{"id":1054,"date":"2007-12-27T11:01:31","date_gmt":"2007-12-27T16:01:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/?p=1054"},"modified":"2013-10-12T11:17:32","modified_gmt":"2013-10-12T15:17:32","slug":"paris-december-20072008","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/?p=1054","title":{"rendered":"Paris New Years 2007\/2008"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Paris\u00c2\u00a0France<\/p>\n

December 27, 2007
\nas documented by Patricia Daniels<\/p>\n

Run complete photo sideshow<\/a><\/p>\n

After a short visit and playtime with Drexil, Bruce Nolte drove up in his pickup truck and loaded up suitcases in the back.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0It was a beautiful day and we hated to leave the quiet of the Fan \u00e2\u20ac\u201c but\u00c2\u00a0Paris\u00c2\u00a0beckons!<\/p>\n

We drove up I-95 to route 17 to catch route 28 to Dulles.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Along the way, after driving on a road on which Bruce had never driven, we stopped at Five Guys for greasy burgers.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Then on the way to Dulles.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The guys dropped us off and let us stand guard over the bags while they found a place to park the truck.<\/p>\n

We had hoped the flight would be only partially booked \u00e2\u20ac\u201c but we were packed with little room to move.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Dinner was uneventful and shortly fell to sleep.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Sleep was fitful at best and — someday — someday I will be in business class.<\/p>\n

We arrived early, but the logistics of deplaning and walking the miles to the baggage section and waiting for our bags, cost us over an hour.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0As we emerged from the baggage area, we were greeted by Victor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s guy, who loaded us in his van for transport to our apartments.<\/p>\n

Our\u00c2\u00a0apartments<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0are identical and just as we expected.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0A nice-sized dining room, living room, and kitchen, with two bedrooms and bathroom.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Once we unpacked, we went off to the markets!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Directly across the street, we have a poissonerie and fruits and vegetables.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0As you would expect the location was selected because Nicholas, Paris’s leading wine store was two doors away, oh yeah we also had a butcher around the corner! Half a block away we have 2 boulangeries.\u00c2\u00a0 In reality we never needed a coat to go shopping, we did not even need to put on shoes.\u00c2\u00a02 blocks away is the Grand Epicurean next to Bon Marche.<\/p>\n

Since we arrived on Friday, we strolled the street market at Boulevard Raspail on the way to the MonoPrix.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The guys found a wine store (Nicholas) to lay in supplies for our first evening meal in\u00c2\u00a0Paris.<\/p>\n

We made arrangements to meet Paul and Elaine at Deux Magots \u00e2\u20ac\u201c but it was impossible to seat 9 folks.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We searched around and finally found Chai de Buci, very hospitable and glad to have us.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We each ordered what we wanted, I had Salade Jardiniere, and of course a fine red wine.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Our waiter was fun, it was not super smoky, and we had a great time.<\/p>\n

\"apartment\"<\/a><\/p>\n

We asked Paul and Elaine to join us for dinner at seven back at the apartment. Then off we went to search for fish as a main course.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We found scallops, complete with roe.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Then back to the apartment for the remainder of the afternoon \u00e2\u20ac\u201c of course strolling by all the shops!<\/p>\n

\"kitchen\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For dinner Mike made a salad with mixed greens, cheese, and fois gras and a vinaigrette dressing,\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Second course included scallops saut\u00c3\u00a9ed in olive oil after a dusting in corn flour, Brussels sprouts saut\u00c3\u00a9ed with shallots in olive oil and butter, and, of course, bread from the bakery.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Dessert was a citron tart and an apple caramel tart.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0All of our food was consumed with several bottles of wine.<\/p>\n

Our first day ended early and we finally went to bed after making arrangements to meet and head out to March\u00c3\u00a9 aux puces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saturday, December 29, 2007<\/h1>\n

