I asked Patrick a few days ago, “Shouldn’t we be back in Paris by now?” (We go back and forth every year.) Two years ago when we took my mom we were already there by the middle of February. I, of course, wanted mom to spend Springtime in Paris so she could fall in love with the city, unlike her first trip years before, and finally she did! The second time around was the charm!
Last year was unusual for us because I wanted to take my niece Katarina, age 11 at the time, for her first trip to Paris, so we waited until she got out of school. Unusual because if anyone knows me, knows I hate Paris in the summertime. (All right hate may be too strong of a word, but I extremely dislike Paris during the summer!) Anyway, it was the 
first trip for Katia and needless to say, she fell in love with Paris! So much so, she’s now taking French in Jr. High School!
So when shall we start packing our bags? It seems that for the first time in ages, friends from Paris have decided to come see us here! So walking on the beach, swimming in the pool, playing tennis and good company, good food, and good wine is the agenda for parts of April, May and June! And no! I will not be going back to Paris in July or August, even if Katia may want us to! Next time she goes, it’ll have to be during her Christmas holidays or Spring break!
Maya Muses: As for Patrick and I, it looks like it won’t be until Autumn this year….but that’s okay! It’s my favorite time of year in Paris!
Photo Credits: Personal Photos
14 responses so far ↓
1 Harriet // Mar 19, 2009 at 3:42 am
I am thinking about taking a French immersion language course in the fall in Paris….??? Did you know that Friday is Macaron Day in Paris? Does Patrick make these? I think I have a recipe but have been too timid to try it.
2 Deena // Mar 19, 2009 at 4:24 am
I’m not picky, I’ll go to Paris anytime!
3 Lynn // Mar 19, 2009 at 5:14 am
Yes, and free to boot!!! (Most give a donation however since it’s for a good cause!) I’ll have to ask Patrick if he does. He probably has, but as far as I know, he’s never made them, not even at his restaurant. (It’s not my dessert of preference.)
Good for you, Harriet, on advancing in French, but you need to be more bold in the kitchen!!! Lol.
4 Lynn // Mar 19, 2009 at 5:35 am
Deena, I’ve spent way too many summers in Paris when I couldn’t get away for long. As my ex Jean-Pierre use to say (and still does), “All extremes are bad.” When you’re constantly in Paris, or any city, you need to get away to the countryside and vice-versa.
There’s a better appreciation that way.
5 Harriet // Mar 19, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I agree with you Lynn. It’s when you can’t have something all the time, or be somewhere all the time, that makes it more dear. In fact, I like it best when I can’t quite manage to see all the places on my list when I’m visiting a city — then there’s a strong desire to go back.
I suppose this also applies to Patrick’s famous rack of lamb and other wonderful dishes that he used to prepare for us in the restaurant. Remember when I had not even met you, and I called to talk about my frozen lamb bones that I had taken home from the restaurant………you must have thought that I was SOME crazy lady!
6 Lynn // Mar 19, 2009 at 9:58 pm
LOL!!! That’s so funny Harriet! I did ask Patrick who that lady was (I didn’t say crazy!) that called about her lamb bones!!!
There are cities around the world that I long to go back to as well and others that…. “once was more than enough!”
7 Michelle // Mar 20, 2009 at 2:52 am
Ho lovely that your niece fell in love with Paris. I expect experiencing the the city with her as she grows and matures into a young woman will help you see it from a new perspective too.
I’d be happy to go any time, but given a choice would go when the weather is cooler (and less tourists to annoy me), and I could rug up to keep warm. We don’t really have long cold periods here.
8 Michelle // Mar 20, 2009 at 2:53 am
Oops, ‘How’ lovely, I meant to type.
9 Lynn // Mar 20, 2009 at 5:01 am
Actually, I think the perspective will be more a “recapturing” the Paris of my youth. There were moments when I watched her interacting in certain situations and it reminded me so much of myself. Afterall, I was only 7 years older than she is when I first went there and fell in love.
10 Michelle // Mar 20, 2009 at 5:28 am
Well, that will only make it even more special for you both
11 Louisa // Mar 20, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Kudos for Katia. My eldest daughter Kelsey had the time of her life when we wnt in the summer of 2007. She too has fallen in love with France. She was 14 and amazed me aith her talent in manuevering the city and metro. She wants to plan a trip for her graduation in 2 short years. She too like Katia took up French in school and is enrolled in French III next year. The awe and amazment I got to experiance thru her eyes was life changing. I’ll have to start saving now for her grad trip as the economy sucks now. But we will make it. Maybe we can plan to go around the same time??? Lots of love from down here in Beaufort
12 Louisa // Mar 20, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Also would love to come and see you guys soon. email me if you have time-ramsey4@charter.net
13 Lynn // Mar 20, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Michelle, I’m sure it will!
14 Lynn // Mar 20, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Good for Kelsey! I’m sure Deborah would have been delighted and planning that trip right along with her! (I’ll e-mail you soon!!!)
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