Parisian Drama Even on a Birthday!!
Bonjour mes amis,
Well, what a day we had trying to celebrate Bernie’s actual birthday of November 15th. I hope this brings some laughter and amusement to you. Some of it wasn’t funny last night as I sat with tears in my eyes, but oh, the memories and stories we will tell in the future.
First was the weather…probably the worst weather day we’ve had since we arrived on September 15. It rained a cold, windy rain ALL day and into the evening. There is some snow in the forecast.
Our lunch destination was at a Café we’ve visited often BUT always sat outside. It was much too cold to sit on “l’exterior” … we had no idea how tiny it was on the inside. There were 8 of us and we were stuffed like sardines, truly!!
We walked in the cold rain over to the Louvre for the Leonardo de Vinci exhibit which the French called Léonard only to find utter chaos. We queued with the masses starting at 2:15 for a 3pm appointment time. Poor Curt was in drastic need of a toilette which complicated matters significantly. I had a confrontation with a lady who just walked up and broke in line, making her at least get behind our group. Finally, after getting through security and finding a bathroom for Curt, we realized that there was another long queue to actually get into the exhibit once inside. It was pretty darn ridiculous, and we suddenly realized that all of these people on the outside were going to be on the inside…so how in the world would we ever really see any of the exhibit? We were correct and the total experience was a disappointment. Diane, who is an art history major was especially frustrated. Her summary was “ there were mainly just sketches and not many major works.” The powers that be had grossly oversold the time slots and completely compromised one’s ability to enjoy and read about each entry. We did the best we could on photos but quickly abandoned trying to get the identifying information. If you know De Vinci, maybe you can follow along but if not, oh well! Thanks to Bernie’s camera for getting most of these for us as he fought the crowds.
We mostly gave up at the exhibit and rushed home to try to have a little down town before our birthday dinner at Les Ombres. At 6:30 Bernie and I and the two brothers amid the icy rain walked over to the taxi stand. Being that it was Friday night and raining, there were no taxis. We stood for about 20 minutes, wet and freezing, and I finally made the call to go across the street to our metro stop and just take the metro. (I didn’t want to walk over the river to get to the restaurant, thus the taxi.) So…we prance right up to the steps leading down to St. Paul station only to find the big gate pulled across the entrance and locked up tight. We were then panicked as we knew we were going to be late for our own party. Finally, in desperation, Bernie suggested we walk the three blocks to Bill and Steve’s little hotel and see if the concierge would call us a taxi. When we got there, he explained that taxis were difficult but he would try. I had him call Les Ombres and spoke to Laurie telling her our dilemma. “Don’t worry, Linda, she said, in her usual calm voice. By this time, I’m in tears thinking of all the planning and anticipation. About 15 minutes later, a taxi pulled up for us, then another 25 minutes fighting the traffic, and finally our grand entrance. I believe a bottle of champagne had already been consumed.
Anyway, it was a great evening after that though much too cold to step onto the patio for a look at the Eiffel Tower and a toast to Bernie. Our friends from London, Malcom and Antonia, joined us and brought gorgeous flowers for the table. 
Taxis were retrieved much more easily for our departure around 11pm, but if you think that’s all the drama, you would be mistaken. When we arrived at rue St. Paul, the taxi driver’s foot slipped as Bill was getting out of the back of the van, jolting him sideways. The cab almost hit a row of motorcycles but managed to stop just a foot away. Pretty darn close. Somehow, it was the perfect way to end a rather crazy evening!
So hope you’re laughing. I gave up on posting more of the exhibit because the internet is not working and this has taken me about two hours to write. I was determined to get in the birthday!!
Thanks for ALL the birthday wishes and cards to Bernie. He was very touched by the whole evening, albeit a bit stressed. Truly a memorable 80th!!
The Yellow Vest folks are set to demonstrate all day today and most of our metro stops are closed. I’m throwing a dinner party in the apartment this evening and we’ll miss the El Greco exhibit. Somehow, after yesterday, we’re not too sorry…ha!
L & B
November 16, 2019 @ 9:24 am
Oh what a birthday!!
Well done all and special thanks to you Linda for telling it so well. Thankful Bill is OK after the darn taxi mishap.
