Paris is exactly what one would expect: busy, crowded, filled with
chic (and not so chic) city folks. The traffic was horrible, the food
wonderful, Notre Dame Cathedral impressive and the Eiffel Tower
heart-stopping.
There
was a river boat cruise on the Seine from Paris to Normandy for a 70th
anniversary memorial to the D-Day invasion. We spent 3 days in Paris
before setting out and it was wonderful. Having studied the
language in high school some 60 yrs ago, I'd dreamed of going to Paris,
to see the famous sights we all know of and read about or see in films.
We also took special tours to Versailles, to Montmartre, Van Gogh's and
Monet's homes, various ancient castles, abbeys and ruins and then
lastly to Omaha Beach, site of the invasion
for a special, very moving ceremony at the American Military Cemetery,
where over 9000 men are buried. The French countryside from the river
is beautiful, with many charming towns in view. And in a big surprise
to all of us, glimpses of the same "white cliffs" in Dover, England were
visible in and among the green open spaces. (Geology at
work.)
A visitor had better
be able to walk over many cobble-stoned streets, and climb more hills
than level roads when touring some of the historical areas of the city.
I had a hard time because of my various physical problems but I
managed to see most of what I wanted and I'm glad I went. Most of all,
the people were friendly and willing to converse with me, responding
to my very rusty attempts to speak the language with kindness and even
some delight. So if you make it over there, don't be afraid to
try. Your attempts will pay off. And if you don't have a travel partner,
go with a tour group. You'll make friends with whom to share
experiences, have guidance and someone to lead you to the places you've
always wanted to see.
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