Precious Time with Paris Friends
I AM RESENDING THIS POST BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE DID NOT RECEIVE IT.
Bonjour mes amis,
Our last few days have been a bit weird and my blog-writing and photography have suffered. For that, I offer regrets but it certainly hasn’t been intentional. I’ve been a bit under the weather, but after a trip to the ER yesterday to the American Hospital of Paris, I am hopefully on the mend. Time will tell. The ER doc yesterday was a bit overwhelmed by some of my more recent medical history but turns out he made the very best decision for me, according to communication with my doc in Huntsville. So onward and upward. God is good!! And so is this internet-connected world we live in.
Our time as you know is winding down with ten days remaining here in Paris. We are choosing to spend as much of it as possible with our Paris friends. I mentioned to you that we had been invited to an “apero” which literally is short for aperitif but as one person said to me, “how can you have an aperitif by yourself?” So an “apero” is a small gathering of friends to eat and drink together and enjoy the moment. On Sunday, we went to the apartment of one of our friends, Elena who is the girlfriend of Bernie’s best friend here, Jerome. What an absolute delightful afternoon we had. Her apartment is on rue Pavé on the fifth floor (with a lift) overlooking the Jewish library. Tiny, of course, but perfectly arranged to be inviting and lovely. Taking photos in the homes of friends is a bit touchy so I don’t have too many. I have never seen such amazing hors d’oeuvres served just a few at a time. All kinds of fancy saucisson from Spain, bite sized tapas, wonderful exotic smoked salmon which she had bought at the Bastille market that morning, a special Camembert cheese with calvados which was unbelievable. Melon kabobs with all kinds of interesting additions, special breads besides just a baguette, and the best of all, tiny cups filled with a deviled egg topped with a peeled shrimp. Two other friends of theirs came with their two doggies, KiKi and Otto, who were perfectly behaved. It was Leopolo’s 59th birthday. He is a professional opera singer and teaches voice. He serenaded us all afternoon with his deep, booming baritone voice. Bernie joined in on some of it. To top off the time together, Elena had bought a beautiful birthday cake done as only the French can do. Decorated with strawberries, it had a pistachio base filled with crème. Oui, it was a low-calorie afternoon! And it was also a memory that we will forever cherish.
After our time at the ER yesterday morning, we took the bus to Bernie’s old neighborhood around Place Victor Hugo. There is a favorite restaurant we always enjoy called Romeo. It’s lovely on the inside and we sat at the very same table where I captured Bernie in a photo in October of 2019 which ended up winning the light theme contest that year. You may remember it. I found the photo in my library!
Last evening, we were invited to dinner at the home of our former neighbor and dear friend, Chantal, whose apartment was on the same floor as ours for years. Climbing those 34 steps to our old apartment was heart-wrenching…so many memories from so many years. Some of you have stayed in that apartment with us. Chantal had such a delightful meal for us, as she said “all cold.” The starter was a jellied soft poached egg wrapped in ham followed by Spanish pork with a salad. The dessert was from a shop on Francois Miron, little meringue cakes which were like eating air. We had an assortment of chocolate, strawberry, praline, coffee, etc. Here’s the web site of the shop if you want to take a look.
https://auxmerveilleux.com/en/merveilleux/65-179-mini-merveilleux.html#/4-flavor-chocolate
It was a 4-hour visit which we cherished. We will try to connect one more time on Friday afternoon for a visit to a shop Chantal knows near Odeon which sells café chairs! How appropriate that would be.
Speaking of which, just when I think I can’t find any different café chairs to show you, here’s some from our bus ride.
Today looks to be a rainy one. Our plan to go to Montmartre one last time will have to wait.
Have a great day,
L & B
September 13, 2022 @ 6:56 am
You amaze me that you interject an ER visit as if it’s just another stop in your day. Nonetheless I’m delighted you haven’t had to give up these precious moments with your Parisian friends. “One last time” seems to be ringing loudly as you write…knowing this may be your true farewell to Paris. You and we have been forever changed, mom 🙂
September 13, 2022 @ 7:39 am
Very sweet, Natalie. Time will tell, won’t it? Yes, Paris has changed me in a good way forever. I’m glad that it has affected your life with such a positive force. That’s what travel does for all of us and why it is so important.
September 13, 2022 @ 7:39 am
What a lovely time you are having with friends! I know you are cherishing each moment.
September 13, 2022 @ 11:08 am
I can’t think of a better way to wind down your trip than spending time with friends in the city you both love. I hope the doctor you saw will help you feel better and be able to enjoy your remaining time in the places, with the people you cherish.
September 13, 2022 @ 11:57 am
You amaze me with your boundless energy to continue enjoying Paris and friends even interspersed with a trip to the hospital. Please take care of yourself!
September 13, 2022 @ 12:00 pm
I agree with Natalie… oh ho hum, went to the ER… la la la, went to a party… climbed 34 steps… you are amazing! Hope everything is well and that nothing interferes with your enjoyment of the next days. Recreating the pictures in the reflection was well done!
September 13, 2022 @ 1:24 pm
When you have no doctor, there is no other choice than to go to the ER. It sounds much worse than it was. I am still in their system which is funny. That was my third or fourth trip over the last 15 years.
September 13, 2022 @ 12:54 pm
Paris won’t be complete without an ER drop in, huh.? We’ve had a few this summer ourselves. You’re truly having a delightful last days. Am ready for my chair vote.
September 13, 2022 @ 1:14 pm
lol…as always I see Bernie made fast friends with the pup! looks like a great afternoon.
September 13, 2022 @ 2:39 pm
Never a dull moment. Lots going on in this post. As always interesting and entertaining. Green seems to be today’s color. I didn’t see the dog until Chris pointed it out. Ghosts appearing and then disappearing in the mirrors (or window reflections). Take care. Thanks
September 13, 2022 @ 6:45 pm
Please take care of yourself. I hope you recovered quickly and can enjoy your time in Paris.
I love, love the green chairs. Are they as comfortable as they look?
Sophia
September 13, 2022 @ 7:50 pm
YES, it’s a beautiful restaurant with delicious food that is not over-priced.
September 14, 2022 @ 5:52 pm
Like the others, I hope you are feeling well. Love your spunk and positive spin on life. What a beautiful day you had! I feel like I am there with you and your friends. Once again, thank you for transporting us to Paris with you.