Ahhh BYE Paris!

Today was our last day and Paris and one of my favorites.  Joanne had cut out article in a paper for an haute couture exhibition in the Hall of Justice.  

Of course we couldn’t take pictures but I found this article and picture of the event. http://www.paris.fr/english/english/exhibition-haute-couture-showcased-at-the-hotel-de-ville/rub_8118_actu_126006_port_19237

Thanks Jojo..this was great! We saw designs from the 1900’s to 2012.  They showed how some of the hand beading was done on these amazing gowns. Some were fabulous!!!!  They showed a dress from the design on paper to pattern, then the bead work and the finished dress.  I cannot begin to describe the detail. All I can say is ‘wow’ I was really impressed.   Oh and it was free!

To keep to our theme of fashion today, we went to the Champs-Élysées and to the couture houses that are on a side street. I was pleasantly surprised when the doors we held open for us and we were welcomed just as though we actually had money to buy something.  We both enjoyed the House of Chanel as they had beautiful, purses, brooches and many other items.  We went into the House of Dior and while it was beautiful there we no prices on anything..clearly an indication we could not afford anything.  Next, lunch at Laduree, where they make the best macaroons in Paris.  Basically I made food decisions based on bathroom needs so this was a pit stop.  Amy and I shared a sandwich so we could justify dessert.  In this case, Amy made the better choice…a pistachio filled cream puff. 

Amazing!  I had an éclair with chocolate filling and coffee.  I am sorry but I still like my Starbucks over the espresso like coffee here.

Next we jumped on the metro and headed back to our neighborhood.  I say neighborhood because that is what is has become in just a few days.  We spent the rest of the afternoon looking for souvenirs and a couple of shops we had been in.  One contained all things made in Paris…that one we found.  The other was a store where I had seen some beautiful purses.  No I do not need another purse and we didn’t find it so I have a bunch of Euros burning a hole in my pocket. (but there still is the duty free shop).

In wrap up…

Paris is beautiful

The locals have been wonderful

The history is unbelievable

Traveling here with my best friend has been incredible

And now I understand why everyone sees Paris differently---because there is so much of it!

Bye Paris!