Saying Farewell to Birthday Company
Bonjour,
Saying good-bye is rarely as much fun as saying “welcome.” All of our company was gone on Sunday morning before noon. Bernie had tears in his eyes and warm memories in his heart as he embraced his cousins and his brothers in farewell. What a great week we’ve had even with the mishaps which with time will get more and more funny.
We had a slow easy day of mostly rest and eating in. I shared some of the leftover food with neighbors except for that delicious chocolate candy (Ann Jeanne)!
By 2 in the afternoon, the sun was out and we decided to go to the Christmas market at the Tuileries. What a sight to see but not exactly what I was expecting. It was more of a carnival atmosphere instead of a shopping experience… with everything from sausage to waffles, sledding run to bumper cars, a few Christmas decorations to an ice skating rink. It was packed with families and small children enjoying the crisp November air in the absence of rain!!
We discovered too late via email communication that our friends Malcolm and Antonia were there at the very same time before leaving Paris for London on the Eurostar. How neat it would have been to connect there for a cup of chocolat chaud or hot chocolate!
Prior to this year, this event had been on the Champs but was moved to the Tuileries by order of the Mayor. Antonia’s observation was that it was much better along the Champs and much too jammed together in a tight space this year. I would agree! However, it was a treat to see it all and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Paris.
The light photo of the day is the one up top of the giant carousel or Ferris wheel, highlighted by the afternoon sun.
We have three weeks remaining in our trip and hope to discover as many of the lights of Christmas as possible to share with you. My daughter made an interesting observation last night when she said that she used to like my blogs better years ago when I was just discovering how to do everything and assimilate into the culture. I suppose she is right and if you’ve read our book, “Bernie’s Paris,” you will get a lot of that slant. Now Paris is like a comfortable shoe that I can’t wait to put on or a favorite neighbor who always has a warm cup of coffee or a glass of wine to share. We try hard not to take it for granted. But Paris is also about difficult laundry, closed Metro stations, lots of rainy days, televisions that don’t work, steps galore, and blaring sirens. It’s just life in a different context from what we know in the USA. I love both places but Paris has my passion and my heart because it’s our place…Bernie’s and mine.
Having said that, it’s time to start the laundry which will take the better part of our day…ha!
Love to family who have all made it safely home. Thanks for bringing so much joy to our past week.
À bientôt
L & B
November 18, 2019 @ 12:41 pm
Linda, oh how I love your blog! I was sad to see we only have three more weeks. What will I do while I am drinking my coffee every morning. You and Bernie are like energizer bunnies. Daily exploring, shopping, eating out, entertaining, and lots of walking are the norm for you all. I love reading about every bit of it. I too love Paris and you enable me to experience it every morning.
Sounds like Bernie had a memorable birthday! Just having that wonderful picture of his special dinner with brothers and family makes it all worth it.
Thank you again for your delightful blog!
November 18, 2019 @ 4:20 pm
Merci, Ann! It takes a lot of time and your feedback is so appreciated.
November 18, 2019 @ 12:50 pm
Ah, that mayor again! I can imagine what the tour guides are saying about her today. As to Paris, you have made it comfortable for us as well. I was amazed when I was there at how much I remembered and even at how I might be able to get around. Your blog and our visits make it feel like another “home” for us. I am amazed at the similarities and the differences between Paris and our world here in Huntsville. I am also aware, particularly in the emphasis on Christmas, how different Paris is from London. Each place has its own personality.
November 18, 2019 @ 2:32 pm
The Christmas Market photos remind me a little bit of our state fairs atmosphere with rides and “ bad food”. Looks like fun for the whole family!
November 18, 2019 @ 4:21 pm
Reminded me of the Lincoln County Fair!
November 18, 2019 @ 6:37 pm
Experiencing the lead up to Christmas in Paris is proving to be very enjoyable. Charles Gattis said that London and Paris celebrate Christmas differently. Do you know how they are different? Tks
November 18, 2019 @ 8:05 pm
I don’t know the answer, Pat. I might guess that it has something to do with differences in Anglican and Catholic traditions but that’s just a guess.
November 18, 2019 @ 10:28 pm
What a wonderful week and such poignant goog-byes. Linda you’re a shining star and so is Bernie.
Great info re the Tuileries ‘market’ and I agree with Antonia 🙂
Looking forward to your Christmasy light photos. We only wish you were staying longer so we’d overlap again.
Have a great Paris week dear L&B!
November 20, 2019 @ 11:13 pm
Someday, you and/or Bernie will wish you had many more pictures of each other amongst all the scenery.
Thanks again for being such a lovely and considerate host to Bill and I. It was, indeed, the trip of a lifetime.
ylf sos
November 21, 2019 @ 6:00 am
Enjoyed having you in Paris, Steve. Thanks for the petite table tray and the Christmas ornament. Sorry you don’t like our choice of photos but likely won’t change. We’re trying to share Paris with folks, not build a family album! Over 16 years, we have hundreds of photos of each other! THis year was all about the light theme and now over the next two weeks, everything will be about Christmas lights. Try to enjoy!! See you perhaps again during the holidays.
November 21, 2019 @ 2:31 pm
What fun! We shall enjoy your last thre3 weeks with you!