Merci for Le Difference

Paris: Sunday, March 20

Oh it was sweet waking up this morning not in Sicily. Even with my guarded little view of an interior Parisian courtyard, I could tell the day was sunny and clear. I shot into yesterday’s clothes, loving my tasteful little double room at the Hotel du Levant all the while, and went down to breakfast. My, my, the coffee, the croissants, the Butter. How great to be back in a country where the people don’t fear butter. And no silly rules about smoking, aside from the basic, civilized ones. Outside, the morning was perfect; a slowly waking city, bells ringing for Palm Sunday, the aroma of coffee, bread, and freshly washed streets from last night’s showers. A scrubbed Notre Dame just up the street, towers shining; I found a nice fat used book to read at Shakespeare & Co for 5 Euros, wine for my mini-frigo, a box of smelly cheese, a small baguette. I spent an hour at the internet café across the street, answering emails; it was still before nine o’clock when I logged off.

After a nap and another wander around the Latin Quarter, I came back to my room, where I noticed a strange and somewhat bathroomy odor. Hmmm…I had removed the tablet of annoying air freshener in le bain, wrapped it in a double layer of Saran Wrap and stowed it in an empty cupboard, so what was it? Of course, it was the Camembert. Man, that is some aromatic foodstuff.

Now it’s the end of my first full day in Paris, with a lovely week to go before I return to Rome. Looking forward to the Matisse exhibit at the Palais du Luxembourg, the arrival of my dear friend Martha King from Firenze, and more of the world’s greatest croissants. Thanks to Pauline for phoning me the minute I got to Paris and the ensuing long, long conversation. Lovely. And to Cheryl for checking in this morning to say that her little apartment in Civita is delightful and she’s having a peaceful time. And to Martha, who is going to bring me a new phone card for my borrowed cellular so that it will continue to think it’s in Italy.

Catch up with you later…