Aurevoir Blois, un p'tit bonjour Orlean, et BONJOUR Paris! Sept20th09

Claude and I packed our bags, went in search of coffee (to no avail because it's Sunday and Sunday in France is sacred---which means---nothing is open---I lie---we did find the pastry shop and purchased pain au chocolat and an apple struddle) and went on our way. We did a few more roundabouts and went to visit Jeanne D'Arc's neighborhood in Orlean for about an hour or so before heading towards Fontainbleu. In Orlean, we heard the loud pipe organs oozing out of a massive church---so we went in and stayed for the last half of mass (and we were able to hear the formidable organ breath to life beneath someone's capapble hands for 20 minutes). Here in this town we found coffee and paid an arm for it but it was worth every frothy bit.
After paying homage to Jeanne (quickly) we 'thought' we were going to visit Fontainblue but---with all the detours of the day---we decided to head for Paris and return the car in good time.
Holly Molly, I forgot about driving in Paris and I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to have Claude as my navigator. You must be brave, assertive, and watchful when driving here! Claude's map was driving him crazy, the drivers were edgy, and the sun was out shining proudly, which means hot air all around and not a drop of fresh air to be had. Bikes zooming in and out of traffic, cars changing lanes with little to no notice, and the pace at high speeds---no time to relax. The exits came and went, the signs clear and quick made sense, and eventually we made it to the right rental unit to return our car, intact and safe.

I have to say that our trip together was educational and very memorable. My brother is a wizzzzzzzzzzz with maps and has a most keen sense of direction (if only it would rub off it would be great!).

I think a trip like this ferments in your soul for some time and you realize it's importance a few months later when you think back on it. All I know is that we tailored a trip that suited both of our needs and we were both happy with all of the decisions we made as we went along. We went with the flow, laughed our frustrations away, and took in the scenery which France gracefully presented us. And---what's great is that each place, each experience, gives way to a million little ideas as they become seeds for future reference---ahhh---that's where the gold is at!

So now, it's 2220 and I am sitting in front of a large window at the airport with Claude on my left leaning out the window. He's looking at the nights sky and the traffic below, arms crossed, comfortably taking in the sights and sounds of Paris. We have a perfect view of the planes taking off---like little diamonds firing off into space with little people sitting inside, praying (that's what I'd do), reading, chatting, or whatver, heading somewhere else other than here.

Tomorrow this will be us---flying out of Paris to somewhere else. Claude will walk me to my gate for 0700 and then head off to his. Claude is going home and I'm heading back to Munich of all places---ha! For what I have NO idea yet!

So here we go.
Suitcases packed.
Smiles on our faces.
Aurevoir Paris---et aurevoir La France

Dd