Post by sistereurope on Apr 4, 2012 19:47:08 GMT -5
Dear OP friends,
Wow, I can't believe that I never wrote up our Jan trip, especially since I'm madly planning my May visit (I still can't believe my luck in scoring 2 trips within 4 months!!! Bless you Frequent Flier miles!! )
Anyway, I can't really remember details, but these are the highlights of the trip I took in January with my husband, in no particular order:
We stayed in "my apartment" in the 10th, over the Bistro Valmy, overlooking the canal. It's a great location and hubby loved the 10th...whew! There's a great boulangerie on the corner that had some fine pastries, and Des Pains et Des Idees is within walking distance. Everyone must try them someday...
Of course, the premier highlights were 2 GTG's with some OP friends. We met Denise and Lizzie at Chez Prune and they had to chase us out of there so that they could set up for lunch. Denise is just one of the most kind, gentle and wonderful women I've ever met and I always enjoy hearing her talk ;D I think that Jim enjoyed reliving his Bristol days as well. Thanks girls! Denise, a la prochaine, j'espere...
And, I got to finally meet Roniece. OMG, look out Paris!!! We had a fabulous lunch at Dans Les Landes and I don't think I've laughed so hard before or since. I'm just sayin. We also met her at her cafe and I met Mustafa and Michael. Roniece is a hoot and I love her too...The Vendage?!!! I sure hope so!!!
Other than that, we primarily ate, drank, walked, shopped, took pictures and RELAXED. The minute I get to Paris, I feel this big weight being lifted off my shoulders...I stand on the sidewalk and FEEL like I'm where I should be...well, I don't have to explain it to you all. This trip just served to strengthen my love affair...I have a vivid memory of stopping on the sidewalk and closing my eyes and saying, sighing... "I am HOME"...
Best meal hands down: Chez L'ami Jean. Fabulous. I think I posted the link to my Chowhound review so I won't go on about our gluttony. Except to say that we enjoyed SO many wonderful meals: CLJ as mentioned, Vivant. Chez Caismir, Le Sot L'y Laisse, Le Verre Volnay, Au Passage and oyster Sunday at Le Baron Rouge. Thanks Chowhound!!
We were fortunate enough to be there during the sales...I bought some fabulous things at some wholesale shops (that aren't usually open to the public) that we just happened upon (in the second). That was fun! I highly recommend Paris in late January, if only for this reason!
We saw the Diane Arbus exhibit at the Jeu de Paume. It was great, and quite surreal to see NY in Paris. We also went to the Carnavalet to see an exhibit on the life of everyday Parisians during the 1800's. It was a great show (even though it tested my French!), and I definitely recommend checking out the Carnavalet if you haven't.
We got to see my dear friend Loic twice and I am proud to say that I spoke my bad broken French both nights (we only spoke French)! I will struggle to learn this language til the day I die, or at least become senile. I am motivated!
And in the Paris is a small world category...we were walking down the street in Menilmontent with Loic, talking of a mutual friend, when all of a sudden I hear "Dawn, Dawn"...and it was said friend, from across the street. What a crazy, happy coincidence!! Paris is really a collection of many small towns...
I guess that's it at least for now...will write again soon.
Wow, I can't believe that I never wrote up our Jan trip, especially since I'm madly planning my May visit (I still can't believe my luck in scoring 2 trips within 4 months!!! Bless you Frequent Flier miles!! )
Anyway, I can't really remember details, but these are the highlights of the trip I took in January with my husband, in no particular order:
We stayed in "my apartment" in the 10th, over the Bistro Valmy, overlooking the canal. It's a great location and hubby loved the 10th...whew! There's a great boulangerie on the corner that had some fine pastries, and Des Pains et Des Idees is within walking distance. Everyone must try them someday...
Of course, the premier highlights were 2 GTG's with some OP friends. We met Denise and Lizzie at Chez Prune and they had to chase us out of there so that they could set up for lunch. Denise is just one of the most kind, gentle and wonderful women I've ever met and I always enjoy hearing her talk ;D I think that Jim enjoyed reliving his Bristol days as well. Thanks girls! Denise, a la prochaine, j'espere...
And, I got to finally meet Roniece. OMG, look out Paris!!! We had a fabulous lunch at Dans Les Landes and I don't think I've laughed so hard before or since. I'm just sayin. We also met her at her cafe and I met Mustafa and Michael. Roniece is a hoot and I love her too...The Vendage?!!! I sure hope so!!!
Other than that, we primarily ate, drank, walked, shopped, took pictures and RELAXED. The minute I get to Paris, I feel this big weight being lifted off my shoulders...I stand on the sidewalk and FEEL like I'm where I should be...well, I don't have to explain it to you all. This trip just served to strengthen my love affair...I have a vivid memory of stopping on the sidewalk and closing my eyes and saying, sighing... "I am HOME"...
Best meal hands down: Chez L'ami Jean. Fabulous. I think I posted the link to my Chowhound review so I won't go on about our gluttony. Except to say that we enjoyed SO many wonderful meals: CLJ as mentioned, Vivant. Chez Caismir, Le Sot L'y Laisse, Le Verre Volnay, Au Passage and oyster Sunday at Le Baron Rouge. Thanks Chowhound!!
We were fortunate enough to be there during the sales...I bought some fabulous things at some wholesale shops (that aren't usually open to the public) that we just happened upon (in the second). That was fun! I highly recommend Paris in late January, if only for this reason!
We saw the Diane Arbus exhibit at the Jeu de Paume. It was great, and quite surreal to see NY in Paris. We also went to the Carnavalet to see an exhibit on the life of everyday Parisians during the 1800's. It was a great show (even though it tested my French!), and I definitely recommend checking out the Carnavalet if you haven't.
We got to see my dear friend Loic twice and I am proud to say that I spoke my bad broken French both nights (we only spoke French)! I will struggle to learn this language til the day I die, or at least become senile. I am motivated!
And in the Paris is a small world category...we were walking down the street in Menilmontent with Loic, talking of a mutual friend, when all of a sudden I hear "Dawn, Dawn"...and it was said friend, from across the street. What a crazy, happy coincidence!! Paris is really a collection of many small towns...
I guess that's it at least for now...will write again soon.
So happy that you're getting to visit Paris on a regular basis. Too bad your next trip won't coincide with mine. 
hahahha