Eiffel For Paris

FROM THE SHARD TO CHARDONAY

The train from London to Paris takes 2 hours and 15 minutes connecting the two city centers. It is a wonderful example of how cultures that are inherently linked can be bridged by technology. The process is civilized and smooth, timely and elegant. In years gone by one would have had to take a train, a bus, a boat and another train. Of course, there were times of yore when one would have had to march to the coast. Uphill both ways!

We arrived in Paris at Gare du Nord and took a taxi to the rental office to pick up our keys. We walked the half hour from there along the Seine headed east to our apartment on the Ile St Louis. We hit a problem when we were unable to enter our apartment, as the key did not work. Victor from the rental company arrived on his bicycle to assist us. He stayed with us into the evening as a locksmith was called to change the locks. The apartment is beautiful and was worth waiting for. Fourteen foot high rough-hewn beamed ceilings with full-length windows, and plastered stone walls. After the tiny studio flat in London this feels massive. We are able to relax after the wonderful time in London during which we filled our time with the joys of family and friends and social interaction. Now we are alone in the City of Light, the most romantic city in the world – Paris.

Our first relaxed day here was spent in the nearby Marais district exploring the shops and cafes along the narrow, winding streets. We lunched at a Cuban restaurant on perch cerviche and smoked salmon.

Le Royal Turenne, Marais

After dark we took to the streets locally on the islands to photograph the grand Notre Dame Cathedral at night. The streets were bustling, restaurants full, with lines for the famous Berthillon ice cream, which is produced here on the Ile St Louis. Crowds of people lined the lower banks of the Seine enjoying picnics with wine as the variety of sounds of street musicians wafted in the air on a balmy Tuesday evening.

Notre Dame, Paris

Ah Romance! Voici Paris!