Strolling Along Les Champs Elysées
Bonjour,
Life in Paris embraces many facets, most of which are truly wonderful. The reality of walking, however, is one which can be overwhelming. Yes, it does offset the need to worry over calories. Where we are now in this beautiful, unexpected apartment versus where our guests are and will be located for the extent of our time here is a test of our endurance. But with each passing day, we are adjusting and getting used to our extended number of steps. We’re very thankful to be able to push forward. Ages 75 (me) and almost 83 (Bernie) are not young in anyone’s book, but we’re trying to prove that we can beat the odds of getting older. Time will tell.
Only in Paris would you have an elevator that goes up but doesn’t go down!! Someone asked how we will get our luggage down the 40 steps. We’ve already figured out how to game the system and make it work…ha!
Thank you all for the inspiring comments on the blog. I haven’t had time to respond to many of them but they are fuel to my blogging fire and much appreciated!
Bernie was up and at ‘em at 6:30 this morning to meet Natalie and Lisa and get them to the train for DisneyLand Paris. I stayed behind to catch up a bit. They were almost scammed at the Nation subway station and had a brief encounter with the train police who nabbed the scam artist. Perhaps it was a good lesson for Natalie who doesn’t pay much heed to her Mother’s concerns about their midnight return this evening by themselves. We hope they have a fantastic trip and also a wake-up call to be ever vigilant.
Yesterday was all about Les Champs Elysées. First, the Arc de Triomphe, then the extraordinary Apple store unlike any you’ve ever seen, lunch at the Paradis du Fruit, the Hotel Georges Cinq with its gorgeous flowers in the lobby area, and Princess Diana’s tribute by the tunnel where she died near Pont Alma. Amid this, Lisa’s Croc snapped a buckle, and she had to walk barefoot down Avenue Georges Cinq, one of the swankiest streets in Paris. Unfortunately, no one thought to snap any photos! We plopped her down at a bus stop so she could sit while we ran to a Franprix grocery store. Between Bernie, the Boy Scout and Natalie, the home-fixer realtor, they bought Super Glue and a sewing kit, and were able to repair Lisa’s shoe!
We were under a time deadline because our friends Richard Nahem and his partner Vincent were coming for an aperitif at 5:30. No one but yours truly has any sense of time versus how long it takes to get here and there. We stepped into the apartment at 5:22 throwing together snacks, wine and sparkling water and trying to get somewhat of a presentation ready for company. Thank goodness they were a few minutes late! It was lovely to see them and have our usual lively conversation. We all walked to dinner down rue de Turenne to a favorite spot where I fell in love with my first French waiter, Olivier, about 15 years ago.
Here’s a recap of our day in photos. Enjoy!
I must share just a few more photos Natalie took as we were leaving the river boat cruise. Magnificent views of Paris at its prettiest. By the way, Richard told us it hadn’t rained here for four months!
If we’re overwhelming you with too many photos, let us know.
L & B
July 16, 2022 @ 9:38 am
We love the photos; the more, the better!
July 16, 2022 @ 11:38 am
Never too many photos for me! It helps me connect your story to the words.
July 16, 2022 @ 11:41 am
Love all the photos. Beautiful orchids!
July 16, 2022 @ 12:29 pm
Love the photos. Natalie so beautiful. Is your apartment air conditioned? I see window open. It certainly seems more spacious.
July 16, 2022 @ 1:07 pm
No air-conditioning, I’m afraid.
July 16, 2022 @ 12:50 pm
Never too many photos.
July 16, 2022 @ 1:00 pm
Enjoying your blogs! New apartment looks very nice. All that walking is what keeps you all young.
July 16, 2022 @ 2:20 pm
Love the pictures and commentary!
July 16, 2022 @ 2:26 pm
I love seeing Paris through your and Bernie’s eyes. I was there in June for 2 weeks and your pictures remind me of our wonderful time. We are about the same ages as you and Bernie, and wondered if we could walk as much as we did on our visit 3 years ago before COVID. We got into a rhythm and by the end of our stay we were pros again. i predict the same for you two. Paris sights and sounds delight and one it eager to go see what’s up ahead. By the end of the day one has racked up many miles. And of course there are the Bistro/Brasserie breaks too. i do have to disagree with Richard ( who I like and read his blog faithfully) as it rained one day while we were there. But I agree Paris ios enjoyng an unusual sunny summer. Best of luck with the heatwave this week-end.
July 16, 2022 @ 2:52 pm
Love the photos! Your daughter is a beauty just like her Mom!
July 16, 2022 @ 6:21 pm
You’re so very kind! Hope you are liking your new home!
July 16, 2022 @ 2:53 pm
Never too many photos. They transport. Thank you! Brightens my day!!
Nancy
July 16, 2022 @ 3:01 pm
Wonderful photos! Sounds like Natalie and Lisa are having a great time. Love all the photos. That last night view across the river with all the lights over the bridge reflected in the water looks like an impressionist painting!
July 16, 2022 @ 6:20 pm
I’ll tell Natalie you said so. Those are her shots.
July 16, 2022 @ 4:40 pm
This is truly breathtaking and elicits quite an emotional response from me. Thank you for sharing your lovely day and the beautiful photos. And never are there too many photos.
July 16, 2022 @ 4:48 pm
Love the photos! I’m enjoying reading your daily adventures so much!
July 16, 2022 @ 4:58 pm
The narrative and photos of the day’s adventures are wonderful, particularly the gorgeous photo of Natalie!
July 16, 2022 @ 6:19 pm
So glad you are joining I us again!
July 16, 2022 @ 7:05 pm
Love all of the photos so please keep sending!! ☺️
July 16, 2022 @ 9:28 pm
Can you share what the scam was at the train station? Always good to know what they are coming up with to be prepared.
July 16, 2022 @ 10:43 pm
No such thing as too many photos!
The scenes are so lovely, as are all of you!
Look forward to each entry you offer!
Blessings to all!
July 17, 2022 @ 5:25 am
Enjoy all the pictures and commentary!! Also, please tell Richard and Vincent I have made the hazelnut chocolate flourless tart on their website several times. it is always a hit!!
July 17, 2022 @ 9:39 pm
It appears that having to acclimate to a new neighborhood keeps your visit from getting too stale. 😁 The pictures are just wonderful and your new apartment is very classy! Enjoy every second of your time! I know I am enjoying the visit vicariously through you as I do each summer, Linda!