Written by Since there were no balloons of the inflatable type around me today for our prompt, I asked Philippe if balloon referred to anything else in French. He suggested a verre ballon à vin rouge which is a red wine ballon glass that I have enjoyed a drink from a few times since I’ve been here in Paris and have seen on tables around me even when I didn’t have a glass of my own. Little did I know I’d been surrounded by balloons the whole time. For lunch today, we actually skipped wine and went to a champagne tasting with Philippe’s mother and brother. It was in a cave below ground that was a long tube of a space with curved stone ceilings. Essentially, it was a wine cellar and we sat at the end of a very long table to sample various champagnes. We had three different types from three different regions and a bit of charcuterie to go with it. It was a lovely experience and at the end, Philippe and I purchased a bottle of our favorite to take with us this evening when we went to our friend’s house for dinner. This one pairs well with oysters, which Philippe also brought. He can devour a plateful of the things, but I simply have one, because I don’t enjoy them quite as much. But, it’s all great fun!
After our champagne tasting and snacks, we went to a proper lunch at a nearby brasserie. By this point the gilets jaunes or “yellow vests” had already gathered and were marching down the street. There were thousands of them so the only way to get through to our restaurant, which was on the other side of the street, was to march directly through them all. It was a bit surreal to being in the center of a protest, but as we made it to the other side, Philippe turned to me and said, “Now you’ve had a real Parisian experience.” Indeed, I did. Though I have to admit that it wasn’t as frightening as something like this might be in the States where a ridiculous number of people are armed and dangerous. And the march was truly peaceful for the most part, but the news tends to focus on the five percent of individuals who cause a bit of havoc in the end. After lunch, Philippe set out to get his oysters and we found ourselves walking right next to the march once again. As we were walking next to it this time, I noticed a couple crossing the mob with baby stroller. Back in our apartment, the news showed us all the crazier bits that we missed, but the reality, as is often the case with the news, was quite different.
This evening, we traveled to a nearby suburb to enjoy our dinner with friends. It was was a joyous evening with Philippe’s best friend from high school, and her husband and young daughter. The daughter took me around the entire house showing me things and diligently trying to teach me how to say them properly in French. I did fairly well and was treated to happy looks much of the time, but other times, I simply got rolling eyes and, sometimes, a hand clasped desperately to the forehead. There was one word in particular that I sure I never said correctly. She was pointing at a speaker, I think, but honestly it’s all a blur now after so many words. The fun part was that my little instructor never gave up hope and would take me back to that item again and again, assured that I would say it properly this time. This was an amazing experience, as Philippe only gives me one try and immediately gives up, making it impossible to learn French with him. So, I had to admire and appreciate her patience with me. I rejoined the adults for dinner, with a few new words to add to my lexicon, but still lacking enough words to meaningfully participate in the conversation. Yet, what Philippe lacks in instruction he makes up for as an interpreter so I managed just fine. And I was just thoroughly happy and thrilled to experience such a beautifully wonderful evening, once again, enjoying a ballon of wine in Paris.
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My goodness I sitting here at home relaxing yes, but wow must be nice in Paris. Thanks for sharing as I can imagine. Keep the art coming!
Thanks so much, Mireya! 😃💕Glad you’re enjoying these posts!
Beautiful glass of wine! Sounds like a truly marvelous day!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 It was totally marvelous!
I love this day of yours! And I just knew that a kid would have a better time, teaching you French. They aren’t ever going to be as concerned with tenses and masculine and feminine forms as they are with the fun of it, and the happy accidents.
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕I know! It was brilliant to have a kid teacher. hehe… I’m quite sure I could become fluent if I had one to visit every day! hehe So patient!
It sounds like you had a wonderful day! We have almost constant protests going on here in parts of Portland Oregon and they are scary, but I think less so than the news makes them. Still, I try to avoid getting caught up in them.
It was a delightful day! 😃💕 Thanks, Sandra. And yeah, I’d steer clear of them. Things still seem crazier in the U.S. and we all know there are lots more guns about. 😉
That wine looks beautiful and delicious! I love hearing about your encounters with children. I think they know you are a child at heart!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, she didn’t even seem to notice I was actually in my late 40’s! lol And when it comes to French, I’m probably closer to a 2 year old. 😊
Admit it, it isn’t that lovely vin rouge that caused you to paint your ‘balloon’; you just love creating living glass on the canvas. You do it so well too! It is good to read of the joyous flow of learning and dining and camaraderie.
haha! Thanks, Sarah! 😃💕 I was falling asleep and didn’t have time to respond to all the comments on this post. Maybe it was the wine? lol But yes, when I’m tired and rushed… for some reason I always paint glass. It’s weirdly easier than other things for me now and I can do it quickly.
It doesn’t seem easy but you do a beautiful job. Your glass, like all the eyes you paint, has personality and depth.
That’s such a great compliment! Wow! Thanks so much my friend! 😃💕
Mmmmmmmm…..I lived in New Orleans area for over 30 years, transplanted there from Pennsylvania after dad retired from the air force.
So I had the opportunity to eat some amazing French food or probably food with a French touch, lol. So a balloon of red wine and some oysters sounds marvelous! Thanks for the “so you” colorful descriptions, sharing your trip with us.
Thanks, Karen! 😃💕 Thrilled you’re enjoying these Paris stories! And I’ve never been to New Orleans, but would love to go one day. It would be interesting to see what Philippe thinks of the food. Though if there are oysters… he’ll be just fine! 😉
Beautiful. I loved hearing about your new little friend. Bless her little heart on trying so hard.
Thanks, Lori! 😃💕 Yeah, my little teacher was quite exhausted by the end. But she seemed pleased overall with the class, so I felt good!
Gorgeous ballon of wine but I’m going to pretend it’s pomegranate juice. As for the oysters – ick – that’s why they invented peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. But you seem to be having a great time in Paris, protesters and all.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, it could be pomegranate juice. I actually keep that or cranberry juice as a color in my mind so it doesn’t get too dark! lol And yes, we’re having a lovely time in Paris, but yeah… I’ve had my two oysters so I’m done for this trip. 😉
very nice
Thanks so much! 🙂
Loved this post. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much! So happy you enjoyed it! 😃💕