Fall Break - Paris

Living here in Germany has definitely turned me into a "take the train" snob. While it was convenient to get to Venice in under 2 hours by plane, it was much more comfortable to take the train to Paris.

Tomb at Invalides

Thanks to my bahncard it was the same price to travel in 1st class with a special fare as it was in 2nd at the regular price. We ended up in a family area, these are small rooms with a table and seating for 8. Our companion was an IT professional from the UK. It was a fascinating trip and a great reminder that those who live here in Europe just don't understand the US being adverse to everyone having health care - they find us to be very uncivilized in that regard. The gentleman then related his health issues story to Kendall, completely unaware that he is a physician, and how grateful he was for the health care provided by the UK as he happened to be between jobs and having his supplementary private insurance, but still having the catastrophic and preventative medicine plan that is provided to all UK citizens. It was a very eye-opening conversation and one that dispelled many of the myths reported by the US media as to how terrible the health care is for UK citizens.

After our fascinating conversation, we were off to stay in the French Military Hotel near the Pantheon. While the rooms were not lavish, they were large (by French standards), clean and had everything we needed for ... (if you have been to Paris you will be impressed) 78 Euro/night. Ok, for those of you not having been to Paris think getting a Holiday Inn room in New York City or San Fran, in the heart of the city with one of the best addresses. Yup! Military paid off that time ;)

Pantheon

Day 1 we headed to the Church to St. Genevieve - the saint that Guinivere sings to in Camelot. She is Germanus of Auxerre and Lupus of Troyes and dedicated herself to a Christian life. In 451 she led a "prayer marathon" that was said to have saved Paris by diverting Attila's Huns away from the city. When Childeric I besieged the city in 464 and conquered it, she acted as an intermediary between the city and its conqueror, collecting food and convincing Childeric to release his prisoners.She died in Paris around 512. After admiring her church and tomb, we went next door to the Pantheon. This has beautiful frescoes and a monster crypt. A great way to start enjoying Paris! Next it was time for dinner and there is nothing better than a dinner of crepes, well, at least according to MJ there is nothing better. So, we found the best creperie in the area and enjoyed the savory side.  That evening we walked all over Paris, enjoying the lights and just simple beauty that can only be found there.

Pantheon Frescos

recognized as having saved Paris. She was born in Nanterre ~422 and moved to Paris after encountering

The next day we spent our time shopping, eating, drinking, shopping some more then a little more drinking ... MJ came away with a stunning pair of boots that Mommy paid entirely too much for, but she was so happy with them and they were so comfortable, plus I was reminded that Clark had gotten Italian boots just the week before.  Not being one to feel left out, I also got myself a new pair of boots - Italian leather in Paris, is there anything more decadent?  Yup, wear those boots and a new Cashmere sweater to dinner at a 4star restaurant with some of your best friends and then head to the Moulin Rouge for champagne and a show.  I am so thankful that Giselle has a 16 year old who can responsibly watch the kids and a 12 year old who is one of MJ's dear friends, wishing they could go to Westtown together and be roomies, and then Raphael, now 5 who loves to play with Clark.  So, while they had a great time playing and being kids, we had a great time playing and being adults.  The show was amazing and that is not the bottle of wine and 2 bottles of champagne we polished off that is doing the talking.

MJ in her new boots and sweater

The show is a throw-back to the variety show style.  It has lots of line dancing with scantily clad ladies (not so much the men until the end) and then in between are acts - 2-3 acrobat (amazing) groups, ventriloquist, and a lady who swims with snakes.  Of course they did the traditional can-can about 3/4 of the way through the show.  It was an evening with lots of smiles and total enjoyment.  

Afterward, Kendall and I made the 3 mile walk back to our hotel stopping to talk to different groups of Parisians out on the streets.  I honestly can't think of another city where I feel so safe.

Sunday was spent with Giselle and her family, enjoying a French lunch.  A French lunch lasts for 3-4 hours, has at least 4 courses and is a time well spent with friends or family.  I definitely want to bring these home to the US, so family and friends watch out ... if I invite you to a French lunch expect to eat, drink, talk and even take a little walk between the courses just so you can enjoy the next one that much more.

Giselle and Francise at the Moulin Rouge

Our last day we finally made it to Invalides - the tomb of Napolean and the military history museum.  While the French army was pretty much decimated as a result of WWI; in prior years it was a military might.  The museum gives great insight to the constant technological improvements made by the French up to and including WWI and then also how the people were war weary and they just didn't believe that there would be another one, so they allowed their equipment to remain stagnant unaware that next door Germany was stockpiling completely against the terms and agreements of the Treaty of Versailles.

While so many people come to rush through the sights of Paris, the city is most truly enjoyed when you slow down, enjoy the food, drinks, smells and people with a few sights sprinkled in.  Anything else is just short changing yourself and this magnificent city.