Day 55

Hello Everyone,

I am so pleased to know so many of you are following my European Journey by way of my blog. Hopefully I can have enough to write about to pique your interest and keep you coming back! Today was just one of those remarkable days. Here goes!

A lunch invitation was extended to me by the father and stepmom of Andre, the young French intern who stayed with me one summer. I boarded the bus in front of my apartment at 11:30 am with a huge bouquet of pink peonies for the hostess. After 30 minutes I arrived at Gare D'Est, the end of the line for Bus 31. From there I walked 15 minutes to the De Bausset apartment without too many wrong turns!

Philippe and Francoise greeted me warmly and while sipping a gin and tonic, I had a tour of their home. The De Bausset family portraits hung on every wall--magnificent oil paintings dating back to the mid 1700's. One great grandfather served in Napolean's reign, another relative was the French Ambassador to Russia, another was someone equally important. Just take a look at these portraits and the beautifully appointed home.




This is Philippe and me standing in front of one (or two) of his ancestors!!!


And let me introduce Philippe with his charming wife, Francoise:


In Philippe's office there was dozens of framed photographs taken during his career as a journalist and they were fascinating. How about sitting in President Kennedy's office, just the two of them. Then Philippe and Bobby Kennedy in Kennedy's office. Secretaries of State, Governors, Statesmen and even a photo of Philippe at a table sitting with Caryl Chessman at San Quentin. He was interviewing him shortly before his execution.

Some kind of day, wouldn't you say?

Lunch was delectable. Philippe boasted about his wife's culinary achievements and oh my, he was not exagerrating. The first course was a delightfully cold gaspacho soup pureed with diced cucumber floating on top followed by sweet breads and noodles. Naturally lunch was served with a beautiful red wine. Dessert was apple tartin and a cup of expresso topped off the meal. We ate on their lovely patio and the cool breeze was reminescent of a lovely breeze at the oceanside. I could not have been more comfortable but shopping was on the agenda, so Francoise and I left on foot to find an A #1 professional cooking store. I am now the proud owner of a Mauviel copper saute pan. Let me tell you about this pan. Ready?

For people who love to cook
In 1830 in a Normandy village called Villedieu-les-Poeles, which is located near the Mont-Saint-Michel, Mr Ernest Mauviel established the Mauviel manufacturing company. Villedieu-les-Poêles, "the city of copper", has a 800 year of heritage of copper manufacturing.The strength and foundation for Mauviel's manufacturing expertise is based upon this rich tradition of copper manufacturing that has been handed down from generation to generation. since the very early years, by offering the highest quality products, Mauviel has been a fixture in the professional and commercial markets. Today, Mauviel continues to offer the professional chef, the products that are unsurpassed in quality and design. These same products are now also available to household markets. Throughout the world, Mauviel products are used by many famous chefs and professionals.


We went into one store that deals with professional restaurants and I bought a lifetime supply (600 grams) of Fonds Brun Lie which is a dehydrated veal stock. It's something that more than one good cook has raved about here in Paris. And how could I go home without a one kg sack of Sucre Grains. These were used at Ritz Paris for our puffed pastries. They look like gigantic grains of sugar and they get sprinkled over the pastry before baking. Well, my work is cut out once I arrived back home, I can see that!

Finally tonight I found news about America on several channels although not the kind of news I like to hear. President Obama replaced General McChrystal which, of course, caught worldwide attention. The overall feeling for Obama is extremely positive here in Europe and even with others I have talked to in Australia, China and other parts of the globe. A high ranking energy executive who I talked to on Saturday night said, among other things, that Obama has vision and courage. That seems to be the consensus abroad and it's good to hear such positive comments about our President.

It's time to say "bon nuit" and I will be in touch with you tomorrow, as always!

Love, Judy

Day 54

Hello America, How Are You?

I decided to take a bus tour to Giverny, the home of Monet. It was a 75 minute bus ride to the edge of Normandy where Monet lived and found much of his inspiration. The pictures I'm posting are of Monet's gardens. Although we were able to tour his home, we were not permitted to take pictures. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon and, as the days are drawing near for my departure, it was on my list of places to go. Mission accomplished!



