Lainie...I understand you even though I am cheating on Paris by going to Rome this year. I am a sucker for a countdown post! I am not sure if Catherine would remember Chaz and I(we met her in November), but say hello for us. We enjoyed our meal there so much and Catherine was so kind to us. I hope she is doing well and I am so glad to see fellow Fodorites checking out her place!

Have a terrific time and can't wait to hear all about it!

Denisea,I will b sure to say hello to Catherine for you.I know she will remember you when I tell her how I learned of her restaurant.So many fellow Fodorites recommend her place.

OK,2 weeks from sat,we will be on our way.I think this is going to be a cooking session vacation.I just booked a workshop at the cooking school at the Ritz.We enjoyed last years very much,and I thought it would be good to do again,before they close for 2 years of renovations.I plan to organize and make my lists over the weekend.I would hate to forget a charger or something else.I know you can always buy one there.

Oh, thanks Lainie. I know it will be strange that The Ritz and The Crillion will both be closed for two years! I am sure the cooking class will be a great experience!

We have booked lunch at Le Crillion,can't imagine what they will do to it during the removation,but I have never been there for lunch so this is my chance.

Ohh...Les Ambassadeurs or L'Obe? I am certain they will find a way to make it wonderful!

L'obe

Well, the Prince de Galles will be reopening in a few months after its 2-year closure.

Speaking of Crillion, lainie2285, if you get a chance, rent "An American Dreamer in Paris"--it stars JoBeth Williams and Tom Conti. A perfect, fun, pre-Paris romp.

I will try to rent it,thanks

Hard to believe ,after all the reading,reserving and planning,next week I will be back in Paris,arriving early sunday am.Usually just go to the market and pick up basics,walk around the neighborhood...

Our count down is now at 19 days. Tomorrow we are hosting a Via la France party with the friends who will be joining us on this adventure. Planning, parties, and Paris - oo la la!

What a great idea for a party!oo-la la! I have everything packed,checked my list twice...I am ready,having a glass of champagne...

We arrived safely,picked up by our friend Lucien,drove us to our apartment(home away from home for 2 weeks).we unpacked a little, went out to walk,to the Bastille market.the weather is cloudy,had some rain when we returned home.We picked up some great sandwiches,stopped at monoprix for water,juice etc.Rhen we collapsed.
Monday,we were to do the cheese shop visit though meeting the French.It was cancelled,joy enough signed up.Today we will get our metro passes,take it easy,usually we race around and can't wait to see all of our favorites.We will see...Weather is cloudy,with the sun peeping through,no rain yet..I went down to the nearby patisserie and had my first pain au chocolate,, sooooo good.

Day 1 started out cloudy,but mild,got our metro passes refilled,good for a week,off we go..First we want to go and find some addresses.We are doing a baguette and croissant class wed.After a few wrong turns,we found the bakery on rue de Turenne.We met the owner,sampled a croissant and will b back Wednesday at 11 am.Nezt off on the metro to find Reed,for Tuesday's class.This was much easier to find.We walked around the area for awhile,got our first view of Tour Eiffel.AHhh,such a sight,every time..Just walked wherever we felt like turning,no special plans for the rest of the day.Stopped in Lenotre as we passed by,had my first macaron ,yummy.Then we decided to visit the food part of Le Bon Marche.If you can't find it here,they dont make it.By now we were getting hungry,so we sat outside and had a croquet Monsieur and croque Madame for Monsieur and Madame.A beer for Bill and water for me.The clouds have parted and we finally see the bright blue skies.We continue walking down one street ,up another.We end up by the d'Orsay,cross over toward the Tuileries .Lots of people out on the chairs,on blankets,and a long line to get in the Lourve.We don't need to visit this trip.Wow,where did the day go?It's almost 6 pm,decide to head back home.The metro is packed,I didn't think one more person could fit,and6 more squeeze in as the doors closed!I could not wait to get off.Picked up some water,snacks and head back to soak in the tub.

Glad you made it safely! And, more importantly that you have had your first pain au chocolat!