Today sounds like a perfect day to avoid the hordes! Have a lovely gathering chez L&B and am sure it will be a highlight for all.
Cheering you on! xx
November 16, 2019 @ 9:43 am
Thank you again for inviting us to celebrate with the family. We felt so honoured.
I am sure you are happy to stay local today after all the stress of yesterday.
It was worth it in the end!
And oh what a unique and special present you gave Bernie.
Love, Antonia and Malcolm xx
November 16, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
You all will never forget Bernie’s 80 birthday! Despite the obstacles and frustrations of the day the true gift for Bernie, and I believe for most of us, was the love and company of those he loves and who love him. The pictures of your time together on his day speak volumes.
November 16, 2019 @ 12:48 pm
With good friends and family (and good food!) to celebrate and remember always, the rest can become just a tale to tell. The hostess obviously suffers the most, but the guests will just be delighted that they had the time with Bernie and Linda in Paris. What a special man and a special birthday.
Thanks for the “shout out.”
November 16, 2019 @ 1:44 pm
Sorry about things going so badly on such an important day. BUT … if you don’t laugh about it, you will certainly cry!
Thanks for sharing the experience.
November 16, 2019 @ 1:48 pm
Linda! UBER! We used it all over Paris. So easy to do, so fast to get there, less expensive UNLESS you are going to or from the airport, and all the vehicles we got were scrupulously clean and very nice.
A beautiful birthday dinner. You are doing an amazing job organizing this celebration. I celebrate YOU!
November 16, 2019 @ 2:03 pm
Tried Uber twice with no success. Probably operator error!
November 16, 2019 @ 1:51 pm
What a description of a great day that started in such a disastrous way. We’ve all been there and felt the anxiety you described. Family outings can have a way of unfolding like that. That was a fine gift, I’m sure all the brothers enjoyed that.
Happy Birthday Bernie – and congratulations on having so many folks willing to brave natural and man-made obstacles to celebrate with you.
November 16, 2019 @ 2:10 pm
No doubt the celebration of Bernie’s 80th was the sunshine of the day. Many memories along with delightful company of family and friends made the day a total success to be talked about for the years to come. The follow-up of today’s gathering will only enhance this celebratory weekend. My vote for Linda as “Hostess of the Year”.
Cheers to all.
November 16, 2019 @ 2:24 pm
Thanks for the blog. I know how frustrating it is. You are to be commended for soldiering on. Most of us would have just watched an old movie, read a book by the fire, and served peanut butter sandwiches. Your determination to celebrate in style becomes you. Interesting to note that birthday boy seems unaffected by any of it. That’s my friend, solid to the end come what may. There is a French phrase for that, but can hardly spell in English much less French.
November 16, 2019 @ 2:35 pm
Oh, dear friend!🥴 But, naturally you pulled it off with aplomb. Amazing how things work out for the best. Yes, one can only laugh about it now that it’s done. Mother Nature can be a witch. Hopefully all is better today. R and R can’t be far away!
November 16, 2019 @ 2:47 pm
I would have given up long before you did! Beautiful celebration in the end! The group picture is one of my favorites…no sign of tears that had been shed…Linda you are beautiful!!! Happy Birthday Bernie, you are loved!!!
November 16, 2019 @ 3:29 pm
Oh dear! What a day! I do wish we could have been there to hold your hand! I imagine you all felt like bedraggled puppies from all their sin and cold! As you said though, you have some great stories to entertain with for many years to come! I hope you are enjoying your day of rest today. Just sitting around visiting with family and friends could give you your happiest moments of the whole birthday week. Maybe it will snow turning the city into a Parisian wonderland. Happy birthday to Bernie and congratulations to you on pulling it all together, even if there were a *few* setbacks.
November 16, 2019 @ 3:30 pm
Thanks auto correct! …all that rain… no sinning involved, except maybe a few curse words!
November 16, 2019 @ 3:33 pm
And by the way, Bernie does NOT look 80! And the food looks delicious!
November 16, 2019 @ 3:57 pm
Happy Birthday Bernie!! My favorite part of the last few days is seeing you so incredibly happy! And I love him attempting to humor y’all in line…I’m sure he laughed at himself and mom said to stop LOL! Beautiful flowers and beautiful people- y’all stepped the dress up a notch, oui? Love y’all!!