Nous Sommes Ici! We are in Paris!
Bonjour de Paris!
Our travel to Paris yesterday was completely free of any issues. All the fuss and bother about tests and masks and vaccination cards was uneventful, and we are indeed breathing easier this morning. There was hardly anyone at Orly airport and Paris is empty of the throngs we are used to. Coming into 42 rue St. Paul, an apartment we have stayed in over the years, does indeed feel like coming home. Our landlady does not live in Paris and like us is getting older. We understand that the apartment is FOR SALE which brings some sadness to us. Who knows what the future holds. We’ve had wonderful memories here which we have shared with many of you. Life changes and we move forward.
Within the first two hours, we ran into almost everyone we know here in our “hood.” It was uncanny but not coincidental in my opinion. It was God’s way of welcoming us and we loved it! We even had a lovely dinner last night with one of our favorite neighbors and yes, foie gras showed up on our plates! Bernie had rabbit!
I am freaking out a little as I try to compose my first blog because Word Press has put an entire new process in place, and I’m at a loss as to how to make it all work. Can’t even figure out how to insert a photograph! Ugh! Bear with me as I learn the mechanics. The old way was so familiar and easy. Ah, finally found something called “Classic Editor” and it worked so here we go!
Dozens of you voted on a theme for this year, and there was a tie between my suggestion on showcasing the lovers of Paris and selecting beautiful, unusual doors and door knockers as we stroll around Paris every day. I’ve decided since it was a tie to do a little of both. I hope you will enjoy.
One difference in Paris that we noticed immediately is the outside sidewalk dining which has popped up everywhere. 
So, all is well and we look forward to a fantastic three months here. So glad you are traveling with us. We love to read your comments. And a belated Happy Fourth to our followers in the USA.
Best,
L & B
July 5, 2021 @ 9:23 am
I’m so pleased to hear you and Bernie made it safely and without incident to your favorite destination. I look forward to your daily blog sharing the highlights of life in Paris.
Cindi
July 5, 2021 @ 11:23 am
Thanks Linda! We feel like we are there with you!
Much love to you and Bernie !
From Jodie and Dennis Clements
July 5, 2021 @ 11:32 am
Thank you so much for sharing. Love my vicarious travels to France through your blog! Thank you.
July 5, 2021 @ 11:34 am
I can feel the excitement in your post. I am looking forward to following along with you the next three months. Hugs to you both. Debbie
July 5, 2021 @ 11:34 am
Bonjour. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to the next chapter
July 5, 2021 @ 11:55 am
So good to hear of your safe and stress free trip and happy 3 month beginning. Look forward to hearing more happy news.
July 5, 2021 @ 12:26 pm
Welcome to Paris! Let the fun begin!!
July 5, 2021 @ 1:05 pm
Looks like a very different Paris. So glad your journey was safe and uneventful. Let the fun begin!!! We arrive at our condo this afternoon.
July 5, 2021 @ 1:12 pm
Excellent séjour!
July 5, 2021 @ 1:18 pm
Glad you are there and safe. We make it to Minnesota today after a four day car trip. Has not been bad, just somewhat painful with my back condition that I can’t seem to improve. Wish I were there to help you with WordPress—it’s always a challenge. I feel you pain.
July 5, 2021 @ 1:24 pm
Great start to the day. We find you in Bernie back in Paris, Tour de France is running back to back on TV, a very nice stained glass door, and Paris finally adding a little sophistication to it’s culinary selection by adding SUBWAY (my favorite). If you don’t think you’ll burst into flames, step inside and check out the menu. I’d be interested to know if the ingredients are similar to ours here or are localized. Have a great Summer. If the crowds continue to be sparse, I can imagine a different feel to your visit.
July 5, 2021 @ 1:29 pm
Boy, that smile on Bernie’s face says it all!!!!!!!!! Glad that the trip was uneventful and all is well upon your arrival. Like so many others, I love traveling along with you as you and Bernie make more of those “lifetime” memories. Happy days and lovely strolls in the fabulous “City of Light”!!!!!!!!!!
July 5, 2021 @ 1:42 pm
Linda, I feel like I’m right there with you as I see the photos of the apartment where I was fortunate to stay with you several times. And seeing the kitchen reminded me of the play “Saran Wrap” that I conceived but never wrote — about your visitors (Bernie’s cousin?). This is the best news — that you are happily ensconced once again in Paris! I hope you will be able to see that ATGET exhibit at the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson that I learned about in EYE PREFER PARIS. My photographer friend Wayne Sides and I wish we could jump a plane and see it together. Much love to you both, Jeanie
July 5, 2021 @ 3:59 pm
Jeanie, I have written this exhibit infor down and we’ll try to find out where it is. Today, we went by the Shakespeare bookstore and I remembered our little celebration at the cafe next door.
