Eating in Paris: Embarrassing Travel Moments


Jet lagged, lacking proper sleep, at 8:30 p.m. on the day we landed in Paris, we could not figure out how to get past the inner lobby door of our apartment building. We remembered the digicode, and successfully opened the outer door, but we’d forgotten that the inner door opened with the little plastic wand on our key chain.

(Never mind that this is how we open doors at the university where I teach journalism. On our first night in Paris we simply could not think.)

After numerous attempts at using the front digicode to enter the inner door, I said I’d go out in search of help. What kind of help, I had no idea. But I went to a café around the corner where the maitre d’ (or perhaps the owner) seemed friendly when I passed by earlier in the evening. He listened and went in search of someone who knew someone in the building. By some divine intervention, a waiter did know someone. He called his friend and the friend came downstairs to show my exhausted husband how to get inside.

Meanwhile, I found some friendly American women to talk to. It’s true, the 7th is filled with Americans. On our first night in town, that was comforting indeed.

The following night, we went to the café for an early supper. Simple but filling bistro fare, a bottle of wine we liked and crème brulee for my husband and profiteroles for me.

The waiter was all smiles and gave us extra attention. The maitre d’ inquired about our visit, and it was well worth the 60 euros we spent there.

There may be fancier places to eat in this neighborhood. But we were treated kindly at this one.

Au revoir until Tuesday.

Comments

Jann said…
What a wonderful dinner that was...hard to eat and even function when you have all that jet-lag....I hope you get to meet more wonderful Americans and French in your travels...you will! A friendly face,comment or two can be good for the soul! Have fun!
Anonymous said…
Mimi, it's the simple meals and gestures that often create the best memories, right? That meal looks so good and I bet it was the perfect thing for your jet lag. I'm looking forward to hearing more.

Mary
www.ceresandbacchus.com
Katie said…
Nothing like a bottle of red and a plate of frites to cure whatever....not to mention the profiteroles....Bom Weekend!
Toni said…
That you managed to find someone who knew someone who got you in was, indeed, divine intervention! And to have a neighborhood bistro that serves simple fare is one of those simple pleasures that makes travel so satisfying!
Anonymous said…
I know exactly where you are coming from with the "jet lag" and to inability to think properly. I always feel like a walking zombie for a few days after a long flight and major body clock / time changes. You have done well.

Its great to keep up with your adventures on here.
Anonymous said…
Have fun
Anne
Anonymous said…
Ah...so you've made it to heaven...congratulations! I'll be expecting lots of fodder for vicarious experiences.

Best,
CL
Farmgirl Cyn said…
Oh Mimi, I think we are ALL living vicariously this week! I am jealously thrilled for you! Can't wait to hear more of your adventures.
PS remind me again what a euro is worth in American $$$!
The jet lag from here to Paris is really debilitating! You've had a wonderful settling in and now a great story! Great picture!
Christine said…
Sounds like you're off to a great start Mimi - making friends, finding a great bistro - and it doesn't surprise me at all!
Awaiting your next post...
Unknown said…
We are eating well, walkking a lot, and going throiugh carnets like mad.

The wine is cheap, the men awesome, the women beautiful, the children adorable, the weather unpredictable, and the pickpockets on the prowl.
Anonymous said…
Oh, BOY....I can relate to that jet lag and not figuring out how to get IN the front door...lol We've done it also on a few occassions. So glad to hear it ended well.
That Bistro looked delightful! (I want names when you get home for my Oct. visit) And the food looked divine. Ah yes.....Paris!

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