We are now in Tanzania at the orphanage. We got here a few days ago…and most of the time we are wifi–less and often sans electricity. But before I get to this part, I want to post what I wrote on the way out of Paris.

I don’t know if four days could have gotten away from me any faster…

Oh my lord, the grand dame treated us in style, her infamous attitude was set aside to smiles, politeness and friendliness. Who knew Parisians could be so charming (grin)…but they were and she stole our heart!

Weather was coolish sometimes cold but perfect when running around and trying to see as much as we could along with eating and drinking. All of which, we did to extreme. Six months of no wheat, sugar or anything remotely interesting went out the window with croissants, cafes, cheese and baguettes. But, they were worth every bite…even though by the time we left I was becoming a space cadet—(that’s what wheat does to me).

The sites were as beautiful as I could have ever hoped for. Seeing Eifel at night was breathtaking. We were in Trocadaro—an area in Paris that is elevated so rather than seeing the tower from below looking up we encountered it at eye level—wow. We then walked down a long set of stairs and gardens to

meet her in her night lit dress and sparkling lights once an hour. I’d love to say we walked up, alas we took the elevator and at the top we treated ourselves to a glass of champagne…it really was lovely.

The cool thing about going in low season is I got to see the Mona Lisa without a line. She was beautiful, I kept hearing how disappointed people were to see her because she was so much smaller than their expectation…but to me she was perfect with that enigmatic smile that followed you no matter where you stood.

Of course there is nothing like walking down the Champs Elyse at night after going up the Arc de Triumph.  Lights were everywhere the Christmas season had begun…actually if I were to tell the truth it reminded me a bit of walking in Las Vegas. I know awful to say and I wouldn’t tell a French soul but it kinda was.

Being told by people and signs everywhere that we must watch our pockets and purses was a bit of a damper…they have thieves in Paris? Apparently they do, one actually pretended to find a gold ring and wondered if it was mine, I said no…and when she proceeded to give it to me since “she didn’t need it”, my radars went up and the gig was up…Lil met her about half an hour later. I must say she was really good…just not good enough…we were warned.

The old beggars were sad and there were so many…

Paris is still the grand dame but beneath the dazzle the cracks are showing. Physically she is getting a facelift, half the city is under renovation, but emotionally the tension between the “others” and the natives was barely beneath the surface.

And then it was time to go…exhausted we got to the airport exited for the next part of our adventure to begin.