Winning Photo and Final “Au Revoir” from Paris, 2019
Bonjour mes amis,
Here it is…the winner of our 2019 Light Photo contest. Thanks to all 51 of you who voted. Yes, it was a tough decision; we agree!
Here’s the top layer of voting:
#1 Bernie in the mirror image 25 votes
#5 Champs Elysées red Christmas lights 19 votes
#23 Eiffel Tower 19 votes
#2 Shadow of Charles de Gaulle 17 votes
#34 Night shot at Cafe Marly 14 votes
# 13 Night Bridge 13 votes
#25 Yellow lights at Saint Sulpice 11 votes
There were a dozen photos which received no votes at all: 4, 7, 10, 18, 31, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 47. You can look them up for fun.
The winning photo of Bernie was obviously not taken by him. It was just a casual, quick snap on my iPhone which caught my eye as we were sitting at a favorite cafe on Place Victor Hugo. There is fate in this selection as the location is just a block away from where Bernie lived and played and slept under the water heater as a young boy. How amazingly ironic is that?
If you’ve been following our Paris soirées for years, you know that I always write a sentimental final blog to sum up our trip. Superlatives are always in order for Paris so they will be the theme for 2019: the best, the most, the worst, the…well, you get the picture.
The best new shop for us is right here in Le Marais, La Mouette Rieuse. It’s the delightful bookstore with the café in the back which I blogged about. Such a treasure of unique gift items and books and located on rue Pavée. The best old shop, reopened in another area, is The Red Wheelbarrow, another bookstore which used to be a block down the street from us. It was nice to reunite with the owner.
The biggest relief has been the freedom from the vitriol of American politics. Our television has not worked properly during our entire visit. The stress level has gone down tremendously. A piece of me dreads going back to the division.
The biggest surprises are several…How much faster the food comes now in restaurants, how public restrooms get cleaner and cleaner with each passing year, and to our delight, how successful our light theme photos were! Merci beaucoup for embracing them. We also continue to be surprised and pleased at seeing fewer cigarette butts throughout the city.
What I will miss the most is all the walking which puts our bodies in such great shape. Never better than when in Paris. Also the wonderful fresh spinach that I’ve had almost every day from the Monoprix. This one is strange, I know, but I could purchase a huge plastic container that would cost $3.59 at home for about $1.00! Also I have loved the fresh blueberries and strawberries which were in the fruit markets right up until departure day. I never dreamed I would have fresh fruit for such a long time. I will also miss all the sounds of Paris…the church bells, the bus bells, the subway buzzers, the daunting sirens, the clopping horses’ hooves, the café chatter. And of course, I will miss the daily trips to the market on foot which becomes a part of our routine.
I asked Bernie what he will miss the most… his evening soirées with his buddies over an aperitif. He will also miss speaking French, reading French, and hearing French. He would stay full time without a doubt.
Not surprisingly, what I will miss the least is…the laundry. Laugh out loud if you must, but it’s a pain and especially this year with our lavamatic still out of service. Hauling wet clothes four long blocks up the street in all kinds of weather is not what you dream of when you plan your trip to Paris. Oh, well. We did it and it didn’t kill us.
What I covet the most while I’m here is my icemaker, my washing machine, my shower, and my disposal. All the conveniences of American life, indulgent as they are!!
Our saddest disappointment was in losing two of our patrons or shop owners who had become friends…the couple who ran Le Bouquet St. Paul for three years and beloved Patrick right under us at his tiny café. We have run into him several times, and he’s loving his retirement!
The most challenging experiences this year were the huge crowds of people everywhere, the scooters and bikes which are death traps if you’re not careful, and the cell-phone walkers who don’t look up. The other challenge is maintaining your stamina day-to-day, keeping your energy up to press forward. It’s hard work having so much fun, mais oui?
The scariest moment for me…getting my hair cut and colored. It is truly a commitment to trust, and I hold my breath each time.
The best meal we had this year was at Le Grand Colbert with Cindi and Bob until Thanksgiving night when we decided to take our visiting friends, Charla and Darren, to a new spot and call it our holiday meal. The restaurant was L’Avenue on Avenue Montaigne. It was a fabulous setting, great service, delicious food. The worst meal was at Benoit, a starred Michelin restaurant. Lesson learned to be careful what you order!
My worst memory was sitting in the tiny hotel where Bernie’s brothers stayed, trying to find a taxi on the rainy, cold night of the birthday dinner. I had to excuse myself and go into the tiny restroom to cry. After all the planning and anticipation, I just knew we were going to miss the 80th birthday party that we were hosting! Of course, we did not as you know, and the evening produced the very best memory of the trip!!
