Back From Paris

After eight days in Paris, here are some of my impressions:

1. People - just as stylish as they've always been, with chic reigning all over the city. The young at heart rule Paris.
2. Attitude Towards Americans - didn't have one instance of anything that felt like anti-Americanism. Came upon one group of actively anti-Bush folks on the Left Bank, and they were polite about it, simply saying they, "disagreed with what Bush is doing." I told them I often did, too.
3. Food - sublime at the top, middle and bottom of the market. The three-stars are beyond, with Taillevent the apex, for my money. L'Amis Louis (no site, just Google and enjoy comments) is a delicious, distinctive experience. Just wish it was easy to run in and get a coffee to go! But hey, that's an American thing. Unlike London, Starbucks hasn't tried to infiltrate this market yet.
4. Shopping - while the luxury megabrand stores look a lot like their cousins in New York, the small Left Bank and Le Marais shops are delightfully unique, making me pine for the days when New York's SoHo was something special. The fabric shops in Montmartre are remarkable.
5. Museums - this was a real vacation trip for us, so we did one of the things we love most, which is spending lots of times in museums. The Louvre, of course, is remarkable beyond description, as is Musee D'Orsay. But do not miss the Musee Picasso in Le Marais. Wonderful collection in a great setting.
6. Economics - wow. Never underestimate the power of the phrase, "weak dollar."

I don't usually do this "blog diary" sort of thing, but this Paris trip was so much fun, it just lingers on.

Tomorrow, back to authenticity!

Comments

[david]

many thanks to your comments

first of all , i'm french and very glad to read comments like yours.
i just wanted to say that french are not better than others but we like simply life (first of all simply life), beautiful things , but we hate violence , lies and other.....
we love america and american and we do not assimilate governments and people that's why we don't like bush but love american.

so WELCOME TO FRANCE