A Shock in our Paris Neighborhood and in the EU
Bonjour,
We awoke this morning to the shock of Great Britain’s vote to leave the EU, followed by David Cameron’s resignation. If you have investment in the US stock market, there will likely be some some rocky days ahead. Regardless of your opinion on this issue, it will bring huge changes to Europe and the world, emphasizing how connected we are globally. For Americans, it will mean cheaper travel to England at least for a while, and the dollar here is already up against the euro. Those who voted to leave (52%) are primarily the labor party whose biggest issue seems to be immigration, not unlike in the United States, as well as a statement against big government and the wealthy. Time will tell what the all the ramifications will be.
Life does have a way of proving us wrong just when we think we are right! After stating so vociferously that we had not experienced any of the dissention in France, there was a rather large “manifestation” or strike in Paris yesterday at noon, and it was right out our front door at the Bastille! Bernie discreetly tried to get some pictures. The good news was that the strike led to no violence at all, though we were shocked at subway closures and having to pass through a barrage of policemen checking our personal handbags and backpacks. So. . .the irony was pretty incredible. 
Because of the day’s events, we had to change our “programme” which had been a trip via subway through the area called Nation where many of the protesters were coming from. We decided just to go to the Champs Elysées for lunch. One of our favorite little restaurants had closed and we were so disappointed. It was a little hideaway spot at the end of one of the shopping passages. We shifted gears, ate lunch, and strolled. Here’s a funny for you. . .it was almost 85 degrees yesterday in Paris so MAYBE summer has finally arrived.
Last evening was Bernie’s son’s final night in Paris, and we enjoyed a very pleasant, but warm, meal at a delightful little restaurant on Ile St. Louis called L’ilot Vache, the place of the cows. This is one of the best buys in Paris for a nice dinner. The fixed price menu is 39 euros and includes a starter, a main dish, a cheese plate, and a dessert. Fantastic! Here are some pics from our delicious meal.
I’ll close with a fun little sign which is Bernie’s favorite and hangs in our little cafe that we love, Le Bouquet St. Paul.
“Medication of the Moment given without a prescription”. Then it goes on to list the amount and price of the various wines they serve.
We are reading about the unbearable heat in Alabama and send our condolences.
A bientôt
L & B
June 24, 2016 @ 11:53 am
Wasnt that restaurant where we all ate our last night? Remember my polka dot coat and how warm we were! But a good meal.
June 24, 2016 @ 2:37 pm
Yes, I think it was!
June 24, 2016 @ 2:51 pm
Linda: Are there certain types of merchandise that you have always found to be a bargain & shop for in Paris? Assuming an even stronger dollar now, are you keeping your eye on certain items you would like to pick? Do you do some of your Christmas shopping during your stays in Paris? The larger pics show off Bernie’s camera skills. Pat
June 24, 2016 @ 2:58 pm
I do very little shopping in Paris as everything is very expensive. And never any Christmas shopping for that reason. That said, bottles of wine are quite inexpensive compared to what we pay in America. They
June 25, 2016 @ 3:45 am
I enjoy your comments so much. Yes, the Dow closed down over 600 today–tough on the 401(k)! Did the Brits have any idea what they were doing to the world markets?!?
Sorry there is unrest in France too–like everywhere.
Just staying inside with air conditioning.
Wish I were there!!
Barbara
June 25, 2016 @ 5:10 am
We were shocked at the vote in Britain. Glad you are following our blog! Stay cool.
June 25, 2016 @ 8:48 pm
Linda,
As usual your food photos are tantalizing. Be happy with your 85, as I’m sure you’ve heard it is oppressive here.
I suspect we haven’t seen the last country to leave the EU, and feel that it will be some time before we know the full repercussions.