Paris: Short but sweet. A walk to Luxembourg Gardens and drinks with a Barefoot Blogger friend were the two things I wanted to accomplish today in Paris.
It was a late start. I woke up with a knock on the door at 12:30 pm. The long walk yesterday and unresolved jet lag caught up with me. Nevertheless, I had things to do and places to go.
Since I’d missed the appropriate hour for breakfast, I figured I could stop for lunch along my way to Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. I would find a place to eat along the way. My “Maps” app said Le Pré was a good choice.
I wish I could say it was, but the soupé onion was a poor substitute for what I’d enjoyed at a neighborhood cafe. I could have made a better choice with the vast menu… my bad.
The weather was cold and cloudy— not the best for sightseeing, but this is a discovery tour. Actually, overcast days can produce great photos.
Walking and stopping for photos makes a short walk a longer walk. I reached the Luxembourg Gardens — but my attention went elsewhere.
What to my wondering eyes should appear? Angelina’s!
Austrian confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer, who acquired great notoriety in the South of France, arrived in the South of France where he opened several “Rumpelmayer” shops and set out to conquer the French capital.
“In 1903, he founded with his son René, at 226 rue de Rivoli, a tea room “Angelina” in honor of his daughter-in-law named herself. From its opening, Angelina became the inevitable rendezvous of the Parisian aristocracy. In its salons, Proust, Coco Chanel, and the greatest French designers met… who jostled there to come and taste the famous Mont Blanc and the unforgettable hot chocolate known as “L’Africain.”
Like Cinderella, I was enjoying my delicious cup of chocolate when the clock struck 5 pm. Not only was Angelina’s closing for the day, but so was Luxembourg Palace and Gardens! I missed it!
A Day in Paris: Short But Sweet
Now that I was in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Paris, I began to dream about being a Parisian. “How would I like to live here?”
When I returned to reality, I was still on the same beautiful street and in the magnificent Pierre Hermès chocolate shop.
A Day in Paris With a New Friend
One of the benefits of writing this blog is the friends I meet. These friendships have brightened and expanded my world. I’ve met people from around the world. We all have something in common: curiosity and a passion for travel.
My new friend in Paris is not really “new.” We’ve been corresponding and trying to meet up for ages. I was delighted we could finally say “hello” in person.
More than that, she invited me to her apartment to see it before she moved away. Being there gave me a realistic view of life as a Parisian— even though she’s as American as I am!
Another day busy in Paris ended, but not before I stopped at the cafe next door to the hotel for a simple meal and a glass of pinot noir.
Who could ask for more?
