Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Back in Paris, Damp and Happy

Be careful what you wish for, they say, you just might get it.  We've been looking forward to getting back to Paris and here we are.  Along with the rain.  Lots of rain.

The forecast for the next two weeks is pretty much the same, rain interspersed with thunderstorms, with the occasional overcast day to shake things up.  So we're taking it easy for now.

We arrived yesterday, were met at the apartment by our friend I.'s amazing mother, slim, beautifully dressed and appearing 15 years younger than her 86 years.  We had met years ago and she looks like she hasn't aged a day.  These Frenchwomen really do have the secret.  After letting us in and giving us the keys she jumped on the metro and went back across town to her own home after the obligatory bises.  Now that's the way to age.

We dashed out between the raindrops to pick up French SIM cards for the phones since mine had expired by ONLY 3 DAYS!!  Yes, I'm shouting. All my fault though, since apparently I had miscounted. The closest phone shop was in the Les Halles shopping center.  I think if some of those paintings of the Last Judgement we had seen in Italy need updating, Forum les Halles could do well for a model. A very good replica of hell in my opinion.

Stopping on rue Montorgeuil on the way back to do some grocery shopping, we were told by every vendor how lovely the weather had been the day before.  Just like summer, they said.  And looked sadly out the door at the pouring rain.   We had our usual good time with I. when she came over last night to give us an update on how to use the appliances, etc.  That took about 10 minutes.  The rest of the time we drank wine and laughed.  So nice to see her again.

So we've got some food, we've got a means of communication, and we have some dates lined up with friends.  Reading a book in the cozy apartment in the middle of Paris while the rain beats on the windows? Priceless.

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