That shot was taken up in Normandy in the impossibly picturesque city of Rouen, prior to Valentine’s Day. I visited all the requisite historical sites (Joan of Arc’s pyre, a medieval market site, etc.) while in Rouen. And as it was only for a day, I didn’t get to sample much beyond the above pictured pastries. Still, tough life, eh?
Coffee in France has been a revelation. I will never enjoy Starbucks anymore. France ruined me with silky, dark elixirs. I’m normally of the heavy cream and sugar crowd and for the first time in my adult life, I drank my coffee black. Nay, I insisted on it. I dabbled in espressos too. The above cuppa and croissant were enjoyed at a small cafe at the Louvre. The Starbucks across the hallway received only a cold stare. I shall tolerate their swill no more. Problem is, where to? I must find an LAequivalent, which will of course be the subject of a post or two I’m sure.
This is mostly the ‘I’m back’ post. Paris was beautiful (we had bright sunlight and no wind for the majority of the trip) and I did explore and enjoy as much of their expertly prepared food as was reasonable. Though I’m not entirely sure where to begin. Do I even need to say the food experience was enlightening? One sad note - I was leveled by a really wretched cold/cough for the last few days of the trip, which would have depressed me exceedingly if not for the delightful and friendly patisserie mere steps from my hotel door. Being holed up in your hotel room with a bad cold isn’t nearly so bad when you have fresh brioche, macarons, and expertly brewed tea to comfort you.
