| lifes2short |
Dec 28th, 2006 07:48 AM |
To all who have encouraged me to get back to the report, thanks for your patience, as well as the prodding. I'll make an all-out effort to wrap this up as quickly as possible, starting with:
Day 5--Versailles day. We took the 11:20 train from Les Invalides. And upon arrival, since it was lunchtime, we needed lunch. Who could imagine touring that huge palace—and thinking of all that cake—on an empty stomach ? DH, in his never-ending quest for crêpes, spied a crêperie across the street from the train station, so the decision was made. (I was sort of rooting for El Ranchero, but it was not to be). Another gorgeous day—warmer still than previous days—so another opportunity to dine en plein air. Crêpe campagnarde for him, crêpe roscovite for me. We shared a pitcher of white wine as well as a dessert crêpe featuring ice cream and grand marnier.
DH was knocked out by Versailles---as much as anything we had seen previously. We toured at our own pace, enjoying the apartments, the chapel, the theatre and the Hall of Mirrors. As with our visit to the Louvre, the crowds and the heat eventually got to us. Outside, we walked a bit and took the train for viewing the Trianons, etc.
En route back to the train station, really feeling the effects of this wonderfully warm,sunny day, we grabbed a coke at Mc D’s. Before boarding, we stopped into the SNCF office to collect tickets already ordered online, for the next week’s excursion to Normandy-Brittany.
Back in Paris, we remained on the train till St.Michel. Spent awhile visiting Notre Dame, enjoying the bells, lighting candles. Decided to walk around the Latin Quarter to soak up some of the energetic vibe. The area was typically crowded early on this Friday evening, and we jostled our way up and down the narrow streets. Before long, we found ourselves in need of refreshment—did I mention it was very warm out ? Passing by the Bistrot la Huchette we heard the unmistakable sound of bachata music, so in we went. Enjoyed the music and a couple of beers, then continued on our way. A few moments later, rain began to fall, so we ducked under an umbrella at Brasserie St. Séverin for another beer.
Once the rain abated, we took the metro back to Ecole Militaire. Having no plans for dinner, and totally on impulse, we headed for la Fontaine de Mars. Though it was still early—not yet eight---it was Friday night, after all, so I frankly never expected to get a table without having reserved. But we did—and what a stroke of luck ! This is still the resto experience that we’re raving about, almost 3 months later. We were seated outside at the corner table and received impeccable, attentive service. Kir royal to start, of course, and an entrée of pâté. DH tried yet another duck variation, this time cassoulet, which he pronounced the most amazing dish of the trip. I chose beef, having done the fish thing several times already on the trip. Another shocker: contrary to what I had expected, the filet was every bit as thick, tender and flavorful as the ones we buy from our local specialty butcher shop. A lovely burgundy complemented our meal; we finished with île flottante and espresso. Still in a food-and-wine-induced fog, and exhausted from our long, warm day, we treated ourselves to a taxi for the few blocks to our apartment. Coming up next, and with apologies to les frères Marx: 2 days at the races.
|
