Paris. What can be said about Paris that hasn’t been said by people far more articulate and clever than I? Nothing. So I won’t try.
Paris is virtually perfect. The architecture, the Seine, the museums, the energy, the unparalleled beauty AND the chocolate. And nobody can make a croissant or bread like the French. Or food, in general. I tired of pasta, pizza and prosciutto. I’m so happy to have a broader selection. Not that I need a morsel of food. OMG. I’m practically obese and will have to buy an extra seat on airline!!
I admit to having had French prejudice, brought about largely as a result of WW2. But I’ve reevaluated all that and see it differently. Particularly now that America elected Trump. France is also more organized and efficient than Italy. I admit to liking more order, especially as I get older.
We’ve been here less than 24 hours and we’ve spoken to more people than we did in the entire last three months (except during the times friends visited). This time it’s a combo of 1) the dogs and 2) the buttons. People in Paris loathe him too! We’ve met so many people and immediately bonded with them including an American French historian who was visiting from San Diego.
Last night we strolled the Seine on the left and right bank. We hung around the plaza of the Louvre. That’s where we met the San Diego couple. Later, at dinner we were seated between two British guys and a Canadian couple on their honeymoon. Again, we discussed politics, primarily Trump. People don’t understand Americans anymore (if they ever did). And they’re very worried about having a madman with the nuclear codes.
Tomorrow is the Tour de France and the town is undergoing a quick “renovation” to get ready for the big event. We’re in the 6th arrondissement so we’re perfectly located. Our goal is to have some day trips to Versailles and Fountainebleau. I hope we manage to get our shit together and make it out there which involves finding dog sitters.
The dogs have really been fantastic. I couldn’t believe them on the flight yesterday. Barely a peep. But leaving them alone in a hotel room is a bad idea since they’ll most certainly go berserk. The problem is now they’re use to being with us night and day and think we’re simply part of the pact and where the pack go they expect to go.
We’d heard Paris was “empty” because tourists were afraid to come here. WRONG. It’s packed. I don’t remember ever seeing it more crowded. So much for that theory. I will say that throughout Europe there is much more a police presence, although it’s not particularly intrusive. But its present. It doesn’t make me safe. It merely reminds me how fucked up the world is.
I’m itchy to museum hop which we’ll start doing during the week.
VIDEOS BELOW OUTSIDE LOUVRE
