A glimpse of the old Paris

Today we have dinner in a classic French Bistro.  We start with tomatoes and mozzarella with basil and pesto.  It is delicious.  Next we have half a roast chicken and thick fries.  The portion is not small.  I suppose we paid for a hefty portion, but I only have room to eat half of it.  It seems more American than French.  The waitresses wear little black dresses with white collars and lace aprons. I learn you don’t take home food in France.

Earlier we are taken by a driver to another side of Paris and get a tour of Luxembourg Park.  This is where people in politics convene.  The park is beautiful and full of people.  Chairs are scattered everywhere and I learn that students from the nearby universities often come there to study.

We take a stroll through the gardens and statues.  The children’s grandmother tells me that the trees are trimmed in the parks and streets as part of the French tradition.  She immediately spots the Americans in the park based on their attire. We listen long enough to overhear them speak English and she smiles contently.  I am constantly admiring French Fashion.  It is much more sophisticated and put together than ours.

On our way back from the park I catch a glimpse of Notre Dame and the Louvre.  The heart of Paris is beautiful and full of life.  Kristina and I have the day off Thursday and plan to be up from dawn til dusk exploring the city.  I’m terribly excited.

All over the city I spot tiny old-fashioned cars that are perfectly designed for my small frame.  They excite me more than they should and I delightedly point out each one I see.  We spot a Dominos and Pizza Hut and I marvel at the darling little mopeds they deliver pizza in.

The city has so much charm.  It is full of history and romance and mystique.  I hope to carry some of the city’s charm back to Minneapolis with me.