Well, it is time to say goodbye for now. Paris has been relaxing and fun.
Up until this trip, I had a "yes, but ..... " about Paris. Opinions and judgements were influenced by short stays, bitterly cold weather, language difficulties, weird men (Jen, remember the summer of '82!!), recent media as well as my state of mind each visit.
What I experienced was a vibrant and tolerant city that seemed to offer a pretty good quality of life for people of a variety of cultures, ages, beliefs, budgets and needs. There was evidence of struggle and poverty, but not as despairingly confronting as I had prepared myself to witness.
With the serious challenges of the European economic climate, people are still out and about filling cafés, parks, cinemas, trains, shops etc ........
These shots are of the last days in Paris. Nev and I had dinner at Le Dome, a Paris institution- more about atmosphere than brilliant food. We also visited the Central Islamic Mosque (thanks Lou for the tip) and had a decadent Middle Eastern luncheon (the sweet mint tea was sensational) before touring the mosque.
Other piccies: Plaza Bastille, Il de Cité, Jardin des Plantes and Place des Vosges.
Margs, let Lachie know that his recommendation à la Catacombes remained on the "to do" list most days - but I felt too frozen, too lazy or too taken with walks, churches, art, eating and shops to venture underground amongst 6 million skulls.....
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