Mary Fran, Celine, Kay99, Arriba, iloveparis, Beatchick, kismetchimera, Betty, grandmere, and all the rest of you, thanks so much for the encouraging comments. Sometimes when I'm writing a trip report I feel like it's a very self-involved thing to do, so it's great to know that I am actually connecting with all of you. I love reading your comments.

Now for another story I forgot to tell: Bette and I are walking through a park by a church (I think St. Germain des Pres) and we see this old lady feeding the pigeons, actually getting them to stand on her hand. I'm thinking what a sweet old lady. Strolling back by after watching the children play, however, we notice the frantic flapping of wings under the lady's coat. I fear my sweet old lady was catching her dinner.

Celine, you live here in the 'Burgh, too?! Were you saying that your feelings about Grenoble are similar to those about Pgh.--not exactly the greatest tourist spot, but dear and lovable in its own right? If so, I agree!

LVSue,
I envy (in a nice way:-)) your getting to show your friend France for the first time; there's something wonderful about being able to do that. For me,it kind of renews the magic feeling I had of seeing a place for the first time, especially a place that I love, like France, as I guess lots of us on this thread do!

Thouroughly enjoyed your report! I was laughing until I read the part of visiting your husband's "final resting place" and paying the ambulance bill. I don't know what happened, but I can only imagine how bittersweet the experience must have been for you. Thanks for sharing.

This may be a nutsy idea, but maybe some of us solo Paris-lovers should get together for a trip!

Sounds good!

Thank you, Sue, for writing a report that was informative and fun. I was really laughing out loud about the grandma with the pigeons flapping beneath her coat!

I can't believe the story of our feathered friends slipped my mind when I did the original!

Grandmere, we'll have to explore the idea, see what Betty thinks when she gets back. Anyone else?

Hi, Sue, Grandmere, et al. I'm back. Had a great trip in spite of the strikes and what had to be the hottest June on record! Trying to piece together a trip report but it may be a while since I was so busy with my group that I had no time to take notes.

I love the idea of some of us "franco-filles" getting together for a trip. I just don't know how soon I will be able to afford it or have the time (I'll be teaching again in the fall and the spring and hope to do another group trip in June.) But keep me in mind. More later.

Dear LVSue, I too was moved by the sound of your husband's last resting place.I'm sure you feel better having been there with a friend! What a great report - I'm busy copying for my next trip to Paris that I'm hoping will be without strikes! The last time 5 days in Paris and all museums "en Greve", this time we missed our afternoon at Sacre Coeur due to train strikes. C'est vie en France! But we keep going back there!

LVSue, great trip! I am glad to hear that you enjoyed lunch at Le Chandelier.

Betty1, I was wondering when you would be getting back from your group trip! Were you happy with the lg house in Provence that you rented? Was it one from the Coquelicot site? Eager to hear the details of your trip!

Hi, grandmere! Yes, I was quite happy with the house, although initially it seemed smaller than it appeared on the website. It was an independent rental from the owner, who seems to own a few houses in the area. 4 bedrooms upstairs (a bit small but adequate) and one more on the lower level. A roomy main floor with sitting area, kitchen and dining area (plenty of room for 8 people). 2 full baths plus a shower on the lower level. It also had a nice pool, was in a secluded spot surrounded by lavender fields and sweet-smelling genets and had an alarm system and a remote-controlled gate. We felt very safe. And not a bad price at 1900 euros for the week. I would definitely go back there. Only one snafu - the maid had understood that we were only 4 people, so only two rooms were made up. I had to call the owner at 11:00 pm to bring more sheets and towels!

I hope to do a more complete trip report soon.

GrandMere:

so we are 2 in Pittsburgh with knowlege of Gre' !

Betty 1, franco-filles is really a neat word, you should register it asap. (heu...maybe it's an official term, but I haven't heard it before)


Celine

I'd be interested in doing a trip together!! But it would have to wait a year for me to join.

Sue- Just got around to reading your trip report!!! WOW---you are quite the writer- you should think about a book!
I was with you in every detail- laughing, crying, and picturing every detail. Thank you for the story!
Hugs...Tracey

Franco-filles! Love it! How about April or September? Betty, you are so booked up. Beatchick, your trip report was so interesting! I'd never really looked at Paris that way.

My email is [email protected] if anyone wants to pursue the idea of a trip.

Thank you, LVSue! But I loved your trip report!! Especially since you've made me want to see other parts of France. :0)

Now, is that for September of this year? Or is that April or September of 2004?? September 2004 would probably be better for me and it's a time I've always wanted to be in Paris - Autumn when the students start back to school at the Sorbonne!!

My e-mail is [email protected].

Ciao,
Mary

Now that I think of it, I think September (2004) would be great! I haven't been in Paris in September in almost 40 years! (mainly spring break/summers with students). Another different slant.