Paris 2012 Day 1

It has been 18 years since I was in Paris. It has always been one of my favorite cities so it is baffling why it has been so long. I can say that in many ways, it still feels the same. 

I hate CDG airport. There I've said it and I'm done. Oh wait, you want to know why? A 1/2 mile Passport Control line 4-5 people wide. Took an hour for non-EU passport holders to get through.


And, of course, it is raining in Paris. Not wanting to fight my luggage, a train and 2 Metro transfers, I chose the taxi...at rush hour...in the rain. Any way, I did eventually make it to the hotel.


I used Marriott points to stay at the Renaissance on the Right Bank near the Jarden des Tuileries. This is a great location. However, after staying in a hotel that was ~$70 per night in Bucharest, this SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive room is 1/3 the size of my room in Bucharest. Takes a little getting used to. But I'm sure I'll survive. 

So, I dropped my luggage off and headed out into the rain. My mission was dinner because I hadn't had anything to eat all day. Wiley from The Meadowlark Restaurant has given me two restaurant recommendations. Fish La Boissonnerie is the closest to the hotel so I head in that direction. FISH is on the Left Bank near Saint-Germaine des-Pres. While FISH is a haven for English speakers (one of the waitresses is from Waco, Texas), it is a great atmosphere and great food. There are no reservations so it is first come, first served. I was later told that it was helpful to arrive right at 7pm when they officially open. But the bar is definitely worth the wait for the people alone. While waiting at the bar, two couples were there chatting. I would have sworn they had been friends for a while. Turns out they met about an hour before. I met a Scottish couple who lives in Australia and visits Paris for 2 months each year; a couple from South Africa with 3 kids (18, 9, and 2 - Yikes); 3 women from Michigan; and a couple from Napa. 

Now it is the couple from Napa that will be of interest to my Passport to Dry Creek Napa Monday friends. They are from Coombsville...home of John "Coot" Caldwell whom they know and describe as a "mentor." Bob and Anne own Tournesol Wines. Visits to the winery are by appointment so you will be pleased to know that we have our first Napa Monday 2013 winery visit.


And then there was dinner. I  started with Salade de quinoa, julienne de legumes croquants, okras et coriandre [Quinoa salad, crunchy julienne vegetables, okra and coriander]. (And, yes honey, I ate the Okra...it was raw and good.)  That was followed with filet de cabillaud, risotto d'epeautre au poireau, bulots, beurre d'escargot [cod fillet, risotto with leeks, whelks, snail butter]. And for dessert, Chevre frais de chez Quatrehomme, figues fraiches et huile d'olive [goat cheese with figs and olive oil]. And the meal was served with their own wines.

 I love walking Paris, especially at night. Although, it is better when John is here with me.