Monday, May 23, 2011

Last Full Day in Paris

We were originally scheduled to travel by train to Reims (rhymes with France, go figure) today, but decided to take it a little easier.  Instead, we went to another shopping area and made an earlier day of it.  Arrived back at the apartment around 4:00.  I made a nice risotto for dinner, and we began the process of packing for our trip to London tomorrow.  Here are a few last pictures from the streets of Paris.








Fresh flowers alternated freely with colorful graffiti everywhere in Paris.  The graffiti, however, was not limited to the street level.  We encountered it in the oddest places--on the sides of buildings 5 or 6 stories up as well as in the Metro tunnels.



Fresh fruits and vegetables everywhere.  Tastes you cannot find in American supermarkets.






Artisan Chocolatiers

The beauty of their work is surpassed only by the taste of their wares.



And everywhere...



...everywhere...



...everywhere...



...a vibrant street life...


...matched by a vibrant Cafe culture...



...that distinguishes the city of Paris.



One of the things I learned on this trip is that the government runs a state-sponsored program wherein employers give their employees daily vouchers for approximately 8 euros to encourage them to get out into the streets and the cafes at lunch and on their breaks.  It is a wise government, indeed, that recognizes the value of community and chooses to subsidize that (rather than oil companies).



And what do you do if you are the only employee on staff at your wine shop?
Easy.  
You have your girlfriend bring lunch for the two of you to share on the wine barrel outside the front door.
If a customer comes, you simply duck back into the shop.



As the sign says, and Robert's face indicates, we have been happy, happy, happy during our time in Paris.  Already looking forward to our next visit.  

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