Paris, 2016-01
Paris, 2016-01
Paris is in my blood. Perhaps because my English Granny and dad lived here back in the 20s, both studying music at Fontainbleau.
I first came here in 1962, I think, and I fell in love with the city then. Of course, it has changed a lot since those many years ago, but it is still the City of Light/Lights, with Bouquinistes selling their second-hand books out of green boxes along the Seine as they have for decades, cafes dotting various little streets and corners, lovely parks, both large and small where people read their papers, take a stroll, or just people watch, and that amazing architecture.
It is good to be back. We are here with two other couples, and a third coming in early June. All are alumni who have become good friends. It is very special.
Our flight was delayed from Prague because, we think, of the oil workers striking. We didn’t get details of why it affected us.
We went to our flat on a quiet street in the 6th arrondissement, otherwise known as St. Germain de Pres, and enjoyed a bottle of wine that one of the couples had procured upon their earlier arrival.
After catching up on recent travels a bit, it was time to get a bite to eat. One couple was on US time, and the other two were tired from a long day of travel.
Arnie and I have several favorite restaurants, so we walked to one, and the maître d recognized us from previous years. Arnie splurged on a nice bottle of Chateau Margeaux that we all enjoyed, and for “food porn,” as two of our friends at home call it, we offer Arnie’s Sea Bass and my Tartare de Boeuf. Both were delicious.
It was lovely sitting outside, enjoying the excellent service, and sharing wine and good conversation.
No one felt like going back to our flat right away, so we walking along the river, first passing by pont Napoléon, or the Napoleon Bridge, also known as the National Bridge, the “N” clearly visible on façade. 
Looking back, Notre Dame stood sentry on the other side of the river. 
Arnie and I have always loved Pont des Arts. It is a pedestrian bridge that was the site of lovers placing padlocks on the railings and professing undying love by throwing the keys in the river. Alas, the weight of these locks actually threatened to damage the integrity of the bridge, so they were all removed, and last year, some very unattractive, painted, plexiglass was put up instead.
This year, thankfully, they redesigned the railings, and there is now clear plexi, so one can enjoy the views up and down river.
This year, there was also a sculpture exhibit, and this caught my eye. Certainly as spooky as the gargoyles atop Notre Dame and other cathedrals! 
It was past bedtime for us all, so we returned to our flat and all sunk into blissful oblivion.
If you enjoy our blog(s) …
Please SUBSCRIBE. It’s easy to do by clicking on the appropriate link at the top of the right column.
Comments on the blog are always encouraged and welcome.
We also hope you will LIKE this and SHARE this blog with those interested in photography by clicking on the buttons below. We also hope you will check out these links:
Thanks so much for continuing to share your travels and experiences! It’s the next best thing to being there, and Rick and I are enjoying your blog immensely! 🙂 Best wishes for continued fun times and unique experiences!
Sandra and Rick,
Thank you so much. It is always good to hear when people enjoy the blog.
Take care,
TBC