After a splendid week in London we returned for our last day in Paris. The dogs were thrilled to see us, naturally. We were so lucky to have found such a fabulous dog sitter (if you ever need one in Paris, let me know).
Jim had a cold so I went out on my own to have dinner with the brilliant award winning director, Euzhan Palcy, who did my film “The Killing Yard.” We hadn’t seen in each other in years but the love and friendship remains. It was if no time had gone by which is always the test of a real friendship. Of course she encouraged me to come live in Paris. If only!
No words, at least no words I can write, can express the incredible adventure we’ve had this summer. What beautiful sights we’ve seen, what great friends we visited, what extraordinary countries, towns and villages we explored.
Once again I was reminded of all the lies we’ve been taught and absorbed as Americans. Examples: French hate Jews and elitists, the British don’t even have proper heating, the Spanish and Italians are far behind in convenience and culture, etc. NONE of these things are true. The Europeans are SO far ahead of us in all the ways that matter. Environmentally, they are light years ahead of the U.S. All throughout Europe, the use of plastic bags is outlawed, there are no additives in food, in the countryside ALL the food is grown locally so nothing is shipped and packaged and plasticized. Cars are small, bicycles not only encouraged, but available everywhere for rent to get around without a car or taxi. And that’s not to mention the wealth of culture and history we expereinced in virtually every nook and cranny. Have I mentioned the transportation? Getting around on trains, in my opinion, is the most civilized and relaxing way to travel.
So back we go to the land of massive traffic, planned obsolescence and high-rise buildings erected on earthquake faults. I know I shouldn’t complain and I’m not really. Who could be luckier than I am to live such a wonderful life? If it wasn’t for the political situation, I’d be excited to go back and start school, return to writing and painting, etc. But I fear I’ll fall back into my old ways of getting caught up in the madness, fighting with strangers on FB and just be angry and crazed all the time. It’s going to take a lot of energy to stay sane. And even more energy to get back in shape – I say this as I munch on a scrumptious chocolate from the shop around the corner from us.
Starting tomorrow, we’ll start dreaming of next summer. We do have a wedding in the UK and a potential art exhibit as well, so that’s a big incentive to figure out how to get back here next year. No doubt you’ll see me hawking my wares to help me achieve that goal! Maybe if I don’t sleep between now and next May, write and paint night and day, it can be achieved! I’m certainly going to try.
Au revoir and thanks for following us this summer.
Jim flipped over the car so it made it to the picture list.
The woman in the video below has a lot to say to the Cardinal. Give a listen…