How does one approach her last weekend in Paris? After three full and very active months I wanted to live this wonderful experience right to the end.
My weekend started on Wednesday when I went with a girlfriend to a comedy show called "How To Become a Parisenne In One Hour". It was a one man show and he brought me up on stage to demonstrate how to be a sexy Parisenne woman (I already knew that). It was a lot of laughs and fun.(photo)
On Thursday I walked for five hours looking for homeless people (apparently, they are not around in the morning because it took me a long time before I started stumbling across them) They all seemed appreciative that I had brought them some fruit and euros, of course. I fasted till early evening just to see a little tiny bit how it felt to be hungry. As I passed these people I wondered how they must feel when everyone around is chomping down on something, when whifs of aromas fill the air from nearby restaurants,boulangeries and chocolatiers so abundant. Of course, it made me hungrier! I enjoyed, truly enjoyed my rice and lentils for Thanksgiving dinner. They taste wonderful when you are hungry!
But, boy, was I tired! I fell into bed but was so exhausted I couldn't sleep I eventually slept in late and vowed never to go walking again. I failed at that, of course.
When I was rested on Friday, off I went again. Clearly, walking the streets is a great way to get a feel of the city. I stumbled over a whole temporary Christmas village lining both sides of the Champs Elysees. Little stores lined the street selling every conceiveable thing from loads of candy places to caviar and merchandise. I bought the cavier to share with my daughter on Christmas Eve.
On Friday evening I took a ride in the largest Ferris Wheel(photos) I ever saw! Then I walked some more to a concert in a tiny gothic church, St Ephrem. There was only one cellist who played Bach and I wasn't crazy about his selections, although he was very talented.
Saturday was a WOW day. Gosh, I love those WOW days, don't you?
There is a well-reknowned restaurant, La Tour d'Argent just east of Notre Dame, where I have always wanted to dine. A friend and I went for lunch. Believe me, this was one splurge luncheon! Every bite, every morsel in my mouth awakened the culinary gourmand that I really am. I didn't want to swallow it; I just wanted to hold the taste in my mouth. Impeccable. Really, I am at a loss for words. Where should I begin?
A doorman greets you outside. Inside, is another gentleman and lady who greet you on the street level lobby, check you in by name (make reservations weeks ahead of time) and then either escort you to their beautiful waiting room, bar or restaurant "as you wish". It is upstairs and they must call the matri-d because when the elevator (with my escort) arrives upstairs the manager is waiting and knows who I am. These people know what they are doing...
We each selected from the prix fixed luncheon for 65 euros each (not including our champagne). But honestly, while I know that is decadent, every moment I spent there I enjoyed fully. And I had watched my eating out throughbout my trip so I had the euros... They start by bringing you a gratis tastes of several appetizers for lack of fancier word. Then they bring you champagne, which of course we ordered. Then, our first course. I had stuffed cepes mushrooms with foie gras.(photo) Immediately, I was in ecestacy. I told the waiter, Henry, immediately that I loved him. Henry looked like Alfred Hitchcock, but he seemed to appreciate the fact that now he was loved. His eyes sparkled. My main course was duck. This restaurant is known for their duck, which they raise on their own farm. Each is certified with a number and they give you the duck's certification on a souvineer card! I actually received a certification of my duck's life (!), which he gave to a noble cause: moi pleasure! When I mentioned to my waiter, Henry, that my duck did not have a name, only a number, he said they ran out of names. I suggested "Let's name him Henry!" (photo of duck Henry in this blog) He(Henry the waiter) found that amusing, as well. When he cleared our table, he joked that I had eaten old Henry very well. "You have eaten me!" he laughed, now well into our humor. "In a manner of speaking" I replied, laughing. (Who says the French don't have a sense of humor?) About this time we have a second glass of champagne. My friend is as happy with her selections as I am with mine. They bring us French cookies and specialities before our dessert and then dessert. And then chocolates. I think this is what heaven is like to me: eating at La Tour d'Argent. With a total tab of 233 euros I can honestly say it was money well-spent.(Photo) I didn't eat for the rest of the day, as you can deduce.
After a final walk along the Seine near Notre Dame (photo) I went home, like a pagan, and rested. Hey, eating is hard work! Then I went out, walking in the rain and wind with hoards of people, getting in the Christmas spirit by looking at the decorations up for Christmas. That is where I took the night time shots of the decorated Galleries Lafayette in the last blog. Then I fully enjoyed a concert at St Madeleine. It was only two euro more than the Friday concert but one hundred times better. They had ten violists and an opera singer. It was done in the beautiful, old church, a perfect setting for Vivaldi and "Ave Maria". (Photo).
Today, I am taking it easy, preparing for my return tomorrow, but oh what a Saturday to Remember!
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