,,,faster than a speeding bullet

Today we said, "Au Revoir," to Paris. But before we leave, here are some more musings.

Parisians love fashion. They dress to be seen...and they do it well.

Men are not afraid of color. In one day I saw 10 men in purple shirts, from lavender to bright purple, from wife beater to polo to button down shirts.

Eyeglasses are a fashion statement. People seem less self conscious about wearing them and adorn themselves in bright red, aqua, and print glasses.

Children are often dressed most adorably. Cases in point: an approximate three year old boy in aqua man-pris (men's capris) with matching high top Converse and a button down shirt; an approximately four year old girl in an off white trench coat with matching leggings (I wonder what was under the coat??) with bright blue high tops. Many young girls wear small floral prints on soft fabrics. So charming!

Skinny jeans are uber-skinny. So many of these women look like models with their long skinny legs in long skinny jeans. They look like they're walking on toothpicks (but of course...I'm not jealous!).

Last Sunday, as we were walking some back streets, we heard a familiar tune wafting through the air. Then we realized that the song we were hearing was "Now is the Time to Worship" being sung in French. We tried to stop in and join them, but couldn't find them (they must have been on the second or third floor), but we sang with them in our hearts (in English) as we continued on our journey.

And then there's the food....talk about dreamy! I had a mental list of foods and drinks I wanted to try. Here's some I checked off my list: champagne, Kir Royal (champagne with creme de cassis), croque madame (ham, cheese, and egg grilled sandwich), Quiche Lorraine, steak au poivre and frites (steak with pepper sauce and fries), croissant, pan chocolat (croissant with chocolate pieces), macarons, soufflé, baguettes, and many fromages (cheeses). My tummy is soooo happy!!!

(soufle with Gran Marnier...delicious!)

When we left Paris we boarded the high speed train (the "bullet train" or TGV) towards Avignon in Provence. Although we were traveling at "bullet" speed, we could still enjoy the scenery as we passed by. I especially appreciated the small stone farm houses.

I have always had an interest in the Medieval period and castles. I think it started in 5th grade when our class assignment was to build a model of a castle...it all seemed so romantic. As I've grown up, I've realized that this was not such a romantic period. (Think about trying to be romantic lying on reeds in the great hall when your children and many other families are sharing the communal room). And I have finally realized that I would not have been a member of the nobility/aristocracy, as in my childhood dreams. Yet it was still exciting to me to enter the city of Avignon by passing through its Medieval city walls.

When we were in Paris the prevailing scent was that of baguettes/pastries. The scent of yeast and pastries was forever making my mouth water. I would even smell this aroma while in my bed at night. (I couldn't decide if this was because our hotel was near a patisserie or if the scent was escaping from my pores.) But, now that we are Provence, the overwhelming scent has become one of lavender. Ah Provence!

(the Palace of the Popes with Avignon's city walls)

(Whenever I see an accordian player, I have fond memories of my dear dad...but he was a handsome accordian player!)

While out walking this evening, Larry was looking for interesting details to photograph. I told him, "Look at that knocker!". Well, you can imagine where this conversation led.

Answer to yesterday's question of the day: The beginning of construction of what would become the Palace of Versailles was in 1624 by Louis XIII as a hunting lodge. Question of the day: At what speed do the "bullet trains" (TGV's) travel?