We Have Arrived in Paris!

Front of Apartment Facing Rue de Buci
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8.25.06  After a quick one hour flight on Air France, we arrived in Paris from Dusseldorf.  And not less than 10 minutes from landing, we were in the Paris Shuttle and driven straight to the apartment on Rue de Buci.  What a quaint, romantic apartment.  See the pictures I've attached.  After a few phone calls to check in with family and Charlie & Cindy, it was off to explore.

At Charlie's suggestion, we walked down Rue do Seine to the river and saw the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame from the bridge.  WOW!  We are really in Paris!  We then went shopping at the local market, brought a few things back to the apartment  and had a quick lunch of roast chicken, cheese, grapes and fresh bread while watching the street life below from the balcony.  Talk about LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

A melange of stimulation...

Looking Back Down Hallway to Kitchen and Bath
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Dave and I then crashed from the overnight flight and took a short nap.  Imagine our surprise when we were awakened to the sounds of a jazz ensemble playing and singing from the corner just outside our apartment.  They sounded like a New Orleans jazz quartet and sang the lyrics in English.  See picture.  IT WAS SO COOL! Paris offers such a melange of stimulation for every one of your senses...and I do mean every single one!

We quickly freshened up and hit the streets again walking back down to to the river and stopping for some people watching in the St. Michel area.  Introduced ourselves to an interesting woman from Rio de Janero who had just moved to Paris from London with her husband and 13 year old son.  She spoke English, French and Portugese, so she was very helpful,

New Orleans Jazz Now Playing in Paris
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After walking along the river at twilight, we stopped in for a late dinner at a great little pizzeria that served a fabulous "house special" of wine, French onion soup, and I mean REAL French onion soup, white fish with pasta and homemade carmeled ice cream.  All for 11 euros per person, gratuity included.  LIFE IS GOOD IN PARiS!

We almost can't wait for tomorrow to begin, but we are sooooo tired and need to get a good night's sleep so we can really get this adventure in high gear tomorrow.

Stay tuned.  With love from Paris...