And I have to add here that our hotel was lovely!
What could we possibly add to an already terrific day to make it even better? The answer is simple. Friendship and reacquaintance.
That afternoon our intrepid group of Rick, Jerry and I, walked across the Seine to visit our blog friend Peter of Peter's Paris. We passed by this new church with its golden onion domes along the way. Quite impressive.
Peter's was one of the first blogs I followed when I began blogging almost eleven years ago. His posts on Paris (and his occasional "diversions" to other places) are fascinating with loads of photos and terrific research about various places and themes relating to the city. When we visited in 2012 we were lucky enough to spend the day with Peter as he took us through Montmartre, making the visit all the more enjoyable.
As we crossed the Seine we were at Pont de l'Alma, a road bridge crossing the Seine, just east of the Eiffel Tower and north of the bridge on Place de l'Alma. It is very near to the tunnel where the car carrying Diana, Princess of Wales, crashed on a late August evening in 1997. A statue called the Flame of Liberty stands at the end of the bridge.
It is a replica of the flame on the torch of the Statue of LIberty and it is full sized with the flame in gold leaf over gilded copper. Many people believe it is a memorial to Diana and in a way, it has become one, although the intial gift of the flame ten years before was as a thank you for restoraton work on the Statue of Liberty by two French businesses. While we were there, several came to pay their respects to the late princess and several items had been left behind, almost like a shrine.
We rounded the corner and passed this lovely site...
...and shortly after arrived at Peter's. He graciously offered us champagne and we had the most wonderful talk. It could never be long enough -- but that means there must be a next time!
We left Peter, heading to Rue Cler for our final dinner in France. Although we would have most of the following day, we would be leaving in late afternoon for London.
Even though it was a little nippy, the outdoor patio was heated and we were cozy.
We enjoyed a lovely red wine first (with all the photos that go with it!). The toast...
...the sip...
...the critical evaluation!
And then it was time for Rick to try snails. And they were -- as always -- delicious!
I love that the French don't rush you at dinner. We stayed rather awhile and enjoyed our delicious meal as well as a little more wine!
Then home again -- and off to bed. Tomorrow would be a full day!
How wonderful . . .
ReplyDeleteand you tell the story beautifully.
Nice to have Peter staying in touch and meeting up with you once again.
That's so nice that you were able to meet up and spend time together. I loved looking at that menu. I might not be able to speak French very well (despite taking it in school from grade 4 to grade 12!!!), but I could read that menu. Regardless, I would not order snails. You are brave. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteHow cool to meet up with a blog friend in Paris. It really personalizes the trip, doesn't it? And makes it a little touristy too. :) Looks like you had a great time together too. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteI think that one of the most endearing things about a visit to Europe is that you eat late, eat well and enjoy the meal as a social experience, not just food for the body. A few years ago we stayed with friends who live in the foothills of the Pyrenees and we ate and drank from about 8:00 pm until about 11:00 pm - fabulous meals, fabulous wine, fabulous cheese, eternal friendship. We have tried to replicate this at home and have failed miserably. We eat at around 6:00 pm and whatever we have cooked, however much creativity we have invested in it, however tasty it is, we are done twenty to thirty minutes later. Even when we have company, it stretches longer, but nothing like the meals there. Somehow we are missing something. I have to get back to Europe soon!
ReplyDeleteThis trip was so packed with interesting things to see and do. Each addition to your 'travelogue' has been a delight to read.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I was right there with you! What a wonderful tribute to friendships created through blogging. I have met three bloggers along the way and each one was just delightful and felt like an 'old friend'.
ReplyDeleteYou have seen Paris through the eyes of a Parisian. It can't get much better than that!
I hope you have a wonderful Sunday- xo Diana
Those snails do look delicious. Can you tell I'm hungry, lol? The wine looks like it was very satisfactory :-) Peter looks like a very charming man and it was wonderful you could reconnect while you were there in Paris. It always amazes me what an impact the late Princess Diana had on the world. She touched my mom and I too and in fact sadly her death was on my late mom's birthday so I will not forget. Mom and I sat and watched the news all that day to get updates on the shocking news.
ReplyDeleteThere should be some kind of memorial (perhaps there is) near the tunel where Diana's car crashed. Terrible tragedy!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of you and Rick drinking wine in Paris are a good memento of your visit there.
Glad you were able to meet up with an old friend, that makes the visit even more special. You really got to see a lot while you were there, thanks for sharing the fantastic photos. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteHow nice that you were able to meet up with your friend again! Your trip looks wonderful. Can't wait to see London.
ReplyDeleteHello, it is great you were able to meet up with your friend in Paris. Sightseeing, eating and drinking wine all sound wonderful to me. Thanks for sharing more of your Paris trip. Happy Sunday, have a great day and new week ahead.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed Rue Cler and I have to say I did enjoy that area very much..location..charm..all good:)What a nice friendship you have there!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, I think I would have ordered the Omelette Complete (hold the ciboulette) and left all the snails for Rick! I've really been enjoying your Paris trip. Thank you for sharing the art, architecture, gardens, history and sights with us.
