Day 22 of 30: Play time and perfect men.

What a marvelous day! Started off with a very determined stroll down the Rivoli to get some new digs. Seeing how there are no washing machines we are forced to buy new stuff. It’s the American way. A very productive shopping day at H&M. A marvel of European culture. Cheap yet excellent quality and terribly fashionable stuff. Love it! 

Then to meet Safia’s prodigy, Apple. What a firecracker. She went on and on in English and French. What tremendous energy it must be to raise such a creative and wonderful child. Went for a stroll down to the Jardin de Tuileries. Crowds all about enjoying a rare and sunny day. Everyone keeps telling us that this cold and rainy weather is not the norm and today was a glimpse into what it promises to be. Happy people all about, lovers on the lawn and children at play. A siesta in the garden and then off to our casita. 

 

R&R at Jardin de Tuileries

Straining our new apparel we hit the town, determined to make it the best Friday night possible, Erin’s last in Paris. After hours of harassment and a seemingly endless stroll down the Champs we head to the Marais. There we stumbled upon the first place with good music and neon light, a taste of home. It was no surprise to us that it ended up being a gay bar. They were so friendly and welcoming. They fought off every aggressive admirer. Exactly what we needed after handling it alone for all this time. The men here are exhaustingly aggressive. 

Our waiter approaches with his broken English and hand signals. We translate that the bouncer has ordered us a drink. A bit after he sends us over flowers. That’s right, French men, this guy swept us right off our feet; Drinks, flowers, complements and totally non sleazy. He deserves an audience and a Pulitzer. Did we mention he was terribly good looking? 

High on the hopes that there are in fact gentlemen left or at least one, we took the party to our favorite late night onion soup spot. Gotta give it to the French for offering white linen table cloth service with a smile at 4 am. This one goes down in the books as one of the greats!