotel, She laughed and said yes,,, so every day when they were out sight seeing I took a shower, with thick towels and hot water. My long hair got washed daily. I think so much dirt had built up, daily was a good idea!. My mother was furious when she found out. (Her friend thought it was adorable. And was glad to do it)… And Mom forbid me for asking that of any more friends. She was so embarrassed. But the friends talked to each other, and each one when they saw me said go take a shower, Just dont tell your mother!! They got me thru!
And AC? What was AC? My godson just built a house in Luxembourg and put in AC. His Belgian father was amused. He had never had AC! Most of my relatives in Europe still dont. Oy, I need my AC here.! But I had a fan when I lived in Paris, and wet wash cloths..
Enjoy my Paris, Paris est le nombril du mode. ( said by a NYer!)
August 1, 2022 @ 2:32 pm
Delightful story! Thanks for sharing!!!
August 1, 2022 @ 11:34 am
So glad your friends arrived safely! So sorry about the gnats. Bernie’s goal sounds just right.
August 1, 2022 @ 12:07 pm
Is this the first time for all the artificial flowers? Why now and so profusely? If those black gnats are what I fought in Scotland, they’re midges. Vicious little critters. Repellent didn’t work. They would attack when clouds covered the sun. Good luck.
August 1, 2022 @ 2:29 pm
Yes, this is the first time for the artificial flowers. Perhaps to cheer folks up after COVID and also to draw attention to their restaurant or business.
August 1, 2022 @ 12:38 pm
So glad to hear Sharon and John arrived safely. It looks like you were able to visit some lovely places and eat and drink delicious selections. I think Bernie has the best plan, going forward, especially given the heat. Loved the swing chairs!
August 1, 2022 @ 2:28 pm
Cindi, I always enjoy and appreciate your comments!
August 1, 2022 @ 12:49 pm
Being eaten alive here too! I find the only thing that works for me is to eat LOTS of garlic. I literally rub a fresh clove of garlic on my clothes when we golf. It works , but the ride home is pungent – LOL😂
August 1, 2022 @ 2:27 pm
Ha! Thanks for the tip!! We’ve got the pickled garlic that we love. I’ll go for it!
August 1, 2022 @ 12:49 pm
I always love your food pictures! What is the name of the restaurant where you ate the pictured dishes?
August 1, 2022 @ 2:28 pm
Le Flore en I’Ile on the river across from Notre Dame.
August 1, 2022 @ 3:18 pm
When we were there in March visiting our granddaughter, we went back to the ice cream shop the Bilbros had introduced us to a few years ago.. It was chilly- not ice cream weather-but we loved the flavors and went there twice in one week. Can’t remember the name but it was on the Isle Saint-Louis. There was a line at the take out window so we we went inside which was fun!