Thinking of Paris

me and Moises at Versailles 2002

My heart goes out to all the people around the world who lost somebody in the terrible tragedies in Paris this week. No words can begin to describe what we are all feeling - anger, shock, disbelief. I remember our one and only trip to Paris in 2002. We have not been back, as I was sure we could never recreate such a fairy tale trip. It was our most romantic vacation.

me at the Hotel California

Younger and much thinner then, Moises took a photo of me in the lobby of our hotel. Between all the amazing architecture and the Louvre, we were so impressed. And we loved the people of Paris. They were amazing. Now understand my husband speaks five languages, which goes a long way in Paris. We never once found anyone rude or abrupt. I have a harder time navigating the streets of New York. They aren't really rude, just always in a hurry. 

One of the architectural wonders of Paris

Stay safe, get well and hope to see you again one day. Take care, dear friends of France, and I really hope things get back to normal soon. The world has gone crazy. Let's hope we can right these troubled times.

The Amazing Faces: Memories of Paris

Statue at Paris, France

My memories of Paris are backed up on those little square plastic disks that fit in my first digital camera. It was a Sony camera that was big and heavy, and I never could get a straight picture from it. Moises became the photographer that trip of 2002. He sure took some great shots of faces in Paris, with all kinds of expressions and in various mediums. I really don't remember where we took all of them, but it is fun to reminisce.

Wall of Arc de Triomphe, Paris

Who is this?

I love the bust above, but who is he? Can anybody tell me?

Paris

Also, I would love to identify the below painting at the Louvre. It is fabulous.

Painting at the Louvre, Paris

Oh, and here we are with the infamous camera!

Moises and me with our first digital camera photo taken at Versailles

Romantic Rendezvous: Memories of Paris

me at Louvre 2002

It has been 10 years since Moises and I made our one and only trip to Paris. I may never go back as the trip was so perfect, it could never be topped. We could not have had better weather. It was cool but not cold until the last few days. Our hotel, Hotel California, could not have been nicer nor better located. It was a romantic rendezvous. I hear people say Parisians are not friendly, but we did not find this at all. My husband speaks French, enough to get by in restaurants and grocery stores. We had a warm welcome from everyone we met. The city could not have been cleaner. Every day at 5pm, the street cleaners came by and hosed down the streets. Due to the economic climate in Europe now, I've been told that is no longer possible. I don't know as I haven't been back, but our memories are of the best trip of a lifetime. We love Paris!

A few other gems from that trip ....

face in stone at Louve, Paris

Lion statue at Louvre, Paris

Wall detail at Louvre, Paris

Mona Lisa

The crowning jewel .... the Mona Lisa. She is so small and used to hang in a bathroom, but no trip to Paris is complete without her! More information on this painting can be found here.