Bonjour! Can I tell you how much fun I'm having? :) Before I get into today's "stuff", something I've been thinking about. So many things I've read talk about how rude the French are, how abrupt and mean they are to tourists. Both times I've been here, it's been the total opposite. The best way I can describe it - if you go into a situation as the "brash, badass American", you're going to get the "brash, badass French person" back. If you go in with manners (Bonjour and Pardon go far!) you get such a better response! I've had delightful experiences and conversations with everyone I've met so far. People want to talk (and help), it's just a matter of opening the door.
Which brings me to my second point - the Metro. I also heard terrifying things about the Metro (It's old! It's stinky! There are pickpockets everywhere!), so honestly I was a little wary of using it by myself. I've used it extensively this trip, and happy to put those stereotypes to rest. If you've been on the Metro in NYC, Washington DC or someplace similar, it's much the same experience here. Download the RATP app (it's a lifesaver!) to get detailed directions about where you're going and how to get there, keep your wits about you the same as you would in any situation, and you're fine. I wish Charlotte had a system anywhere close to this.....
So, on to today's events! Was planning to do Treize Jardin for dinner last night, but researched and found they closed at 5:30. Well, nope. I wound up at Angelina's, which is a few blocks from my hotel. Angelina's is famous for their hot chocolate. It's a total tourist place - I don't think any self-respecting French person would go there. That being said, still go. Dinner was good, and the hot chocolate? OMG. Straight up melted chocolate. The waitress got a good chuckle when she put it in front of me and my eyes promptly bugged out of my head. It's a fun experience to say you've tried it.
Treize Jardin: I swear, this place is the equivalent of Cheers. Run by a woman from SC and a French woman, it's a combo of the two places and food. Also one of the friendliest places I've been. For example, I asked for a wine recommendation, saying the last time I was there they did a good job. The bartender walked out, looked at me and said 'Well, we don't have the same Mercury as the last time you were here - stopped serving at at Thanksgiving, but I do have one that's similar". Unless he recommends the exact same wine to every single person, he remembered me! I also got a second glass of wine on the house. :) There were also a number of regulars around the bar - one helped explain to me what the RER was (train), and how to get there. Friendly, wonderful place.
One last story (pic below) - I stopped in my tracks and laughed when I saw the Mona Lisa t-shirt. Yes, it's now in my suitcase. A little bit of CLT in Paris!
Later tonight is the Phantom of the Opera tour at the Opera Garnier. I'm excited, because this was the tour I couldn't schedule last time. It's all the stories about the history of the opera, and it starts after closing time. Hoping that means I get some better pics, without all the tourists. ;). Pics posted below!
Not a lot of dinner choices, but they were good. This was the chicken supremes - not like what's in America!
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