Making Friends in Paris

I went out for a walk on Rue Passy, near the Trocadero in the 16th Arrondisement. An area mostly  populated by very chic, wealthy families with beautiful 19th century luxury apartment buildings and elegant cafes.  I found a little Bretagne creperie with cafe tables on the sidewalk with blue and white striped table clothes.  There was a gentleman just finishing his meal and I took a place just one table down from  him. 

Noticing that I wasn't from around those parts, he asked me where I was from and what brings me to Paris.  He was a retired pilot for Air France and before that the Air Force, he was about 60, very refined, he traveled the world and hasn't found anywhere to be nearly as charming as France.  Each region is unique and has so much to offer. He is originally from Bordeaux but has lived in Paris for 30 years and summers in his house in Antibes.  

We talked about France and flying until another couple sat at the table between us so I turned to my brut cidre and he finished his crepe sucre.   After he paid his bill, he came over to my table extending his hand to wish me a bonnes vacances.  "I am Jacques" he handed me his calling card.  He has a lady friend who speaks English and perhaps I would like to join them tomorrow for dinner.  "Delighted", I said,  I didn't remember the number for my French cell phone so I said I would email him my number. 

The next day I received a call from a lady who said she is a friend of Jacques whom I met at the cafe  yesterday and would I like to join them for drinks at his place.   I accepted, but I was a little precautious to go to his place, but she was very nice on the phone too, so I  thought, why not.  Jacqueline warned me they could be like Dominique Strauss-Kahn and recruiting but I wasn't worried, I trusted there are still kind, sincere people left in this world.   Luckily, earlier that day I picked up 4 chocolate eclaires on Rue Montorgueil, rated the best in Paris, so I was prepared with my host gift.

I arrived at the apartment on Rue Passy and met Sarah, a lovely lady who spoke good English, she was waiting for me on the sidewalk.  I feel she was waiting for me on the sidewalk to to put me at ease, which I was but, still,  I thought it was very considerate.  We walked up to Jacques' apartment which was a small but charming and quintessentially French apartment, very tidy and beautifully furnished with antiques and typical blues and yellows.  He showed me all the rooms and his little office upstairs and he also owned the apartment next door, perfect for guests who could have their own space and privacy.   He seemed very proud as he himself built many of the cabinets and had furniture made to order.  Another lady arrived,  who I think was Jacques girlfriend.   Her name is Claire.  We were about the same age, a very sweet Parisian, she lived in Switzerland and spoke very good English because she works at a Swiss bank.  She told me Jacques lost his wife a couple years ago and its been very hard on him.  I think they are very good friends.    

We drank a toast of very good champagne in crystal flutes to new friendships.  Sarah was an air stewardess and knew Jacques for 30 years.  Another Parisian, she is charming and witty and so friendly.  Whoever says Parisians aren't friendly doesn't know Parisians the way I do.  I know my experience is exceptional, probably not every American gets invited into the home of a French person for champagne.  It was really special.  We laughed and joked and talked about France and how the French language is deteriorating.  Jacques is very funny and charming, he tries to speak a little English but the ladies make fun of him.  Its getting late, but the sky is still light, we finish the bottle of champagne and the eclaires.  Jacques proposes we go out for sushi.   We started with champagne and dessert and then took a walk down the street to a wonderful little sushi bar.   It was a lovely evening.  Jacques and Claire are going to the French Riviera next week but they will be back the following week.  We decided we will get together again when they return.   

I just love making wonderful friends in Paris.