City of Light

  Paris, Île-de-France, France
Friday, July 25, 2008

I am officially enamoured with Paris. How could I resist after a morning stroll among the lawns, sculptures and artfully arranged, colorful floral gardens of the Jardin du Luxembourg, a delicious prix fixe patio lunch (where the wine was included in the deal!) at a typical French bistro in the Latin Quarter, and an evening bike ride down Rue St. Germain, past the Eiffel Tower, and around the courtyards of the Louvre? Another favorite memory was walking across the Pont des Arts (a pedestrian bridge across the Seine) to see it lined on both sides with groups of friends seated on picnic blankets, eating and drinking wine as they watched others doing the same. I'm guessing that many a romance has been started there.


Speaking of wine, I noticed after having my most expensive cup of breakfast tea ever (about $6), that a glass of house wine could be had at the same location for half the price. I've also concluded that the secret to French bread must surely be worth far more than the Caramilk secret, n'est pas?

The only incident that slightly tarnished the day was the harsh "touche pas" condemnation I received from a snooty store clerk at the fromagerie after picking up a piece of brie to check the price. Aside from her though, the service staff in the city were were much friendlier than expected. I suppose Leanne's French language skills helped to elicit slightly better treatment than your average North American tourist.

Although this was my 3rd time in Paris, I have only scratched the surface. I must return again soon.