My Paris Evening

Traveling with best friend Stella, we were up early for the complimentary breakfast buffet. My notes:  “I selected orange juice (was watery), coffee (was strong) and cream  (served hot in cream pitcher) fresh banana and chocolate drop pastry (I thought it was raisin pastry)."  Still, as I noted, all was delicious.  Our first full day in Paris, France was off to a good start at the Hotel Lotti, our home for the next several days.

The tour bus took us on a morning of sight seeing in Paris; including Notre Dame and at noontime out to the City of Versailles and the Palace of Versailles.  What a fabulous experience; yet, we were back by 4:30 that afternoon.

Jean and Fran, whom we met on the tour, came up to our room to relax.  They were staying at the Nord and wanted to see our “superior first-class ” accommodations.   Soon they were talking about going shopping.  I begged off, said I was tired; actually wanted to try to reach my daughter’s office in New Jersey before lunchtime over there.   The three of them went shopping. 

I changed into a caftan.  Not able to connect with family, I relaxed.  Time passed, my friends didn’t return and I was hungry.  It was nearly 7 pm and I was going to have to eat by myself.  I began to feel painfully lonely in Paris.  Studying the room-service menu, it hit me, no-way!  I had to get out of that hotel and make a real Paris memory. 

I dressed, stood tall, and left the room, adding a pleasant face to my over all look as I rode the elevator to the lobby and stepped out into the Paris evening.   I strolled up rue de Castiglione, made a right turn and explored the two blocks behind the hotel. Window shopping the high fashion boutiques, I considered the little dresses, the sleek tight shiny pants; glittery shoes with wide and narrow straps – big clunky heels.  Would my daughter, daughter-in-law appreciate what I might select for them.  What about fit? The grey satin-like slip-on pants for one and the bronze slide-in shoe for the other seemed to say, “buy me”.   But I was chicken – kept walking.

Just ahead was a deli-restaurant with folks at tables outside and inside.   Wondering if Stella, Jean and Fran could have gone to such a place, I strolled by pensively. “For sure, they were eating someplace - without me.” 

Sauntering on,  I was interested in a window display of souvenirs.  As I seriously considered going inside, I heard “Marva”, “Marva”.  Here I was on a moderately crowded avenue in Paris and a stranger's voice called my name.  Absolutely Amazing!

Turning, I saw Jean running toward me.  Laughing, she pointed at the deli-restaurant down the block.  Seated inside, they had seen me pass by as they ate.  Walking back I learned Stella was enjoying the French onion soup she craved since arriving in Paris on Thursday.  


I Was So Happy To Be Together Again With My Friends!  YES!!!

I ordered Duck Pate and Mineral Water and enjoyed the conversation and the ambiance including the rather large, long haired, elderly dog resting under a neighboring table.  The pet would give a few mature barks which no one seemed to notice.  Earlier one of our guides had told us Parisians love their dogs – take them everywhere.  And here one was, sharing dinnertime with its master.

What a lovely Friday evening in Paris.