Summer In Paris

If you don't like the weather in Paris, hang on; it will change at any moment. After endless rain and cold weather it has finally turned into summer weather: hot and humid. I understand how everyone wants to escape to the seaside somewhere! Me, too!

Last week I hiked with my hiking group outside of south Paris in the Foret (Forest)de Rambouillet (18k)and the weather that day was gorgeous and it was truly a lovely way to learn France. I like this French/English group. Most of them are middle aged to older and yet they do these rigorous Wednesday walks in or near Paris with great spirit and little struggle. We brought our lunches and ate in the woods. Eventually, we took the train back to Paris. Fun!



I snatched a ticket to Mikhail Baryshnikov(photo) through Craigslist and attended last weekend. It was bitter sweet. I knew I was watching the final stages of a great talent. He was not, of course, what he was. After all. he is in his 60s. But the four numbers, a couple of which were shared with another aging giant, Ana Laguna, were mostly great fun. His loyal following and fans burst the small theatre with applause. One number, they cleverly had him dancing with a film of himself at a much younger age. Very creative performance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I was in the six row although in the photo you can hardly tell it is Misha. And it was a "steal" at 45 euros!

A girlfriend and I had planned to bike in Versailles last weekend but rain ruined that plan. We had to go to Versailles as we had tickets to what was supposed to be a Fireworks "Spectacular". No rain refunds. So we went and had dinner and attended this "Spectacular". Americans are used to so much that the idea that a twenty minute fireworks display (photo)would be spectacular was almost comical. And cold as winter! But we were there.

On Monday Paris, France and a lot of European countries celebrated the longest day of the year with Fete de la Musique. Throughout Paris musicians played in squares, at corners, inside and outside and the masses prowled the streets looking (and drinking) for more free concerts. I had dinner with a friend in the fifth arrondissement on rue Mouffetard (photo) at a restaurant that could have been a Hollywood scene it was so perfectly French-looking. It was a fun evening. Soon I will write restaurant recommendations. But not this time.

All along I had a goal of seeing every medium and major park in Paris. Yet, I may not make it: there are so many! Gads! Yesterday, I traveled across Paris to the Southwest just across the Paris boarder to St. Cloud. It was enormous and lovely with a pretty church near by.

I have been Googling Paris museums and discovering wonderful places. Last weekend I marched over to Baccarat "Museum". It was a WOW place that is for sure. You entered on a red carpet with dazzling little lights on both sides. There is a greeter in a hushed, elegant atmosphere. I took photos till they told me I was not supposed to (and then I snuck photos) and they didn't seem to care. The "gift shop" was in my opinion more beautiful than the museum itself. Everywhere there were these gorgeous hanging chandeliers as well as sparkling, perfect tablewear. Two of the rooms had the same type of decorations as Opera Garnier did: recessed ceilings with hand painted murals, gold relief statues, opulent chandeliers: exquisite. Really, it was like walking into a Chocolate Factory for me: overpowering. Of course, as I would in a chocolate factory, I succumbed to the temptation and bought a lovely (albeit small) vase: my first Bacarrat! I love it! And they offer an exquisite restaurant that could serve a King (or in my case, a Queen) and I am going to be sure to eat there before I leave early August.

Last night I took myself to an African restaurant: L'Atlantide at 7 avenue Laumiere, walking distance from my apartment. It was a most enjoyable meal (photo) lamb tagine with figs and dates and unusual spices, and I splurged on a half bottle of wine. Then I walked for about three miles before I went home. It was a peaceful, lovely evening.

Today I visited two memorials: The Shoal Memorial of the Holocaust and the Jewish Art and History Museum. I particularly liked the Art and History Museum. They included in the admission a tape in English so I could understand the historical context of what I was looking at. I am ashamed to say it took me way to long to see these museums.

Besides being horribly hot today Paris (and France) went on strike over age of retirement for government workers. People everywhere and it made the already steamy, crowded metro impossible. I was delighted to get home and away from the crowds.

I am giving up on the men in Paris...well, almost. Having joined Match's sister website: Meetig, I have been deluged with dating opportunities. It really is too much. I can't keep up with it all: and it is darn confusing: which Jean Louis is calling? Then there is Jean Paul, Jean Phillipe, Phillipe Louis, yikes! After screwing up and being allegedly stood up because of language limitations I am going back to my original plan: just experience this on my own. It will save what's left of my sanity.

Lots more planned but I will share that with you in the future. It is impossible to be bored in Paris.