almost 6 p.m. on my last day in Paris. I'm meeting the
Silverman-Wilson clan and Maddie shortly for a farewell dinner
near their apartment in the 17e. Today had to be my favorite
(might mention that every day has been)!
I went to two areas I had not been to, on the opposite ends of
the City. Since time was of the essence, I did take the Metro to
the St Germain-Latin Quarter area. Still don't like it. The buses
do it for me, since I get to ride AND see the beautiful sights. Must
be a kick-back from the thousands of endless miles I rode in the car
as a child on our family vacations. Car rides are still my favorite
way to travel.
Each area was completely different from the other and the 7e
where I'm staying. I think I love the Saint Germain/Serves'-Babylone
area the best. May be that it is much less touristy, more like its own
little city. The stores I wanted to go to were worth the trip. I'm
bringing home wonderful treasures and many are so unique.
Today was all about going with the flow. After accomplishing the
last few things on my list of 'to dos', I just let my feet take me where
it looked interesting (6 miles worth). They did not fail me! I had a
ball shopping for both my girls, me (yes, I did get Richard something)
and "Thrill". Along the way I saw more fabulous entry doors, sweet
neighborhood parks and charming streets, all unique and welcoming.
I did make a stop into Monoprix ~ France's TARGET. It wasn't
'all that'. I didn't spend more than 30 minutes looking around.
Anyone who really knows me can tell you I have NEVER gotten
in and out of a TARGET in less than an hour. I love that place.
Anyway, Le Bon Marche' is another story. Magnificent! Such a
beautiful, serene place you hardly remember you are in a huge
department store. Seems more like a gallery. Funny too since
the prices are comparable to our Bloomingdale's/Nordstrom's.
But what an experience to wander around. Obviously the French
know how to shop.
After that I just walked and walked, stopping in where it looked
appealing. I've been most impressed with what Parisian shop-
keepers can do with limited space. I think my cozy Guest House
is small when cramming in all my goodies for each "Thrill" ~ but
it is gigantic by Paris standards. I will have a fresh eye when
staging for September's event and be more grateful!
I'm back from dinner. A delicious meal, great friends and special
time with Maddie and her Southampton girlfriends. They will be
staying on in Paris until mid-August. Jealous! What a gift this trip
has been for Maddie. Her adventure here has been completely
different from mine, with days spent at museums and monuments,
visiting Versailles and living in a 4-bedroom apartment. Of course,
she's my kid, so shopping was involved too.
Driving back to the apartment tonight in the taxi (love that they are
green cars) I had those last few glimpses of the City. It is especially
lovely at night with all the lights and people everywhere. I have loved
this time abroad ~ more than any I can remember before. I realized it
is good to get out of your comfort zone, regularly, and do something
unexpected. Just because. I also realized that Richard is extremely
capable of handling things at home without me (even if it wasn't done
"right"!!!). A good thing for both of us. All in all, a perfect trip.
I just finished packing (sob) and ready to jump into bed. Wondering
if I will be able to sleep back in Alameda without the clip clop of the
horses at night carrying tourists back and forth.
Feeling very grateful for this time, its lessons, friendships and
memories made. I found a little bit of me that had been tucked away
and I like that I'm back!
Biding you all adieu and bon nuit!
Laurie
P.S. Checkout the last photos from the Wednesday and Thursday.
Finally got them uploaded.
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