Four Days in Paris

Paris planned before the attacks.

I heard the news driving up the M6 early the morning following. 

Shocked. 

There but by the grace of whatever faith you subscribe to.  Two weeks later and it could have been I.  

Could have been anyone of us. 

May be it was quiet.  It felt quiet but then I have not been to Paris in November, in fact its over 25 years since I’ve been to Paris at all. 

With the intensity of an ugly sister trying to fit into a glass slipper I filled four days with sights, galleries, food, wine, pavement sore feet and fun.

My Airbnb room, 5th floor,  cobbled street with the tiniest of balconies. Looking over waving roof tops of the south bank fitted the Parisian image to perfection.

The soft scent of flowers in Place de la République didn’t detract from the reality check of recent events,

But Paris still weaves its charms with style,

whether it be chocolates, clothes or charcuterie.

Our footsteps fell behind thousands, to Notre Dame and along the Seine

Until tea intervened.  A cafe with shining wood and mirrored interior and tarte aux pommes too good to resist.

We left the road for a river ride

taking us to nightfall at the tower.

Food, accompanied by wine at Au Passage.  A chance seating next to a wine grower from Champagne and our meal and day ended as it should.

Day two to follow.