This article is ©2004 Julia and is published here with the authorization of its author.

Paris, Monday, 14 June to Saturday 19 June 2004

I was so very fortunate to visit Paris in June. 80+ degrees! Three trips on the Bateaux Mouches! Just couldn't get enough. I was a bit worried over having a very poor command of French, but found Paris very cosmopolitan and many either spoke English or understood English.

I was pleased and amazed at how easy the Metro was to navigate. I don't live in an area that has a subway, so I came without any experience. It was a bit unclear when various lines closed, but it all worked out.

I fell in love with the little café and views from atop Samaritaine, and spent way too much of my devalued dollars at au Bon Marché... but found the most delightful Garnier-Thiebaut tablecloth, that rests upon my table as I type.

Managed to spend a couple of sleepless nights, in a tiny room without air conditioning above a very busy bistro, but a request for a quiet room with air conditioning was arranged and all went well.

The next day however, being very tired I let down my guard and found a teenage pickpocket with his hand in my purse. Stricly from instinct, before I even realized what was happening, I had grabbed his hand and bend his fingers back. In very irritated English, told him to get his grubby little hands out of my purse. Obviously, everyone in the car knew what had happened, one Parisian standing behind me, began to berate the fellow, took out his phone, and I presume called the police.
After that it became a game to figure out just which ones were the pick pockets!

The art is just as fabulous as everyone says, the architecture wonderful, and almost everyone friendly. Its a trip I will never forget...