ROMANCE IN FRANCE - Strasbourg and Paris, France Aug 2016

 ROMANCE IN FRANCE

Strasbourg and Paris, France  Aug. 2016

The amazing light show

Sur le pont

After a night in Dresden, Germany, we took the train through Frankfurt, to arrive in Strasbourg, France--our first time back since our honeymoon in September, 1981.

Located on the banks of the Rhine, there are canals and a distinctly French feel. From the cafes to the boulangeries, wonderful smells permeated the air. The apartment was in a great spot and, though it was a small studio with a Murphy bed, it had everything we needed--not to mention a great host with an engineer's sense of design and economy. 

On the alert

Our first night was spent watching a spectacular light and sound performance projected onto the magnificent cathedral. Typical of European cities this size, there is a light rail system that can get you nearly anywhere. 

Notre Dame

Our next stop was Paris and, with the speedy rail system, only a two- hour train ride away. We stayed in a quaint studio in Le Marais not far from the Seine and the major sites in the center city. 

This was our third time to Paris, having visited on our honeymoon and as a family in 2000. The city remains a magical place with great cafes, well-preserved  buildings and Old World charm.

Always the "City of Love"

But...

it's unfortunate to witness the effect the terrorist attacks in places like Nice have had. Everywhere we walked we eventually crossed paths with heavily armed soldiers.

Mike geeks out

It was a time when France remained on high alert and dampened what would normally be a relaxed romantic time. We were nervous after the attacks in Nice, understandably so.

We didn't play tourists this time around, although we included The Louvre, Notre Dame, and, of course, The Eiffel Tour in our city walks. It still remains a city of romance and nothing will ever change that.  Viva La France!

Classic Cathy

One of our favorite moments was our reunion with Eileen's friend Cathy. They met in NYC in the early 80's when Eileen was a reporter with Women's Wear Daily and Cathy was with Bear Stearns.


Cathy always amazes with her classic French style and elegance. And the friendship ("you are my sister," she told Eileen), just like Cathy, only gets better with age.