Travel Journal: April in Paris, France

It is April in Paris. We've been on French soil now for not even 24 hours. Our flight from JFK arrived in Paris around daybreak -- and interestingly enough there was snow on the ground -- just a sprinkling. I would go into our luggage situation at the airport, but I won't go into too much detail. All I can say is, 'they don't tell you about all the places you can get your luggage -- at least they don't advertise it.

Once we got in a cab and out of the airport it was 9 (Monday morning rush hour). I marveled at all the tiny Renaults and Mercedes. We noted that gas was at a pretty fair price.

Our cab got us right to the door of Catherine's apt. We found the arrangement through craigslist.

We were given a quick tour of the apartment and were left. Being 9 or 10 the sun was in full force. George turned a sheet into a bedroom shade.

By 3 p.m. we knew it was time to get up and get going -- best way to manage the jet lag.

So we made our way down the street and George suggested we pop down into the Metro and see where we land.

We take the Metro a few stops and pop out on St. Germain de Pres. Walking on this main thoroughfare through one of Paris' swankier parts we stumble on to Le Comptoir -- the hottest brasserie that no one seems to be able to get a reservation for. There are a few empty tables. George wisely suggests we sit down even if we aren't hungry.

We sit outside and the sun is shining on our faces. We can't make out the menu. Neither of us speak French. George asks a young college student what he suggests. In the end, we get a delicious cheese and ham sandwich (which we are later to find out is the ever easy to get in a brasserie sandwich, 'The Croque Monsier.)

This one at Le Comptoir is not just anyone -- it's 'THE ONE.' The cheese is absolutely divine. The menu says, 'Croque Monsieur -- Vache Qui Rit Dinde.' Oh my goodness.

If this wasn't enough we also piled on a crepe from a street vendor and got cafe/expresso next door at the famed Les Deux Magots -- where they say Hemingway wrote.

Other hotspots visited Monday: Luxembourg Gardens, Pantheon and lighting a candle at St. Etienne Du-Mont.

Then, inexpensive Vietnamese dinner at 80 Le Monges. (We walked there from Catherine's Apt.)

By the way, I cannot end this entry without talking about the pastries. They are OUTRAGEOUS!

George bought an almond crossaint and I inhaled it and everywhere you go there are these wonderful stuffed sandwiches -- made with the freshest baguettes. God. Help me. This food is delightful. I don't understand how any French woman can be skinny.