Well, fellow readers, we made it safely back to the USA five days ago, which was two days ahead of our luggage. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, you need better coordination in the luggage transfer department. If truth be told, however, it was nice not to think about doing all that laundry as soon as we walked in the door!
We're slowly emerging from jet lag, though we still yearn for naps at 4 pm (and sometimes give in to those yearnings).
We've had time to reflect on our Big Adventure, and managed to write down some thoughts to share with our readers. Please note that our observations are just that, not a judgement of the places we visited, or people we met (except smokers--shame on you!).
-There are 500,000 dogs in Paris, more than the number of children.
-We saw several dog breeds we don't recollect ever seeing in the U.S.
-Why are so many toilets in France's public places missing toilet seats?
-In England, it seems that when walking on the sidewalk, people walk on the left (like cars), but when on escalators or moving sidewalks, little signs say, "keep right." Which is it?
-Brits are so polite in their requests and demands, as in, "mind the gap" when exiting a train.
-What is the purpose if the thick metal blinds that get raised and lowered over Paris apartment windows? Are they expecting a tropical storm or imminent civil disturbance?
-Why do we keep saying "Bon revoir!" When we leave somewhere? Guess we don't know whether we're coming or going.
-If all Parisians leave Paris in August, why can't we find anyone who speaks English?
-Are the little pond boats in Les Jardins du Luxembourg really powered by the NSA?
-Never (or hardly ever) pronounce the "s" at the end of French words.
-We love the pianos in train stations and other public places that have signs on them inviting anyone to sit down and play a tune.
-We love the fact that due to open apartment windows, we can hear people practicing musical instruments or singing opera, or little tidbits of conversation. All in French!
-The. Best. Bread. (Paris)
-The. Best. Pastries. (Paris)
-The. Best. Croissants. (Paris)
-The. Best. Pubs. (London)
-The sometimes almost unbearable crowds on the Metro and Tube. Do we LOOK like sardines?
-Museum gift shops are wonderful.
-In London, Prèt à Manger and EAT restaurants are lifesavers when you're hungry and in a hurry.
-Did we mention Parisian bread?
-Gail would walk five miles for an Amorino gelato cone, beautifully scooped to look like a rose.
-What is it with the French and cigarettes (especially teens)? Did France not get the memo that smoking is bad for one's health? Yuck!
-Why is Coke always served with lemon slices? And why does a bottle of Coke cost the same as a Stella Artois at a cafe?
- Kudos to Paris drivers, bikers, motorcyclists, skaters and pedestrians for managing to share the roads and sidewalks so well. Never saw a fender-bender or close call in 4 weeks of walking around and riding the buses. Lots of sirens though. Perhaps that was transit of smokers to the hospitals.
- Big applause for mass transit in both Paris and London. Buses, metro and trains were reliable and on time, SF could take a lesson.
-Amazing chocolate, and chocolate éclairs.
-If all the Parisians are on vacation in August, who are the people driving the buses, minding the stores, and baking bread? Are they from the suburbs?
-Why don't straws in cafés have wrappers on them? Why are eggs not refrigerated? Don't get me (Gail) started on food handling practices, or lack thereof! Or flies.
-Why do I (John) feel comfortable carrying a purse-like man bag in Europe? Gail made me do it to discourage pickpockets.
-I (John) love how all the cafés and bistros have seats outside all facing the street. Are they watching traffic and hoping for an accident?
-Regarding the outward-facing seating, it's really cool and I (John) love it in Paris. Not so much in Palo Alto or Menlo Park.
-People sitting in those outward facing seats look so cool and hip. How come I (John) don't feel that way when I sit there? Should I turn my seat around? Would I feel cooler if I were smoking?
-It's very humane to let checkout clerks sit down while working (Paris).
-Why did I (John) feel the need to grow facial hair in Paris?
-A night cruise on the Seine IS all it's hyped up to be.
-We will never understand the fickleness of Parisian weather, but who cares? The clouds are simply amazing against a blue, blue sky.
Paris and London, you've captured our hearts. It's been a wonderful month-long adventure! Au revoir! Or is that bon revoir?