Would I chose to come again during this time of the year? No!! I’m a sunshine gal from Alabama and I much prefer the warm months. Jostling with coats, scarves, hats, gloves and umbrellas has been tough, but the reward was those gorgeous Christmas lights. We’re very glad we had the chance once in our lives to see them. My best Christmas moment was this past Sunday when we attended worship at the American Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. It was the first Sunday in Advent. To sit in that magnificent church and sing “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” was something I will always cherish. I’d like to share the message from the church bulletin that morning as my wish for you over the month of December, wherever you are.
“Catch your breath. Cast away the works of darkness. Kindle a flame to lighten the dark. Wait for the Lord; prepare with joy. Wait for Christmas. Expect the unexpected; keep awake!”
Bernie would always come to Paris, regardless of weather, time of year, length of stay. His heart is here! His lost childhood is here; his best memories are here. Our visits heal a deep wound for him at losing his country and his father.
Words fall short in thanking each of you for all the support, love, friendship and encouragement we have felt from you. It’s been our pleasure to share the City of Light with so many. And to Bernie who is an amazing guy…who massages my poor arthritic feet every Wednesday night, who buys me surprise cookies from Miss Manon, who always empties the garbage and fills the ice trays and does the vacuuming without complaint, who loves me on my grouchiest of laundry days. I owe him my joy and gratitude in this late stage of my life!!
God willing, we’ll see you next year in warmer weather!!
Much love and au revoir from Paris,
L & B
December 6, 2019 @ 7:57 am
What a lovely au revoir to this year’s Paris visit. Like many others, I’ve looked forward to reading about your daily adventures and have delighted in seeing your photos of light. Such a fitting theme. I also have an inkling about the time it takes to reflect upon your day, then choose the words and photos to describe it. Many thanks to you and Bernie for sharing. Welcome home!
December 6, 2019 @ 8:48 am
Many thanks, Liz, for being a faithful follower. It’s been a great trip for us. We always wonder if this will be our last or if God will grant us one more year! We leave Sunday morning at 7:30. It appears that the issues with the strike will not affect us. Keep your fingers crossed. See you on the other side!
December 6, 2019 @ 9:24 am
Have so enjoyed your blogs
Thank you and safe journey home
Moy
December 6, 2019 @ 10:07 am
Merci Beaucoup! Are you friends with Malcolm and Antonia in London?
December 6, 2019 @ 12:18 pm
Beautifully done, my friend. Safe travels home.
December 6, 2019 @ 12:44 pm
Merci, Lynne! We’ll see you on the 13th???
December 6, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
Great blog today…your last one each year is always my favorite one. Safe travels home and see y’all in a couple of weeks in Birmingham.
December 6, 2019 @ 12:44 pm
Yes, looking forward to being altogether. Gotta get home and start the cookies. Think I’m going to put a strand of little white lights on my large Eiffel Tower and call that my Christmas tree! So hard not to decorate, but just no time.
December 6, 2019 @ 12:22 pm
So beautiful merry Christmas and a happy new year to you both save travels and what a joy it was to follow your blog everyday merci beacoup you two you are both such a great looking couple xoxo blessings and love your way
December 6, 2019 @ 1:15 pm
From one Paris lover to another, merci and Joyeaux Noel!
December 6, 2019 @ 12:31 pm
Once again I have loved sharing your Paris stay vicariously through the blog. Returning home makes me sad; especially knowing how much Bernie will miss it. Your photos and stories are wonderful! Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!
December 6, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
Merci beaucoup!
December 6, 2019 @ 12:48 pm
We’ll miss this daily treat, but will fondly think of you doing laundry at home, getting instant ice, and enjoying the holidays with friends and family. Happy Juletide to you both!
December 6, 2019 @ 1:14 pm
Merry Christmas to you two. You were here in thought with the birthday gift. Made quite an impression on Bernie and his cousin Pierre. Bernie can’t wait to open the USB stick. I’m sure he’ll spend hours with it.
December 6, 2019 @ 1:15 pm
Many thanks for all the delightful blogs and photos! Love sharing your Paris.
Safe travels home.
December 6, 2019 @ 2:17 pm
Now to learn to speak French as well as you!!
December 6, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
Thank you for once again sharing your annual trip to Paris. The blog is the first thing I look at on my computer in the morning and with my cup of coffee in hand enjoy the meanderings through the environs of Paris. What fun!