ReplyDeleteAs always, I enjoyed a tour with you as guide. One of the perks of being on your own on a trip is being able to return to your hotel whenever you like, say for a nap! I love being with a group but on the trip to Italy last spring we were on the go all day and into the evening, exhausting. I feel like I’ve just had a. Wonderful day in Paris! Isn’t it fun to meet up with bloggers we have followed and gotten to know. How wonderful of Peter to invite you for champagne. I have been all around in this area but somehow missed thie “flame,” and it is usual. I can see how fans of Dianna think is is a memorial for her. I do love the long evening dining in Europe........
ReplyDeleteAnother lovely day beautifully recorded.
ReplyDeleteSpending time with Peter is always the highlight of my trips. He and I have been friends for 10 years!!!
ReplyDeleteV
Ah, to meet one’s cyber friends... Do American restaurants rush you at dinner? I don’t remember experiencing that here.
ReplyDeleteJeanie, Thanks so much for coming by and I'm finally here to catch up on some of your Paris photos. So love that Rue Cler! Can't wait to read more.
ReplyDeleteLove to travel with you and enjoyed your pictures and commentary. How nice to see a blogger friend there.
ReplyDeleteI love Rue Cler and always enjoy escargot in Paris.
Did you encounter any language barriers or do you speak French?
ReplyDeleteEnjoying your trip memories! What a great time you had!
ReplyDeleteI think I'm starting your Paris trip in the middle but that's ok...your story-telling is wonderful...what a magical trip.
ReplyDeleteAmazing that people still honour the late princess so much. And how time flies, too. I still remember her wedding being all over on TV.
ReplyDeleteHehe, I´d need a lot of wine to try snails ;-)
You look very happy, this was a joy to read!
What a fun day: a nice mix of touring and pausing with a friend. I don't think I could do snails, but H would try them for sure. He's tried to get them several times when they were on the menu, but the restaurants never had them.
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised Princess Diana is still honoured in Paris.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to meet up with an old blogger friend and enjoy his company.
We I go to Portugal we also sit around the table for hours and hours eating and talking, it's so great.
In Australia we can only do that with friends at home as in restaurants they close their kitchen at 9pm and at 9,30 they start to clean and switch off lights, etc and you know it's time to go!
Wonderful day you had Jeanie.
OH NO...HOME again? Sorry. Great pics, looks like you have had the most wonderful time. Diane, such a shame. She was an amazing woman, so loving and caring. Beautiful life cut short.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to visit with Peter while you were in Paris.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you really had a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great adventure and how nice to meet a fellow blogger! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteHow fun that you got to see a blog friend, Jeanie. I've only met one, and we lived in the same town. Oh my, SNAILS! That doesn't sound too good to me, but it sounds like you loved them. I remember on a tv show that I watched one time, the guy said that they tasted like buttered gummy bears haha. That's nice that people leave things to remember Diana by at the flamed torch. This is really a nice picture of all of you. Such a fun and entertaining trip you had, Jeanie.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
*just wanted to tell you that was my friend, Darla, in the wedding dress, and I was on the left as a bridesmaid. Not sure it was clear after reading a blog friend's comment, so I clarified it on my post, so others would know as well. : )
It's always nice to meet up with a familiar face when you are far from home. Sounds like a fun day!
ReplyDeleteOh, to have a friend in Paris! Lucky you! Everyone looks wonderful - happy. Love the menu, but I am not sure about the snails :) So sad about the memorial. Diana was truly loved. x Karen
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful... in PARIS, and meeting a friend...what could be better?! :) Those golden Orthodox church domes are splendid! And how how lovely the Flame, and it becoming a shrine to Princess Diana. What shock the day she died, I remember it so clearly...and in a way even after all this time, it still shocks. VERY fun to see the menu, the food, the wine... I want to try it all! ;) Love the pics of your & Rick sampling the wine--fun! Can't wait to see what you have to share next!! Hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving week! ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteYour get together with Peter sounded fun! It's wonderful to have friends to visit in fabulous cities! Your final dinner was bittersweet, I bet. But I think you'll be back! I love how Paris uses their patios far into the fall and winter season. I sat on several patios when I was there in November. They are good about having thick plastic coverings surrounding the patio so you can still see what's happening on the street while staying warm and cozy!
ReplyDeletesounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteJeanie, your travel journal is such a great read. Your posts are saying I need to revisit Paris soon. What a lovely dinner you shared. I can’t wait for more!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful memories of your time in Paris. I love the thumbs up picture of the two of you.
ReplyDeleteAnother heavenly time in Paris!! Wow wow wow!
ReplyDelete