Nous Somme Ici!
Bonjour mes amis,
We are here in Paris as of yesterday and it is cold! We had rain, blue skies, clouds and wind all in our first day after a good flight over. Bernie treated us to Delta First Class but with the caveat of landing at Charles de Gaulle…ugh. Tip to travelers: fly into Orly if at all possible. 
We are back in our old neighborhood on rue St. Paul, staying at the petite apartment where we stayed last year. We have a wonderful host named Marco who strives to keep us happy and well equipped. It’s probably about 500 square feet at most but is in a lovely building with a lift. We are on the inner courtyard side which in Paris is bliss. Traffic noise is awful. Believe me, at this stage of life, that is a blessing. Yes, it’s dark here by 5pm just like at home so that is quite different. We’ve already connected with a couple of friends as we walked around and even saw a horrible bicycle accident yesterday.
One of our favorite dives is Le Bouquet St. Paul where we had a bite of lunch. I’ve sworn to “no cooking” this year as it’s just a bit more than I can pull off. Eat less, walk more will be our motto. Yesterday was an 8,000 step day.
Christmas is everywhere and people grab their Christmas tree and walk home with it. Taking photos is not so spontaneous after you have to remove your gloves, find your phone, get your scarf out of the way, etc. etc. Just call me a summertime gal.
Today will be about getting totaling settled and finding the new app to make reservations for seeing Notre Dame.
So glad you’re along for the ride this year on our 21st trip to Paris…truly a fairy tale.
A bientôt
L & B
December 3, 2024 @ 11:16 am
So wonderful to wake up to your lovely message! You both look younger every year!
December 3, 2024 @ 3:39 pm
You need some glasses but Merci!
December 3, 2024 @ 11:50 am
So excited that you are there! I love Paris at Christmas! The markets are fun, the mulled wine, the windows at the grand department stores and just the neighborhood decorations. It seems magical and sitting out at Place Contrescarpe, if warm enough, is fun. Stick that phone in your coat pocket and send lots of pics!😊
December 3, 2024 @ 11:56 am
So happy you made it. Looking forward to my vicarious travels. Enjoy!!!
December 3, 2024 @ 12:03 pm
So glad you made it safely and that the apartment is to your liking! Enjoy your time!
December 3, 2024 @ 12:08 pm
We’ve been thinking of you. My electronic Advent calendar is set in Paris this year, so I’ve been trying to glimpse you two among the animated characters and Christmas scenes. Have a wonderful time and keep warm!
December 3, 2024 @ 12:50 pm
Glad you two made it with no unplanned events. Know it is chilly but……..you are in Paris!!!!!!!!!!! Bouquet St. Paul looks lovely and oh so familiar. Have some wonderful memories of that place.
Love traveling along with you!! 21 years!!!!!!!! What a “fairy tale”!!!!!
Look forward to walking those steps with you,
Sharon
December 3, 2024 @ 1:04 pm
Bon adventure, mes amis!
December 3, 2024 @ 1:25 pm
Happy to hear you made it safely to your destination and are on your way to an enjoyable visit. Look forward to following you and Bernie as you once more delight in the sites and sounds of Paris.
December 3, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Glad you arrived safely. Pictures are great. Looking forward to many more.
December 3, 2024 @ 1:57 pm
Grateful to hear you arrived safely and well.
December 3, 2024 @ 2:29 pm
Great start. The night photos are good. The red-haired lady reminds me of someone I once knew.
Pat
December 3, 2024 @ 2:54 pm
I rejoice with you over this special time in Paris! I know seeing the restoration of. Notre Dame will be awesome. Eager to hear about it. Enjoy enjoy enjoy this celebration trip!!
December 3, 2024 @ 2:57 pm
Two thumbs up on not cooking! Just walk off all that rich Parisian food. And with the cold weather, you’ll not be tempted to just stroll. It’s bitter here too.
Looking forward to a Paris Christmas.
December 3, 2024 @ 3:10 pm
Delighted you’re settled! 5pm is quite diff than 10pm summers- eek! Excited to see Paris lights through your eyes and Notre Dam as well! Wish I was eating and walking with you!!
December 3, 2024 @ 3:34 pm
So glad you made it OK. It is cold, but if you get snow while you are there, Paris in the snow will be magical. Stay warm and have fun! I like your dining plans! Very practical.
December 3, 2024 @ 3:37 pm
I am so happy for you, Linda. This is a remarkable trip and a milestone. Hope your stay is beyond wonderful. You and Bernie both deserve it. Thanks for sharing the photos and stories.
Shobha
December 3, 2024 @ 3:55 pm
Hi Linda,
I was so pleased to see an email from you. I’d actually been thinking of you about a week ago,wondering when you’d arrive in Paris. Yes, it will be quite different than your summer visits. But you are THERE! So glad you and Bernie felt able to go this year. No, don’t cook. I never do a real meal when there. A hearty lunch out somewhere and then some cheese, etc in the evening if we are a bit hungry. We’ve come to enjoy a leisurely lunch. It’s a nice break in the day spent walking or museum visiting.
I’m along for the ride. Hoping all goes well and you can write about your adventures. I’m ok with fewer pictures.
Allons-y
December 3, 2024 @ 4:24 pm
I am so happy for you and Bernie. I’m looking forward to all your pictures and the descriptions.
December 3, 2024 @ 4:27 pm
So glad you had a good flight over. I know what you mean about Charles de Gaulle. Only flew into it once! We are looking forward to your views of Notre Dame. Have a wonderful and magical time.
December 3, 2024 @ 4:42 pm
Enjoy you too look forward to seeing your photos and following your journey if you see Ann Jeanne please tell her Bonjour from me to her
December 3, 2024 @ 5:54 pm
How exciting! I cannot wait to follow you and Bernie as you enjoy being there once again. Thank you for sharing your trip. Looking forward to this Christmas in Paris.
December 3, 2024 @ 9:31 pm
Oh Linda, I was so in hopes of seeing your luggage! In remembering your discussion of never packing for a winter visit there. Bulky sweaters, hats, boots etc. I imagined zipper-bulging prayers for closure. I’m anxious to hear all about your upcoming visit to Notre Dame
December 3, 2024 @ 9:32 pm
Oh Linda, I was so in hopes of seeing your luggage! In remembering your discussion of never packing for a winter visit there. Bulky sweaters, hats, boots etc. I imagined zipper-bulging prayers for closure. I’m anxious to hear all about your upcoming visit to Notre Dame
December 4, 2024 @ 10:57 am
Carol, I did pretty well. Only 3 pairs of shoes, two large bags and one carry-on. I wore my coat but did squeeze in a fully vest and jacket. Bernie started to comment but thought better of it…ha! Glad you are reading the blog!
December 3, 2024 @ 10:30 pm
Thrilled to see the two of you back in your beloved Paris!
Wishing you both a beautiful visit. Your best yet!
Will be looking forward to living vicariously through your posts once more!
Blessings!
December 4, 2024 @ 3:13 am
So glad to see you and Bernie are safely back in Paris. Happy Holidays