I hope there will be another Triad reunion in our collective future as it would be great joy to meet up with you, Bernie and the gang again. Do have a great Christmas with family and friends and the happiest of the New Year.
December 6, 2019 @ 2:16 pm
Merci, Fred!!! Yes, to another reunion of the Triads!
December 6, 2019 @ 1:46 pm
Safe travels. Thank you very much for the blogs. Brought back a lot of OLD memories.
December 6, 2019 @ 2:04 pm
Congratulations on another successful trip and thanks for the entertainment, education, and daily lift you provided. Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
December 6, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
Merry Christmas to you and Sybil!
December 6, 2019 @ 2:05 pm
I always look forward to your closing blog. I think this one topped them all! You are both so blessed to have these wonderful memories and to share them with us. We were so thankful for our brief time with you last month. Soooo, au revoire Paree and bon jour l’ Etats Unis! Bon voyage!✈️Your little welcome home remembrance awaits you at your doorstep.😉 And, regrettably, one morning in the 20’s next week.
December 6, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
Oh, what a nice surprise!!! Merci!
December 6, 2019 @ 2:51 pm
Thank you, Linda for taking us on a trip to Paris, if only in my mind. I have so enjoyed all the photos and stories. Thank you to Bernie for his photos and friendship. Loved it all.
December 6, 2019 @ 3:28 pm
It was our pleasure!
December 6, 2019 @ 3:25 pm
Linda, Darren and I have talked often since getting home about how you and Bernie absolutely made our trip. It was so nice to have y’all as our personal tour guides. The fact that we didn’t have to pick restaurants, or speak french, or figure out routes, just made the trip perfect, Thanks again! I hope your Christmas with your family is wonderful! Hugs to Bernie. Au Revoir
December 6, 2019 @ 3:28 pm
Great fun for us! Merry Christmas and keep cooking all that French food!
December 6, 2019 @ 3:32 pm
What a spectacular end to your Paris blog! I will miss your stories, photos and reflections. Looking forward to seeing you when we return and we join with friends to celebrate the holiday.
December 6, 2019 @ 3:47 pm
Going home is way worse than coming over! Dread it but will be glad to be home! Thanks for being such a loyal follower of the blogs!
December 6, 2019 @ 3:34 pm
Thank you for sharing your visit in Paris. I’ve enjoyed reading about each day’s adventures. Love all the pictures!
December 6, 2019 @ 3:46 pm
Merci beaucoup!
December 6, 2019 @ 3:57 pm
We will miss your Christmas posts! Thanks for sharing your bests and worsts. Ironically, it is always the worst that give us the best stories. I know you are madly packing and cleaning, getting ready for your last evening ritual at Pont Marie. Safe travels.
December 6, 2019 @ 4:13 pm
Hope to see you guys sometime during the holidays!
December 6, 2019 @ 4:09 pm
Oh Linda and Bernie, when it comes to superlatives, this post is the BEST and you are the best.
I was practically in tears reading this one. The photo of Bernie iis so meaningful — the person, the place, the memories and the fact that you took it — your wonderful choices of superlative experiences and your poignant thoughts about your time in our one and only Paris. The church’s quotation is beautiful but most of all it’s the L&B magic, here on the blog and out there in person, that makes everything so wonderful.
Cheering you on for next year! (Spring? Maybe too soon to say …) In the meantime, blessings for the journey home and a joyful holiday season. Take care you two and love across the Channel. À la prochaine.
December 6, 2019 @ 4:12 pm
Carolyn, love and Happy Holidays to you and Clive!
December 6, 2019 @ 4:28 pm
Thank you, Linda, for letting me share in your Paris adventure again. It was such a pleasure to finally meet up with you and Bernie again after such a long time. Maybe next year in Paris? Have a Merry, Merry Christmas!
December 6, 2019 @ 4:33 pm
Happy, happy holidays to you and Ralph! Such great fun to be with you!
December 6, 2019 @ 4:50 pm
Beautiful closing Linda – you have a way of describing events and places and observations so that the reader actually feels it. Your stories are the next best thing to being there!
December 6, 2019 @ 5:22 pm
Ah, Nancy, I didn’t know you were following the blog. Thank you!!
December 7, 2019 @ 2:28 am
Should have known the picture of Bernie would win the day. He has such an appeal! The final picture here, though is just grand. Thanks for the hard work of blogging every night so you could share it with us.
December 7, 2019 @ 2:11 pm
I’ll certainly miss your lovely French times. Thank you for sharing!