FALL, FAMILY AND FRIENDS - PART 3

After a little break, we were excited to welcome Erin and Faust Reynolds to Paris when they included us in their fall European vacation plans.  David and Erin worked together and we became friends that way.  They stayed in an apartment just around the corner so it was very easy for us to meet for outings.

Erin and David had created quite the itinerary for their visit,  and Faust and I happily went along.  I think I'm fair to say while Paris was an enjoyable spot for them to visit, they tend to prefer smaller towns and countrysides where they can go into a larger city if they choose but aren't right in the middle of it all the time.  I get that,  and we were happy to include some out-of-the-way places we've found to the traditional tourist spots.

Their first night here we invited them to our apartment for dinner, and that was a perfect way to begin their adventure here.  Not because of the cooking (!!!!!), but because they'd been driving most of the day from their previous stop so it was nice to have a quiet, relaxing in-house meal where we could visit and discuss the rest of their trip here.

Sorry, Erin, that you're blinking but it's a cute of the two of you!!

They weren't as interested in some of the "hot" tourist sights which was fine with us.  We did walk over by the Eiffel Tower one night just so they could see it up close.  That particular night it was pretty cold and windy so we didn't stay long....but it is a totally different experience to see the intricacies of the Tower close.

One day, "as we were walking"(!!!),  we came upon a tea shoppe and Erin wanted to stop.  The guys went and sat on a bench, and we went in and had the most fun I've had buying tea (and I didn't even buy any tea!!!).  She knew pretty much what she wanted; however, in addition to that, she bought a travel cup and a really nice canvas bag and I got a cute tea strainer.  The shop was empty while we were there,  and the sales associate was very helpful and English-speaking...always a plus!  It started our day off with a bang!

Lots of tea and other goodies!

David and I love the movie, "Something's  Got to Give", with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.  In the movie she mentions her favorite restaurant in Paris is Le Grand Colbert.  On our strolling with Erin and Faust we found Le Grand Colbert!!!  It looks like a really nice restaurant, and we hope to go there before leaving Paris (whenever that is!).

It looks just like in the movie!!

You know we love going into churches and we walked into several we've not been in before.  One was Notre Dame des Victoires.  It wasn't as large or ornate as some we've walked into, but it was quiet and restful on a day that was busy and nonstop.

For lunch one day while we were out, Erin wanted to go to Le Procope where she'd gone once years ago when she was in college.  What a nice, French cafe it was!   It is said to be the oldest restaurant of Paris in continuous operation and is located in the 6th arrondissement.  The cafe started as a place where gentlemen of fashion might drink coffee, the exotic beverage that had previously been served in taverns, or eat a sorbet, served in porcelain cups served by waiters in exotic "Armenian" garb.  Throughout the 18th century, it was the meeting place of the intellectual establishment including Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.  We sat at a corner table facing a bookcase wall full of antique books.  It was a lovely place to get warm (the day was cold) and have a nice lunch with friends.

Le Precope

We didn't just eat (although it seemed that's all we were doing!!!).  Erin and I shopped stopping in several little out-of-the-way shops where she bought a sweater, a scarf...I'm not really sure what else.  I love helping her spend her money!!!!

I think part of what they wanted was to experience Paris life as we live it each day.  They went to the market with us on Saturday and experienced that with us, we walked through many side streets and saw an old man playing the game of Petanque-the game with steel balls.  Other than being cold, the weather stayed mostly dry and walking wasn't difficult.

I think I might like this game-I never see women playing!

The last two nights Erin and Faust were in Paris we had special dinners...not just cafe-style cuisine.  Erin's friend had recommended a small restaurant that was on a cobblestone side street in the 5th arrondissement.  Our reservation was at 8:00 so it was dark, cold and rainy as we made our way there on two different buses and walking (of course!).  It really was a tiny little place, but cozy and quaint with dark red walls with some concrete trim and antique chandeliers.  Candles and white tablecloths completed the scene and prepared us for a delicious meal.  Our waiter was English-speaking and completely delightful.  He was kind and helpful and also funny.  He put our experience there over the top.  It was a wonderful evening!

Le Reminet

Sunday morning we all got up and went to church.  Our afternoon was pretty quiet while they hit a couple of museums they wanted to see.  We had reservations on one of the Seine dinner cruises that evening so we all wanted to be rested.  David and I did one of these cruises on an earlier visit to Paris and,  though it's kind of expensive, it's a perfect way to end a trip to Paris.  

The Eiffel Tower from the boat

We appreciated so much Erin and Faust taking these days from their vacation time to come to Paris and visit us.  While David and Erin have been good friends, their visit cemented the friendship the four of us will share for years to come.  We shared lots of laughs, memories and dreams in the days we were together..... and a good time was had by all!!!!!