Bonjour!

So what's with the picture of me in a shabby convenience shop and a big smile? Look closely, that's my daughter Anna in the background, and that can of peach ice tea I'm holding is labled in french. But the give-away is the stretch canvass on the wall in the background. This is where Anna, Charlotte and I had our first dinner in Paris: a little hole-in-the wall that served crepes and panini's like so many in the city. The little blue book in my hand and the great big smile on my face says that I ordered in French successfully !. Title my next dozen or so blogs Les Femmes Americains au Paris "Three American Ladies in Paris" as I attempt to share a little of our seven day experience in the City of LIghts.
It began over a year ago when Charlotte expressed her desire to gift Anna with a trip to Paris. "Can I come too?" I asked half-jesting, and half-hopeful. The better half won, and away we went. What an adventure! Travel broadens the mind, tests the patience, and awakens the awareness of life lived from vastly different viewpoints.
Oh, and by the way, it's true..By and large,Parisians are rude - at least to tourists who speak English. They stare at you with poker faces, give faulty information, and seem impatient with attempts to communicate in their language. But we did find nice folks along the way, Canadians, other Americans, a German, and a hand full of French folk who were very nice, helpful and a joy to visit. (picture courtesy of Charlotte Chan)