Paris - October 2001

By October 2001 our lives were very different.  Not only had 9-11 changed our outlook forever, but Glenn was in a new job working for Power Paper, and Tamara was recently laid off after 4+ years at Broadbeam.  At loose ends, when Glenn needed to go to Paris for a week on business, Tamara decided to take the opportunity to accompany him.   Unfortunately, with Glenn working we didn't get in a lot of sightseeing during the week and, with all the museums on strike, Tamara didn't get to see many of the sights she'd hoped to take in.  However, we did get to visit the highlights and get a taste of Paris.

Upon arrival on Saturday, we ventured out into the rain to find breakfast and walked over the the Eiffel Tower.  Although we only went to the second level, the view was still magnificent and, combined with a lack of sleep, gave us a surreal feeling.  After exploring the city a little more, jet lag took over and we went back to rest and to have dinner at a local bistro near our hotel off Champs de Elysees.

After finding the Louvre closed, and the day clearing, the next day we took a side trip to the Palace at Versailles.  Here we were taken in the with the wonder of the gardens and the extravagance of the palace.  That night we met friends of Glenn for an authentic meal.  Too authentic for Glenn with its sausage and very rare steak!  Tamara played it safe with steak frites, cooked medium rare. 

After that, work took over and Tamara spent her days waiting for museums to open (that never did), wandering the streets, hanging out in parks, and being intimidated by waiters.  Before leaving, we were able to take in a show at the Moulin Rouge.  While we found Paris beautiful, the food wasn't as good as we thought (maybe it is where we went), and the people could be difficult, particularly in restaurants. 

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