July 5, 2021 @ 1:48 pm
Oh my! What a wonderful treat to wake up to your blog! The pictures evoke so many memories of my favorite place that I now have tears in my eyes! But joy in my heart as I rejoice your safe arrival and warm welcome! I love the two themes you’ve picked and look forward to a wonderful three months of travel with you!
July 5, 2021 @ 1:54 pm
So glad you are there!! I love traveling with you. The outside dining is so reminiscent of NYC! Have a great 3 months!
July 5, 2021 @ 2:23 pm
Bernie, you don’t look a day older than the last time we got together. Nice!
July 5, 2021 @ 2:53 pm
Enjoying ur blog once again highlight my days! Know this 3 months will be extra special. Hope U may be able to see Laurie and Pierre even though ur schedule is really full.
July 5, 2021 @ 3:01 pm
I’m so happy for you and Bernie that you are in your Paris home! Thanks for sharing a bit of Paris!
July 5, 2021 @ 3:35 pm
Glad you had safe travels!
Bernie looks so happy!!
Enjoy your stay!
Love, Jill
July 5, 2021 @ 5:00 pm
Wonderful news that you are there and your travel was smooth. Your blog is always interesting and such fun! Looking forward to more Paris lovers and door knockers.
July 5, 2021 @ 5:10 pm
Félicitations Linda and Bernie!!
You two are intrepid travelers whose long wait to return to PARIS has finally ended – a well-deserved reward for all of your waiting and careful planning.
I look forward to your posts and will read each one with joy and a little bit of envy. (Or maybe a lot!)
Meilleurs amitiés,
Dorcas
July 5, 2021 @ 5:26 pm
How perfect it sounds. So happy for you both. Love the themes. We are headed to Atlanta area for a garden and pet loving time.
July 5, 2021 @ 6:16 pm
So glad you are there safe and sound with an easy travel experience. We are still in anxiety mode for our travels on the 11th. Paris sounds lovely, as always! I hope they are through with all the road work on your street and that you can comfortably stroll the neighborhood. See you in a few weeks!
July 6, 2021 @ 4:52 am
No road work!! Very, very cool. I never seem to hit the wardrobe choices just right. I was prepared for very hot weather. 50’s at night. Low 70’s during the day. Not complaining, just unprepared!
July 5, 2021 @ 7:43 pm
Linda and Bernie, Congratulations on your safe arrival. Uneventful destination travels are the very best! I’m looking forward to your blogs and Bernie’s photos as I, once more, travel vicariously through Paris!
Lovers, doorknobs, your musings and other fanciful photos will be treasures I savor!
July 5, 2021 @ 7:48 pm
Congratulations on your safe arrival! I’m looking forward to your blog, Bernie’s photos and the themes! Treasures to be savored!
July 5, 2021 @ 7:57 pm
Have been looking forward to your first blog and it was fabulous! Have fun and savor every minute on exciting adventures everyday.
July 5, 2021 @ 11:06 pm
So happy for you- and for us with whom you share the joy of travel, especially in Paris. We thank you so much! Carry on!
July 6, 2021 @ 2:17 am
So happy you are both in your favorite place and for such a nice long visit. Perfect solution on your apartment is for you and Bernie to buy it and rent to all of us when you are not there! I so look forward to starting my day with your blog the next 3 months. Brings me such joy!
July 6, 2021 @ 5:31 am
Oh my goodness – for sale!? Glad I’ll get to see it once again before perhaps not. Alas – the weather is NICE…Paris must know I’m coming back!! Love the themes…I completely missed the vote but will be fun to watch and search for. A SUBWAY and right across from your apartment…Carson will have a full belly after all! Is it the same menu as the states?? And I’m STOKED about all of the outside seating! I enjoy reading the blogs AND reading the comments from everyone. Speaking of, my curiosity is peaked about this Saran Wrap shenanigans…do tell 🙂
July 6, 2021 @ 9:17 am
Saran Wrap??? Don’t understand. We have never eaten at the Subway so don’t know about the menu.
July 7, 2021 @ 3:30 pm
Mom, Jeanie Thompson’s comment! 😜
July 8, 2021 @ 12:52 am
Looking forward to your posts and life in Paris while you and Bernie are there.
It is so enjoyable to see and feel the streets of Paris through your and Bernies’s eyes and cameras.
Enjoying.
July 8, 2021 @ 5:17 am
Merci! Glad you are joining us!