We got up this morning, rearing to go to Paris. Jos drove as they wanted to go too after not having been in the City of Lights for a couple of years. I have to say the trip through Belgium and Northern France was very nerve-wracking, since it was raining and of course other drivers were mindless drones and still driving like maniacs. Under normal circumstances Paris was four hours away but seemed much longer. We left right around ten am after Han had returned our rental car and got on the ring road (Boulevard Péripherique) a little after 2:30pm.
We rolled into the inner city of Paris and I immediately went into hiding my face like a turtle. I have driven and ridden in many places now, but none to date can compare with Paris. It should frighten the bravest of souls. It is like New York on steroids.
We finally located our hotel in the maze they call streets and unloaded the car. The parking for the hotel was about a 15 minute walk away and Jos was quite the gentleman and walked back by himself.
Our hotel room at Hotel Elysées Flaubert was, like much of Paris living, quite small but had all the amenities needed to make one comfortable, the bathroom was well appointed and decently sized. We had a view of the street. Not much to see but better than a brick wall. It was fairly quiet and the bedding and pillows made for comfortable sleeping. Excellent customer service and pleasant, helpful staff. It is also very close to the metro and a short ten minute walk to the Étoile, Place Charles de Gaulle.
After unpacking, we went in search for some afternoon coffee at one of the cute corner cafes. Be prepared as four small coffees were Euro 16 ($18). I kept thinking I could have bought several bags of coffee for that. LOL
Afterwards we walked to see “the Arc de Triomphe” and “Avenue des Champs Elysees.” I thought it was fairly crowded but was told that many tourist have chosen other destinations over France due to the violent activities that have plagued France lately.
I loved taking pictures as we walked along. It truly exceeded all that I pictured of France in my mind and what I have seen in movies.
It was getting a bit past dinner time and we wanted something easy and simple. So what happened? We walked into possibly the only sports bar in Paris that boast a huge 48 star American flag, tons of TV’s, American and sports memorable. We sat down outside to eat, chat and watched Paris life on Boulevard de Wagram. Han said that the young waiter was flirting with me. I was like, “yeah right.” LOL However he did seem to be doting on me. Maybe it was my accent.
Americans do not seem present in numbers in Paris this year and I am sure this absence is fueled by fear and the unknown. I personally have yet to feel unsafe on any of our travels. I certainly hope it continues, but other than just hoping, I choose not to be stifled about the possibilities.
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