We all overslept!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s banging on the door at\u00c2\u00a09:30 AM\u00c2\u00a0and we are all sound asleep!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Frantic action in the morning to scramble everything together and get ready.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0First a morning stops at Le Nemrod for caf\u00c3\u00a9 cr\u00c3\u00a8me.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Then on to La Perle to get Paul and Elaine and start our metro trek from Saint-Sulpice to Porte Clingancourt and, ultimately March\u00c3\u00a9 aux puces.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Mike obtained a carnet of billets from the ATM-like machine.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0When Don tried to use his credit card, the machine wanted only coins, so we went to the cashier.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After waiting in line, Don gave the young woman a twenty euro bill, a one euro coin and a 10-cent piece.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0She gave him the tickets, but no change.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0It took me a while, but my pigeon French finally convinced her she owed him ten Euros.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Then we all took off through the broken turnstile \u00e2\u20ac\u201c yes, we all received a free ride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once out of the metro station at Clingoncourt, everyone else was sure we were in the wrong place.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The whirl of activity and the overall heightened sense of too many people in too little space made everyone hold their purses a little closer.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After crossing under the peripherique, and along the block, we entered the oldest part of the March\u00c3\u00a9 aux puces.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We walked a few allees, looking at all the treasures, and then continued on to a newer enclosed market.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Many of the chandeliers were decked out with colored crystals, lots of exquisite clocks, a highly ornate red screen, lots of mid-century articles and many fanteuils and settees \u00e2\u20ac\u201c all at prices beyond my means.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Don and Marcie left us for their pre-arranged tour of the wine museum and we sought a place for lunch.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We split up into two groups: Bruce, Jo, Paul and Elaine in one and Mike, Pat and Christina in another.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After lunch at Le Biron, we took photos with Santa at the entrance to one of the markets.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We split up again, Bruce, Jo, Paul and Elaine to return home; while Mike, Pat and Christina went on to\u00c2\u00a0Montmartre\u00c2\u00a0and Sacre Coeur.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
\"marche1\"<\/a><\/td>\n\"marche2\"<\/td>\n\"marche3\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Marche aus Puce<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Jo and Eline<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Pat and mike with Santa at the Marche<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Once off the metro, we hiked all the steps up to the art nouveau station and took Chris\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s photo.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We hiked up to the funicular.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Chris tried out one of the public restrooms that cycle through disinfection between each user. After the ride to the top, Chris took photos of the city and we went up to Sacre Coeur.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0They had the nativity set up for the holidays and the place was so packed with people!<\/p>\n

We scooted out, went around the corner to the artist\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s square.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0On our way, we passed a mime.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Chris took photos and then gave the mime a euro.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0She was startled to see him bow!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The square was packed with artists, but because of the hour and the cold, many were breaking down for the evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
\"metro\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/td>\n\"artists\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Chris’s First Metro Trip alone<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
<\/td>\n\n
Artist’s Square at\u00c2\u00a0Sacre Coeur<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

We headed home to catch up with the others and make plans for dinner.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We truly enjoyed our afternoon with Christina.<\/p>\n

For dinner, we walked to Paul & Elaine\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hotel, La Perle near Saint-Sulpice.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Then we walked around the corner to Bistrot de la Grille Saint Germain.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Naturally, we had to split into two tables.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Food was good, conversation even better.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After a leisurely dinner, we walked back to the apartment.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0On the way back, Jo and team danced and sang \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Dancing in the Rain\u00e2\u20ac\u009d much to the delight of many passers-by.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0And, finally our group figured out that we should not cross the street against the red pedestrian.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sunday, December 30, 2007<\/h1>\n

