Segment 2: There is Nothing Like Bread and Butter
I have said it once and I certainly will say it again: there is nothing like bread and butter. To be specific, a good baguette with slightly salted French butter. Wow. You know what else is good, and is pretty much the same thing? Croissants. Bread. Butter. Lamination. Wow.
The day after I arrived in Paris, I met my friend Simona at Notre Dame, and wouldn’t you know? There was a big old tent out celebrating Parisian bakers- what joy! We took advantage and got croissants to go, enjoying them across the Seine river with a beautiful view of the cathedral. Then we put our tourist badges on and headed to the Eiffel Tower.
For me, sight-seeing is best when done with someone, creating memories that develop friendships for years to come. Thus, Simona and I braved nice, COVID-tourist-seasonably short lines to ascend to the midpoint of the Eiffel Tower (the top is closed right now so they can get it all pretty for the 2024 Olympics). The views were gray and the wind ferocious, but we got some good pictures ;-)
Simona helped me get a French SIM card and gave me a yoga mat (THANK YOU!), we ate some delicious Phở and the next day we were at it again! Attending the Sunday matinée performance of L’elisir d’amore at the Paris Opera. We got in a little late and didn’t make it to our seats before the downbeat, which was stressful, but eventually we ended up with a view and at intermission, we discovered where we had been led astray and found our actual seats. This opera never disappoints: it’s not too long, it’s full of boppin’ tunes, it has a great chorus… and it was the first opera I was ever in- all those years ago as a high school student in the chorus at the Toledo Opera!
After the show, we went to meet Simona’s friend, who sang Adina and ended up getting drinks with the whole cast. It was such an opera world thing to happen. We ended up trying some of the best croque monsieur in the city at Vins des Pyrenées (https://www.vinsdespyrenees.com/)- very good. Slightly more sophisticated than bread and butter- but with the same basic intention :-)
Marie in Paris
