Paris at Last

We arrived to the city of Paris by train. We waited at the cab stand for a little while because it was a Sunday. We hailed two cabs and off we go to the Hotel Le Gregorie, I rode with Mom and Karen rode with Dad. Our taxi driver got lost or was trying to make a few extra euros until Mom straightened him out. His English was pretty good. We were introduced to Francois, the manager who welcomed us and told a few stories about Mom and Dad's previous visits. It was completely friendly and wonderful. This night we had reservations at the Jules Verne Restaurant at the Eiffel Tower to celebrate, once again out 25the Wedding Anniversary. I have had a history of a fear from heights after Karen took me up in a hot air balloon a few years ago. The Eiffel Tower elevator ride up the leg sideways was one to remember, I had my Cowboy hat and it helped to close my eyes. We were greeted cheerfully and seated by a window overlooking the lights of Paris.

The service was excellent and after we enjoyed an aperitif we ordered the tasting menu. Dad ordered wine, a White Burgundy with a variety of seafood. Then Foil Gr as and truffles with poached Turbot was enjoyed with a wonderful 2000 Bordeaux. We tasted veal and potatoes and had numerous other mini courses. We completed the meal with and Alsatian Gewurtzaminer. Then the chocolate tasting began, yum, yum. The lights sparkle of the Tower on the hour, it is beautiful to see from inside at the dinner table. We talked about the Classic Cafe and our enjoyment of food and wine. We also talked of the special people in our lives. We talked of those who are waiting. Life on earth is a series of special occasions and important events and I have been lucky to spend these with my wife and my Mom and Dad. The entire trip was special, but this was over the top! The ride down the elevator was much easier than going up, I watched the lights!