We're in Paris!!!

Bonjour mes amis!

Autumn and Margot made it to France. A highlight of the adventures getting here:

- left San Francisco at 7:30am California-time on Monday June 20th, transferred in Atlanta after a six-hour delay and plane change (blargh), arrived in Brussels, Belgium at noon Belgium-time on Tuesday June 21st. We had Stella Artois at an American-style diner in the airport since it was on-tap because it's "local". Took two trains and FINALLY made it to Paris where a family friend Fred awaited us.

PARIS.

We took the metro, which was packed to the point where we were supported by the bodies of people around us, like a large game of marshmellow. But upon exiting the metro, we turned right and there was Notre-Dame Cathedral, first thing we saw. Fred took us to another friend Nadia's apartment where we get to stay for the week. It's a charming petit flat the Latin Quarter just a few minutes walk from Notre-Dame. We dropped off our gear then walked over to Fred and Georges' flat about ten minutes away from Nadia's. Their flat is in the midst of the gay and Jewish neighborhood. To get to their flat, we cross a bridge that is covered in padlocks and ribbons with a view of the south side of Notre Dame and happens to bridge the river Seine.

I love lofts.

Our first night here, after 24 hours of travel and minimal sleep, they took us out to pre-dinner wine with their American friend Peggy, then to dinner with Nadia at Nadia's father's flat in Mont Parnasse where she prepared a five course dinner for us, all kinds of salad and delicious wine and small ice creams. Georges knows everything about Paris, such a grand tour guide. Nadia has such a vivacious spirit and fun to talk to, and Fred is has such a sweet and calm demeanor. They're all so intelligent and speak such good English and don't mock us when we test our minute French. Dinner didn't end until midnight. So good! And then we slept for 10 hours. Joy. 

Wedn. June 22 was our first official day in Paris. First order of the day: dining at a creperie. We ordered two crepes. A crepe with cheese and mushrooms (avec fromages et champignons) and a crepe Suzette, which was doused in Grand Marnier and lit on fire at the table. Good call by Autumn. Delicious. As was the coffee! I (Margot) don't drink coffee, but this country might convert me.

From there we wandered and happened upon Shakespeare and Company Bookstore! This bookshop is a used-bookshop full of English books, huge, with beds inside, and a place where James Joyce did some of his writing. We didn't go inside today, but we will!

After that we headed for Notre Dame. The Gothic architecture is STUNNING. Between the stone arches, the vibrant stained glass, and the rustic iron and gilded everything, it's understandable why this cathedral is such a landmark. After that, we purchased crepes with nutella from a stand on the street and enjoyed them while sitting in front of Notre Dame. We then wandered a bit more, had some down time in the flat, then walked back over to Fred and Georges' flat to join them for dinner again. Tonight we went to a superb restaurant called La Coupole or The Dome. This restaurant has been visited by Jean-Paul Sartre, Pablo Picasso, Matisse and Hemingway, among others. We tried foie gras, profiteroles, duck with potatoes, veal, more delicious wine and champagne. Profiteroles are sooooo good. It’s basically ice cream wrapped in delicious pastries and covered in hot chocolate. This does not explain how amazing these are, but just know: Delish!

After dinner, Georges and Fred showed us around some more. We passed many theatres and schools (lycees and universities). They know everything about this city! Every corner seems to have something historical or entertaining, especially at night. We passed the Pantheon (where Rousseau and Victor Hugo are buried) and Jardin du Luxemburg (where the senate gather) and their Parliament building. The gardens were absolutely amazing and the Luxemburg, astounding. Everything was illuminated and beautifully. On our walk we got to see where the crème de la crème of Paris go to university and the architecture of Montaigne who designed most of the schools in that district. We also saw an old Roman bath house that is being excavated currently and a Roman amphitheater! Both were beautiful. There is also an exhibit at the Cluny with a medieval castle called L’Epee. The sword. We were stoked. After a beautiful walk through the perfect weather and glorious views of Paris, we were escorted home by the gentlemen tour guides and haven’t stopped reveling in our experiences. We’ve probably forgotten a lot and this initial blog will be scattered due to lack of sleep and scattered, but AWESOME thoughts. Apologies.

We also found out that a tree we stopped and mused over in the Notre Dame gardens is actually the oldest tree in Paris! It’s over 600 years old and it’s supported by blocks of cement. Quite a site if you have no idea what it is as a tourist, but wonderful to learn its true meaning.

A word about our generous unofficial tour guides: Fred and Georges are quite possibly the most welcoming and open people we have met anywhere. The two inspire so much faith in humanity and have made this trip one we will surely not forget until we are old, grey and too senile to recall our stories of Paris. F & G are even better than JK Rowling’s Fred and George and they don’t need a Marauder’s Map to make this trip magical. (PS, this metaphor has been cycling through Autumn’s brain since her first train ride—Hogwart’s Express—through Brussels). They haven’t mocked us once for our Franglais or for speaking English at all, but they have a golden sense of humor and can take our awful puns. It is the first day and we are truly in love with Paris and the Parisians. Everyone should visit and either a Harvey Dent or someone with an equally persuasive nature will have to convince us to leave.

More stories, laughs (les rires) and mots francais to come!

Word of the day: farsir- to stuff

                                        (As the French have done to us…with                                                       food….if we didn’t make that clear =])

L’amour et bisou!

Autumn & Margot