Don, Marcie and Christina headed off to\u00c2\u00a0Versailles, while Bruce, Jo, and Pat took a walking tour of Passy and\u00c2\u00a0Auteuil.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We started the day with homemade coffee and croissants from our neighborhood boulangerie. We bought more Metro tickets and headed off to the Passy to begin our tour.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Passy\/Auteuil is in the 16th<\/sup>\u00c2\u00a0and is the last village neighborhood in\u00c2\u00a0Paris. We left the Passy metro station and walked down to the river.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0There were few people out and about early in the day, but as the day progressed we had more and more of a crowd.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Just before the river, we passed no 1 rue de l\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Alboni, where Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider were filmed in their steamy scenes from the Last Tango in\u00c2\u00a0Paris.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0According to the guide book, a dentist had his plaque on the outside; in one scene it was barely discernable.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0He sued the film-makers over what he regarded as adverse publicity.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0At the\u00c2\u00a0Seine\u00c2\u00a0we accessed the Bir-Hakeim Bridge,\u00c2\u00a0Paris\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 only bridge that accommodates pedestrians, automobiles and the metro \u00e2\u20ac\u201c an engineering marvel.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The bridge was named after a battle where the Free French opposed Rommel\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s troops in the\u00c2\u00a0Libyan Desert\u00c2\u00a0in 1942.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The supporting structure has bas reliefs depicting the\u00c2\u00a0Seine, labor, electricity and commerce.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We had a great view of the\u00c2\u00a0Eiffel\u00c2\u00a0Tower\u00c2\u00a0with a beautiful blue sky.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0In the distance we could see the outline of Sacre Coeur.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0At the center of the bridge we turned onto the Allee des Cygnes.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0This artificial island bordered on both sides by trees was created in 1825 to shelter Grenelle\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s industrial harbor.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0At its end, we found the model of the statue of\u00c2\u00a0Liberty\u00c2\u00a0given to the\u00c2\u00a0US.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We left the island, crossing over Pont de Grenelle.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Ahead was the round contemporary Maison de France Radio.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The building is undergoing renovation from 2006 to 2013.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The temperature inside is derived from a warm spring 81 degrees F coming up from a depth of 1800 feet.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We crossed over to Rue Gros into a very residential area.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We walked through a charming park (dogs prohibited) with highly maintained planting beds.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The benches were surrounded by a hedge to keep people out of the flower beds.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The sidewalk extended under the benches for ease of maintenance.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We turned onto Rue la Fontaine and spent time admiring Hector Guimard\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s finest building at no 14. Truly Spectacular! A brick building decked out in wonderful ironwork in art nouveau style. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Castel Beranger is a poem. Here are passion, ingenuity, and brilliance \u00e2\u20ac\u201c yet this is after all only a block of flats. It is the details that does it.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The also have a beautiful courtyard.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We peeked in through the front door to gaze at the intricate ceiling, wall and floor.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We continued up Rue la Fonatine to a corner bistro, where we sat outside under the heaters and enjoyed caf\u00c3\u00a9 au lait and glasses of water.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Waiter was cute with a Wyatt Earp moustache and a bandaged finger and very accommodating.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We tried out the unisex bathroom.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After our break, we trudged up the steep hill to find the steps to the narrow, cobblestone rue Berton.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Our perfect view of the\u00c2\u00a0Eiffel\u00c2\u00a0Tower\u00c2\u00a0perfectly framed by two buildings was partially blocked by trees.\u00c2\u00a0However, the little alleyway\/rue was very closed in by stone walls and hasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t changed much since the 18th<\/sup>\u00c2\u00a0century.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We passed the stone showing the division between Auteuil and Passy placed in 1731 and continued on to check out Hotel de Lamballes, currently the Turkish Embassy, previously a mental institution (1800\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s), home of Princesse de Lamballe (confidante of Marie Antoinette who lost her head along with her queen) \u00e2\u20ac\u201c it actually dates back to the 1400\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
\"passy1\"<\/a><\/td>\n\"passy2\"<\/a><\/td>\n\"passy3\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
# 14 close up<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Hector Guimard\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s finest building at no 14<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Along the way<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We went up the 100 steps to Avenue du Parc-de-Passy.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Looking back to the river we saw four huge apartment houses flanking a green quadrant with a gazebo.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0What a view!<\/p>\n

We walked up Rue de l\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Annonciation to Place de Passy, a pedestrian district with shops, restaurants, cafes, etc.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We continued on Rue de Passy and found a covered market, getting ready to close.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We strolled down Chausee de la Muette, passed no 20 where Chateau de la Muette used to stand.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Charles IX had a hunting lodge there from which he hunted deer in the Bois de Boulogne.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The grounds were enormous and the site in 1783 of t launch of the Montgolfiere, a hot air balloon made with wallpaper as an envelope and straw as fuel.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After the revolution, the estate was divided up into lots to be developed.<\/p>\n

The remains of the park are the park Ranelagh.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We crossed the park and crossed into Rue Louis-Boilly.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We entered the Musee Marmottan, to view its collection of Impressionist art including works by Claude Monet, Berthe Morissot, Auguste Renoir and assorted other artists.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Perhaps the best aspect of the museum could be the fine architectural details, decorative trim, doors, French doors\/windows, parquet floors, paneled rooms, and fabulous chandeliers and wonderful Empire furniture.<\/p>\n

Outside the museum, we headed back to La Muette and stopped for soup and wine at La Rotonde.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We decided to end our walk from the guidebook as the day was waning and we needed to get to the grocery store.<\/p>\n

We got on the RER \u00e2\u20ac\u201c going the wrong way \u00e2\u20ac\u201c hopped off and went back.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Bruce and Jo had never been on the RER \u00e2\u20ac\u201c\u00c2\u00a0Paris\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 long distance commuter train.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We changed to the metro at St-Michel.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Bruce went on to St-Placide to get wine and we stopped at St-Sulpice to shop at the MonoPrix.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After frantic shopping, we purchased two chickens to bake, salad fixin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, cauliflower, bread, ice cream for dessert, ingredients for soup, necessaries like tissues, tp, paper towels, etc.<\/p>\n

