Well.... I've been inside Notre Dame many times, and the lines were uber long this time..... I just couldn't make myself stand in them. I stared at them twice. Instead I sat and prayed at the cathedral in Bayeux, so beautiful, and at Mont St Michel which still houses Monks. I wish they would have chanted... or... something, but it was very peaceful, and prayer filled experience that left me feeling very light and happy.
That's one thing you can count on in Europe, beautiful cathedral after beautiful cathedral.
About the foot ballers.... we landed in Paris the afternoon of opening games, and France was playing. Judging from the noises in our apartment building, France won; )
I didn't see any cars set ablaze, or hooliganism, so I count myself lucky there. I will say I went out of my way to avoid the cafes with singing, jersey wearing patrons, but I enjoyed walking past them, and feeling their energy.
We scattered my friend's ashes at her favorite park...... Fountain De Marie De Medicis, and honestly there couldn't have been a more lovely choice.
My favorite restaurants were still there, still wonderful, and very much a comfort. I only missed one, and that was my fault, bc I didn't want to leave Pigal, where I was staying. I walked and explored, and avoided public transport ending up in a local place with only French speaking patrons. My waiter didn't like me much, but the bartender did, so my meal was outstanding.
I can say that I had one dreadful meal, my fault again for allowing friends to choose without an actual destination, outside a particular metro station in the latin quarter. It's difficult to get a bad meal in Paris, IME, but OK bc my friends had a wonderful night, and i wouldn't have blemished it for the world. Who pairs vinegar and cinnamon with Foi Gras? I ask you... in all the world? Who? I think my waiter was in the back giggling as he doctored my food, but then he had to watch me let it sit, almost untouched all night. I asked for white wine, he brought red. He then brought white perfectly cold wine, and included a little bucket of ice (an insult in his opinion) and I just kept smiling.... he couldn't throw me.
I wouldn't have changed anything, honestly. Everyone got what they needed, including me. I'd say it was another very good trip, and I'm glad to be home.
Lighter
