cw

Great report. Sorry about the anniversary dinner. We almost went to Willi's Wine Bar one night but changed our minds. Now I'm glad we did.

Thanks for writing . . . I like that your planning for your next trip.

annhig

hi afferick,

how I feel for your disappointment at your anniversary dinner. we went to the pyrenees for my 50th birthday, and whilst the place we stayed at wasn't bad, it certainly wasn't the stellar experience I'd envisaged. sometimes you just have to gulp and move on - clearly something you've learned after 50 years of marriage!

looking forward to reading more!

CarolJean

hi afferick,
I, too, love the lock idea and will add one next year. This year was also our 50th so we are 'entitled.' (haha.)

Sorry about the dinner but happy the trip went so well. Am enjoying the read so much. Keep on travelling! CJ

taconictraveler

Excellent and very moving report. I loved hearing that you had a memorable Anniversary trip, and that you certainly have a good sense of proportion and humor!! I think I would have freaked out at Willi's Wine Bar. You are a model of good behavior. not kidding. congratulations, again.

TPAYT

What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years together----loved your Pont des Arts bridge idea.

Paris is our favorite city and I loved returning there with you.

aferrick

As one half of "we" in this narrative, I would like to add several comments.
First I want to thank my wife publicly for all of the work, the planning, the study of Paris, and the actual execution of the trip. I am one of those people who would probably go no where if there was not someone to prod me!
It was a thoroughly enjoyable trip because of my wife's efforts.
The sewer trip was mandatory. In 1960 it was our first Christmas, and I was in college on the GI bill; we had no money. My wife managed to scrape up several dollars to buy me the Modern Library edition of "Les Miserables" and I managed to read all 1200 some pages of it in addition to all of my other work.
So thanks again buddy.I love you.

opaldog

Such a sweet story. We have only been married 38 years, but love Paris as much as it sounds like you two do. We'll be back in April and the idea of having "our" lock on the bridge is a great one. When you do get back to Paris try the Canal St. Martin boat trip. We loved it. Now when we return we always bring some food and sit along the canal and people watch and sometimes even see the boat go up or down the Canal.

lbecker24

That very touching note from the other half of the "we" has made me cry! What a wonderful report! Thank you for posting.

andressd

Your trip was a delight to read about. My husband and I are going to London and Paris next week! I would love to do the Pont des Arts idea, but am not sure what it is... can you give me more details? I also posted on Fodor's for ideas/info 6 or 7 weeks ago and was got such wonderful feedback. Love this site.

aferrick

The Pont des Arts lock caper is very simple. The bridge is already full of locks so you just bring your lock with you from home,pick your spot and put it on, and that's it. I had already put our initials on and the date and we asked someone to take our picture. I don't know if any of these are ever removed for any reason, but I choose to believe that it will be there forever. I also noticed that one of the bridges near Notre Dame also had locks on it. I can't remember which one.