Yesterday (this would be Wednesday, July 2; I'm not changing the time stamp on my blog just for three days, and it's nearly 5 am in Paris right now) I had lunch with one blogger and dinner with another.
Polly and I connected recently, and I was delighted to meet her at the same café I had a Perrier with Jeorg at last year. (And it was a total coincidence, which makes it even better). We had each had a tarte salée, salad, and a glass of rosé for lunch, then coffee. Then another coffee. The second coffee we had out on the terrasse, because the rain had stopped, and coffee on a café terrace is one of life's better pleasures. See here:
Polly's lovely daughter and her adorable friend joined us for a while, then we all went off to do other things. In my case it was a reconnaissance mission at La Droguerie.
Samantha and I arranged to meet at 7 for dinner somewhere. She crossed the Seine and we met at Les Halles, which was kind of her, since it meant I only had to walk about 300 meters. She'd heard of an Italian restaurant with great ravioli; I knew there was one on the rue Montorgueil. It turned out the be the same place, so we had ravioli (hers with figs and Parma ham, mine with truffles, Parma ham, and button mushrooms) and the house red.
By 9:30 I was back in my room, exhausted. An hour later, I was asleep. A dream woke me at 3:00, and here I am.
But what matters here is the people I met. Blogging is such an amazing thing. (YES. I know I said I thought about quitting.) You encounter people via the blogosphere, and if you're lucky enough to meet in person, you automatically have a connection. My jetlag-addled brain can't think of a better way to say that.
In any case, spending time with Polly and Sam was a great way to spend my first day in Paris. (My second day in Paris will actually involve fast trains, the city of Bordeaux, and picking up my children.)
Merci, les filles !
(Now, do I try to sleep a little more, or do I hit up the hotel breakfast in 40 minutes?)
A coffee at a café terrace. With a lovely picture. No matter my last post was talking about diabolo grenadine and demi pêche, I am now day dreaming... I miss France in summer (haven't been there in summer since 2006. Not that long, maybe, but still, I feel it.)
Posted by: Citronella | July 03, 2008 at 01:16
I would love to be on the terrasse with a coffee! My Alison will be in Paris in about a week and a half. I'm quite jealous. I think what's so wonderful about blog relationships is we already know each other's back stories. There isn't the need for small talk or superficial getting to know each other stuff.
Posted by: Margaret | July 03, 2008 at 02:08
Ali,
I miss France!!!
Going to the big apple this year, where they take my money at par.
First year in 5 that we won't be going to France.
rel
Posted by: rel | July 03, 2008 at 04:59
So jealous!
Posted by: AndreAnna | July 03, 2008 at 09:13
It was really nice to finally "meet" you in person. Can't wait to meet your bambinos as well!
PS. I hope you went back to bed after posting that.....and that everything went well in Bordeaux!
Posted by: samantha | July 03, 2008 at 10:07
Poppin' in to wish you a very Happy Birthday! :)
Also, I relate to the blogging situation in terms of whether to keep going or not. I can't come up with anything good or interesting either at my place. Been slacking off a lot.
In other news, Little Brothers 1 & 2 will be in Paris, France later this month. I pointed them to your blog for good ideas :)
Have a wonderful time in France and a safe trip home! :)
Posted by: Carrie | July 05, 2008 at 20:43
*sigh*
Posted by: winter | July 06, 2008 at 01:06
I grew up in Montreal, a city very much influenced by Paris whose streets and people are major-league infused with the same kind of live-first, work-later vibe. I've always wanted to go to Paris - and I'm thrilled that you've been able to share this experience through your blog.
Travel safe, and bonne fete!
Posted by: Carmi | July 20, 2008 at 18:04