Mike prepared a wonderful roasted chicken dinner with cauliflower!<\/p>\n

Monday, New Year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Eve<\/h1>\n

After croissants and coffee, we headed out for a walk to BHV to search for chandelier parts.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Marcie, Don and Christina came along and we dropped them off at Notre Dame.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Jo and Bruce headed off to Bonaparte\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s tomb.<\/p>\n

BHV has reorganized their sous-sol and added to their inventory.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We found leather hides, we found more laser levels than in both Lowe\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and Home Depot combined, fabulous faucets and plumbing fixtures, heated towel bars (including one over a glass\/vitrine heater), iron fireplace covers, two aisles of door answering units \u00e2\u20ac\u201c many with video cameras, fabulous shower heads, many assorted furniture glides including the jack to lift heavy pieces, fabulous hardware for windows and French Doors, fireplaces (gas and electric), and so on.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We went up to the RDC to check out the holiday decorations 0 now al on sale.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The surprising thing was all the black decorations combined with silver.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Naturally, we scooted up to the 3rd<\/sup>\u00c2\u00a0floor to check out the house wares. We found many kinds of oilcloth by the yard for tablecloths.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Of course, there were great sheets and linens, bath accessories, dishes and fine china \u00e2\u20ac\u201c all kinds of wonderful stuff.<\/p>\n

Across from BHV we found a party shop, filled with folks buying wigs, masks, party hats, etc for the evening.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0They even had a basket of goodies that included party favors, hats, crowns, confetti, etc.<\/p>\n

As we passed the garden at hotel de ville, we saw that they had installed two skating rinks (one had just been groomed by the Zamboni) \u00e2\u20ac\u201c one for little children, one for everyone.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The one for little children even had little PVC pipe rigs to allow little ones to skate without falling down.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0They also had little push sleighs for little ones that mama would push around the ice.\u00c2\u00a0Adjacent to the rinks they had built a little hill with a slight slope covered in ice.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Each \u00e2\u20ac\u0153lane\u00e2\u20ac\u009d on the hill was separated from the other by a PVC divider.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Children rented small plastic sleds, went to the top of the hill, sat on the sled and zipped down the incline, coming to rest on a carpeted area.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Naturally, it was packed!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n
\"skating1\"<\/a><\/td>\n\"skate2\"<\/a><\/td>\n\"skate3\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n
Children’s Skating Rink<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
Snow in Paris? Not!<\/div>\n<\/td>\n
\n
It’s never too cold for the carousel<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We crossed over the river and went back into the\u00c2\u00a0Latin Quarter.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We decided to eat a late lunch at La Dolce Vita \u00e2\u20ac\u201c pizza and red wine.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The\u00c2\u00a0Latin Quarter\u00c2\u00a0like many of the other sections of the city was all decked out for the holidays.<\/p>\n

\"latin\"<\/a>Heading back we stopped in at MonoPRIX to see if they had any bowls. The place was packed \u00e2\u20ac\u201c 17 or more people at each cashier.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0On the way back to the apartment, we received a panic call from Don who said that the wine shop was closed!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Now, yesterday, when Bruce found the store closed, he ran up to the Grand Epicurean and hauled wine home.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0When we passed the wine shop, it was open.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We went in and laid in a supply.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We arrived back at the apartment at the same time as Bruce and Jo.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Jo and I went to the Fruit and Vegetable shop for more clementines.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0I asked him if he would be open tomorrow \u00e2\u20ac\u201c he said no.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0But, we have everything we need for soup and salad.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Since the wine store was going to be closed tomorrow, we decided to go back and get more wine.<\/p>\n

Paul and Elaine stopped by for a glass of champagne at the apartment, then off on the metro to La Taverne for a great dinner!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We got off the metro at Opera and had a great view of the opera house all aglow.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We walked down Blvd des Italiens to the restaurant.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We were seated upstairs in a mezzanine level at a table for nine. We started out with a\u00c2\u00a0fois\u00c2\u00a0gras mousse with strawberries, then scallops in lemon juice, then mushrooms in puffed pastry, filet of beef, salad, and surprise dessert.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Along with\u00c2\u00a0Champagne, white wine, red wine, and more champagne.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We were surprised!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0There was dancing, music, singing, a conga line (one with Marcie in the lead!).\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The older gentleman at the next table presented his lovely partner with a little jewelry box at precisely\u00c2\u00a0midnight.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0In it a ring!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The French couple with their daughter at the next table and all the folks on our mezzanine level clapped and yahooed when she opened it.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Once\u00c2\u00a0midnight\u00c2\u00a0was announced there were hugs and kisses all around \u00e2\u20ac\u201c even with folks from the other tables.<\/p>\n

