Wednesday, Nov. 26 - onward to Paris

Following breakfast with our newly discovered relatives, this visit had come to an end. Bernard and Dominique took us to the train station for the next chapter in our France adventure. But, not so fast... this Lyon adventure was not yet over. Bernard pulled his car into the parking garage even though the sign clearly indicated "COMPLET", meaning "FULL--and you'd better not enter because no one will be admitted until one or more cars leave." Oh, boy, there we sat while the minutes until our train departed ticked away. Of course, Bernard, ever the optimist, was sure that the garage would admit us in just a few minutes, but that wasn't the case. So we piled out of the car to walk down into the parking garage and from there up into the station leaving Dominique with the car. Soon we saw a car leave, she then phoned that she was on her way to search among the five floors for a lone parking spot. We were all reunited in the station with a few minutes to spare. Thank heavens for cell phones! Bernard and Dominique helped us with our bags onto the train, kisses and hugs all around, then we were on our way to Paris.

Bye, bye Bernard and Dominique--until the next time!

We arrived in Paris on time (the trains in France run smoothly and om time) and we were met by our pre-arranged driver from Victor Cabs, the service we usually use.

Can you see the young fellow in the middle of the picture waiting for us with a sign that almost matches our name!?

Our apartment was ready. That was our first stop--to pick up our key and go through the obligatory introductory orientation. Sam Nall, the Paris Perfect greeter, has helped us previously, so the orientation was efficient and quickly ended. We then had a few minutes to settle in and catch our breath. The apartment is lovely, quite close to the Eiffel Tower which we can see if we lean out the window.

Furnishings in the apartment are typically French.

When we arrived we weren't surprised to see that the Eiffel Tower was shrouded in 'brouillard',

but that did not deter us. After we unpacked, we made a list and headed off to the grocery store and several market places to stock up for the week on victuals, flowers, and other necessities to make the apartment feel like our own.

After the large meals that we had savored for the past two days, we decided it was best to 'cocoon' and enjoy only a roasted chicken from the 'boucherie' with salad and wine. But first, a glass of champagne to celebrate that we are back in Paris again!