Au revoir, Paris!

Steve is a quick study with the French. He was worried about being out of his comfort zone with language. After I bought us a couple of phrase books, he was surpassing me with conversing with waiters (by the time he lost his book 3 hours later). I'm hope some American found his book and used it. No wonder the French act short with tourists. Not enough people TRY to speak the language. And everybody is too demanding and in a hurry. Overall, we found the French people to be very nice and accomodating.

I'm glad we came to Paris. I'm glad to have had a leisurely dinner in front of the Eiffel with great wine, been to a fabulous early music concert at Notre Dame, and seen masterworks at two museums. However, Steve and I agreed that this is one we wouldn't repeat. There are simply too many people in Paris. Too many Amuhruhcans. When we come back to France (with our French-speaking friends Olivia and Arnaud), a trip to the Bordeaux region will be more our speed.

Well, on to Brussels for lunch. We'll find our way to Bruges by this evening. Steve is excited about the beer, and I, the fries. And, of course, the chocolates. I simply love the train rides getting to our destinations. These tickets were a most awesome and generous gift from Steve's parents. (Thank you, Bernie and Sid!)