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Pauly wanted a hat too!<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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At\u00c2\u00a01:30we started our trek home, walking down Avenue d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122l\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Opera through the Louvre, to the\u00c2\u00a0Seine, past St Germain de Pres to home.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Well-wishers all along the way wished us a Bonne Annee!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0By this time, Christina had shed her high heeled shoes and was walking home in her bare feet.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Home and to bed after a great New Year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Eve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 – New Years Day!<\/h1>\n

Naturally we slept late. Bruce and Don went to La Poilane to get their New Year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Day special dark nut bread.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We walked out to Jardin de Luxembourg to clear the fog.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We planned dinner (soup and salad) for\u00c2\u00a04 PM.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Then a quick stroll over to Place Concorde and the\u00c2\u00a0Champs Elysees\u00c2\u00a0to check out the decorations.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0At the river, we waited for the\u00c2\u00a0Eiffel\u00c2\u00a0Tower\u00c2\u00a0flashing light show on the hour.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0All the trees lining the boulevard of the\u00c2\u00a0Champs Elysees\u00c2\u00a0were decked out in blue lights.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We walked all the way down to the Arc d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Triomphe and around it and then metro\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d home.<\/p>\n

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Champs Elysees\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>and the\u00c2\u00a0Eiffel\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>Tower\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>flashing light show<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Wednesday, 2 January 2008<\/h1>\n

After breakfast, we checked out the holiday decorations at Le Bon Marche (Paris very first department store!)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The store was decked out in pink, silver, and crystal.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We left Bon\u00c2\u00a0Marcheand metro\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d over to Galleries Lafayette.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The exterior had been clad with scaffolding and eth scaffolding decorated with white lights and a framework resembling an ice palace.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Their windows were decorated Macy\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s-sty6le complete with moving polar bears and the store was packed.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We checked out the home store to see if there were any great deals too good to pass up.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We checked out Bouchara to see the trendy new fabrics and passementerie.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0There was a cute pop toile \u00e2\u20ac\u201c chairs, candelabras, and frames on a bright blue background.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0After Bouchara, we headed over to Les Gobelins to take advantage of our reserved tour at\u00c2\u00a02 PM.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We found a little bistro on the corner and had omlettes and red wine.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The tour was lengthy, over an hour and a half, and all in French. Poor Mike had no idea what was going on.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0All of the tapestries being worked on were very contemporary and not to our style.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We left les Gobelins and headed home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At home we had wine and hors d\u00e2\u20ac\u2122oeuvres to wait for time to leave for our dinner reservation at Hugo\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Our reservation was for\u00c2\u00a08 PM, we metro\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d to the right bank, greeted Hugo and had dinner in t kitchen.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0As usual, the meal was superb!\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0One appetizer was a tomato mousse served with little shrimp.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The other appetizer was raviolis with a cream sauce.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Don and Marcie had veal \u00e2\u20ac\u201c said it was the best they ever had.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Christina had beef, well-done and we asked Hugo to substitute fries.<\/p>\n

\"La_Cordonnerie(hogo's)\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After dinner, we walked back to place de Concorde.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Mike, Don and Chris rode the Ferris wheel.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Luckily, the\u00c2\u00a0Eiffel\u00c2\u00a0Tower\u00c2\u00a0started flashing while they were on the Ferris wheel.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The view from the top was fantastic.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Home to bed after a wonderful day.<\/p>\n

3 January 2008<\/h1>\n

Our last Day in\u00c2\u00a0Paris.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We took the walking tour in our book of the area near the apartment, Faubourg St Germain. We ate salad at home at the apartment and headed out to the Passage Jouffroy to check out the doll house miniatures.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0The selection and the various items are just beyond comprehension.<\/p>\n

We headed back home to catch up with the others.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0We ended up at a bistro for a pitchet of wine.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0Bruce and Jo went to dine with Elaine and Paul; Don, Marcie, Chris, Mike, and I went to Victoria Station le Wagon for wood-fired pizza for dinner.<\/p>\n

Mike verified our pick-up time with Victor and we crashed to get ready for our early morning departure.<\/p>\n

Eiffel Tower in Action<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u00c2\u00a0<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Paris\u00c2\u00a0France December 27, 2007 as documented by Patricia Daniels Run complete photo sideshow After a short visit and playtime with Drexil, Bruce Nolte drove up in his pickup truck and loaded up suitcases in the back.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0It was a beautiful day … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34,186,25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bistro-cafes-brasseries","category-cafe","category-paris"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1054\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/frenchbychoice.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}