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Published: April 11th 2011
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Vespa Tour
Ha ha ha, I don't look pleased in this photo but trust me I am! It took a long time to finally arrive at this day.
Day of Departure.
So much emotion was poured into this ONE date on the calendar.
And the same thing happens every time that we leave for a trip. We put so much thought, energy and emtion into getting ready to leave that once we do actually leave our home this HUGE sense of relief rushes over us and we end up being totally exhausted physically and mentally.
And it was the first time that I went through that alone.
I was just so happy to be on that plane, on my way.
A big shout out to my friends who helped me through all of it and were with me til the very last minute.
I had planned just under three days to stop over in Paris to visit Guillaumes parents en route to Vietnam.
And I do admit, I had forgotten how achingly gorgeous the city is and how it just oozes history everywhere you turn. But Michel and Francine, being the passionate temporary Parisians that they are, didn’t waste a minute of my time there to show me around and help to make the most out of
my little stop over. Thank you guys so much for everything.
It pretty much started full-on from the moment I arrived at their apartment. They warmly greeted me and treated me to one of my favorite french meals; lunch of fresh baguette, cheeses, charcuteries and fresh veggies. Oh, and a glass of white wine.
Sigh.
Welcome to Paris.
Next on the agenda, private tour of Paris given by none other than Michel Lozeau himself featuring his cherry red Vespa!
It was such a warm sunny afternoon, we couldn’t let it go to waste. Especially coming straight from the ‘winter that never quit’ in Montreal.
We were buzzing and whirring past all the famous landmarks: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysees, Tour Eiffel, Place de La Bastille, Place de La Concorde, the Opera house and maaaany other places I am sure that I am forgetting.
BAMM Paris in my face!
It was a gorgeous spring afternoon in Paris. Thanks to my HIGHLY recommended guide, Michel!
After that it was time to go to war with my jetlag. I lost, badly. I ended up in a late afternoon nap that felt like I was being dragged into the center of the earth, never
to be found again. Until I heard a friendly knock at my door telling me that it was time to get ready for the ballet!
Francine had tried to get us ticket to see the ballet, Coppélia, but since the show was sold out the next best option was to see the live broadcast being screened at a neighboring theatre.
It was INCREDIBLE. The dancers were fantastic, the story was wonderful and I had great company with me. I do admit that at some moments, towards the end of the ballet (the BEST part), I caught myself having prolonged blinks, longer than usual and then my eyes would stay closed all together. But this was not because of the show itself, it was just my old friend Jetlag, come back for round two ( I thought he wouldn’t find me at the ballet!).
Needless to say we headed back that night and I had pretty much the best sleep ever.
My second day started off very pleasantly. Francine and Michel had fresh criossants and a fresh baguette waiting for me for breakfast! Gasp!! It was heavenly.
Slowly but surely Francine and I made our way on the bus and towards
After the Opera
Francine and I infront of the Opera. the famous Montmartre. Its a 130 meter high hill in the 18th district of Paris topped by the lovely Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Gorgeous.
Its a wonderful place to go for a stoll, it’s a quiant area, lots of trees, flowers and picnicking Parisians.
But even MORE noteworthy...the endless FABRIC SHOPS that line the streets at the base of the hill.
Ack!! Dream come true.
Sigh, if only I were visiting them at the END of my trip, I would have a whole pile of new gorgeous fabrics to swoon over.
Francine and I spent a lovely afternoon together, walking, talking, lunching, and sightseeing. It was perfect.
Again, late afternoon war with Jetleg. Got the best of me.
That evening was a memorable one for me. We went to have dinner at an amazing restaurant called Robert & Louise.
Famous for...steaks! Steaks cooked on their open wood-fire stove, served on wooden planks.
The ambience is also great, it’s a small place, very few tables, very crowded, lively and cozy.
And lucky us, they didn’t hold our reserved table so we were moved to a table closer to the stove and got to see all the steak cooking action.
Again, all of my
Fabric!!
Gasp!!
Someone hold me down. favorites showed up: wine, charcuteries, pickles, heavenly steaks and OF COURSE chocolate cake for dessert.
Nothing in this world better than good food and good company.
Funnily enough we were seated next to a nice couple from Toronoto and chatted with them during the evening.
We were sort of rushed out of the restaurant so that they could seat more people, and still being a bit early, we went home and watched 2 hours of Top Chef Paris. Being the foodies that we all are...it was a ball of laughs.
My last remaining morning was very relaxed, hung out at the apartment, slowly got myself ready and finally for my last meal Francine and Michel treated me to the most DELICIOUS crepes in Paris, The Breizh Café. Ahhh...words cannot describe.
And after that it was go time, I had to do my final pack, shower and head off to the airport on the subway.
Time for my first LONG international flight alone.
Good thing for me, I love flying.
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