Suzanne and Corinne live in Knoxville now with their little girl, Chloe, but Corinne is originally from Rennes, France. So, the family travels back to France for a summer holiday and a Christmas celebration every year. They decided that an adult weekend in Paris was in order, so we didn't get to meet Chloe this trip. It was an amazing chance to get reacquainted and we already have plans to meet up again in San Diego this summer! Again, how is it that all of our friends end up traveling to Europe conveniently while we are here?
This time in Paris I wanted to go to Sacre Coeur. La Basilica du Sacre Coeur de Montmartre to be precise. Its a basilica of the Sacred Heart located on the highest point in Paris, a butte called Montmartre.
Montmartre also had a Christmas Market. I didn't understand this tradition was present throughout Europe. I did remember the artists selling painting in the square there. The vibe seems a little less bohemian after 25 years, or is that just me?
As I mentioned, Corinne was our local guide. She did an awesome job of choosing the best restaurants, ordering for us, and negotiating the subway. It was very interesting to hear commentary on Parisians from a French person. Corinne was 'on to them' like I would never have been. Apparently, the waiters saw the Americans as a target and brought us bottled water and 'unexpected extras' we didn't ask for.
Most memorable, but not in a good way, was that of all of us, Corinne got pick-pocketed in the subway! It was crowded on our way to Sacre Coeur and I'm not even sure I have ridden the Paris subway before, but it seemed like any other. Obviously, we did NOT run into the courteous British gentlemen in Paris, but instead, a magician of thievery who lifted Corinne's wallet, removing her cash and nothing else. We were all taken aback and offended by the experience. Luckily, the passports were in the hotel safe. This lead to discussion on a habit that Suzanne and Corinne have where they carry around $5 or so in their pockets and every week, strive to give it to someone in need. Corinne figures she just (literally) paid it forward for the next quarter!
Paris also has a Christmas Market. It is done in a "big-Champs Elysees-way". Apparently Santa even shows up in the evenings to this gathering. I wish we could have seen him riding the sleigh across the sky at night, but we missed that little detail, I guess? Or, maybe it only happens on Christmas Eve?
Donnell first encouraged us to try the delectable mother of French macaroons, Laduree'. Note to self: NEVER, EVER, refuse French food! You would think that I would have learned this lesson by now? The macaroon looks different, is the only excuse that I can come up with. You can imagine it as a petite Moon Pie, which maybe was my problem all along? It is nothing of the sort! You should eat them often and in mass as far as I am concerned! Beautiful and Good for You ! :)
In the spirit of acting like locals, we went to a jazz bar for the evening and enjoyed a really excellent performance. Suzanne has played drums in multiple bands during her younger days. Jeff, as we all know, aspires to play on a street corner in retirement :) We thoroughly enjoyed meeting Corinne and introducing Jeff to Suzanne. I think we will spend some fun times together in the future. If we can get Chloe up on skis, maybe we will do a ski trip to France again....
