The view from our apartment
Mais oui, mes amies. 
After thinking long and long about whether or not to even take the smallest of Odysseys this summer, and if I did, where would I go, I decided that life is indeed too short, with too many places left undiscovered. So, after considering a repeat trip to England, I hit up my fiend Suzanne over in the Netherlands and asked her what she thought about seeing Strawberry Fields with me this summer, while using Amsterdam as a “home base.”
She said that was fine, and then, almost as an aside, said, “Maybe we could take the Thalys high-speed train to Paris, too.”
Hmmm…
So, after a few moments of consideration: Let me take you down, ‘cuz I’m going to…Paris.
The last time I saw Paris (enough with the song quotes, promise) was in 1976. I remember going to the Louvre, shopping up and down the Champs-Élysées, eating at a restaurant called the Hippopotamus, seeing (but not climbing) the Eiffel Tower, visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, and getting all sticky munching on watermelon sold by a street vendor. I recall nothing about where I stayed. Isn’t that sad?
Well, that won’t be the case this time. Suzi and I scored a great little flat on AirBNB, for a super price — much less than what we would’ve paid for a week of hotel rooms. *fist pull*
The gardens of Versailles
While plans are still loosey-goosey, we’re looking at day trips to Normandy and Versailles, and lots of side trips to off-the-beaten-path cafes, neighborhoods, and old artist haunts, as well as hitting the major tourist stops. It’ll be a very busy week. And fun. I think the Thriller would approve.
I will endeavor to lose 20 lbs. so I can gain it all back in seven days.
Vive la France! Vive la norriture!
fantastique Odyssee!
Michael would definitely approve. Paris seems like a perfect place to relax. You and Suzanne will have a magical time. Send lots of pictures!
passers un moment!
I think we’ll enjoy it! Thanks Mave!!
Yes he would. What an adventure. Yes life is too short. Enjoy life. Sounds like a great time.
Someday I’ll get to enjoy it from the busy retirement phase! Thanks Diane
A fabulous odyssey for you! Enjoy!
Thankya friend! <3
Don’t forget Edith!!
This is gonna be an epic Odyssey. The Thriller would approve of our possible visits to the catacombs and cemetary.
La vie en rooooooosuuhhhh
He would have loved the catacombs!! This will definitely be an Odyssey for the books. <3
Life is not only short but it should be lived, learning everyday something new.
You go Dear Friend!
<3 <3
This trip sounds like just what you need! Yes, life is too short and we have experienced just how fleeting it can be personally…dream BIG and follow your dreams. You need to take care of you until you and Michael meet again. Enjoy your adventure my friend!!
Thanks, Heidi — will do and will do! <3