It's hard to imagine but it just turned 8:00 pm and I'm home, showered, and finishing my blog. Can this be true? Soon I will have dinner (at home) and dive into the new book I bought on the way home. This was a big purchase and one that I've wanted since the day I arrived. What book you ask? It's Julia Child's Mastering The Art of French Cooking. It's quite a large book (and heavy) and even though I could easily buy it in the states, it means more to me buying it here in Paris, especially since I'm officially "certificated" at Le Cordon Bleu!!!

The good news for me is that the elevator is finally fixed after 10 days! You have no idea what a pain it is to climb 140 steps up, then another 140 steps down, many times during a typical day. And don't forget, luggage has gone up and down, groceries and the like!!!

Enjoy a good night's sleep and a great day tomorrow! I'll be seeing you soon!

Love, Judy

Day 53

Greetings,

Last night, the Fete de Musique, was wonderful; in fact, so interesting that I didn't get home until after 1:00 am. It started at 8:30 pm with a concert at a small church in Maisons Lafffitte, a village close to where Vicki and Joseph live. The music was both in English and French and rather easy for someone like me to understand.



After the concert I took the train back into Paris and exited right by the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysses. The street scene was amazing--at midnight the sidewalks were packed with people and the Champs Elysses bumper to bumper with cars waving flags, honking and participating in the merriment of the First Day of Summer. I had my first hamburger since arriving in Paris. Yes, at McDonalds!


I'm writing this blog the morning after the Fete de Musique. I had to be up early to let the radiator repair man in at 8:00 am. It's now 10:00 am and I'll watch Larry King in an hour, then head out for Rue de Rivoli where I'll join a 5-hour bus tour of Giverny, the home of Monet.

The cool June temperatures are about to end. Each day this week it gets warmer and warmer ending on Sunday with 80 degrees. The local people are happy to have summer finally arrive.

Ciao,

Judy

First Day of Summer and Fete de Musique

Hi,

Today is a huge celebration throughout France - June 21 - First Day of Summer! It's called Fete de Musique and music will be playing on every street corner throughout Paris. I have a late evening in store for me tonight. Now it's 2:00 pm and I am heading out to do a little sightseeing before going to Vicki and Joseph's. Here's a blub from the internet:

The Fête de la Musique in Paris, Monday 21st June 2010
Art and Culture

If you’ve never experienced this music festival before, brace yourself: every 21st June, anyone and everyone will be making music of any and all kinds anywhere… and everywhere.


Fête de la musique 2010 (Music Day 2010)

In June, the streets of Paris and everywhere else in France take on a festive air for the Fête de la Musique. This huge popular event brings together music fans and musicians, amateurs and professionals, for one day of music making in the streets. Every year the event is a great success!

This year, the 29th edition of the Fête de la Musique takes the theme “Music and Women”. Sources of inspiration, artists with a wide range of repertories … women will be the stars of the day.

As well as being the occasion for amateur musicians to reveal their talents, the Fête de la Musique is also the opportunity to hear French and international artists performing for free throughout the city.

In Paris, the national orchestras will be participating in the event. Under the Louvre pyramid, the Orchestra de Paris will play « La Nuit Américaine »: a compilation of works by Bernstein, Gershwin and John Adams.

At the Musée d’Orsay, the Orchestre Philharmonique and the Maîtrise de Radio France will take up residence in the Nave which will open exceptionally in the evening for the event.

Artists will play in different places all over the city. In Place Denfert-Rochereau, in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, the public will be swinging to the sounds of music groups In the Club, Curry & Coco, Jil is Lucky and Hugh Coltman, with many other surprises.

Here are a few street scenes, one at the Opera and the other taken while I was enjoying a coffee at an outdoor cafe. Motorcycle guy got his expresso and placed it on his seat while getting other things in order!

I'll continue my blog later when I return home. Until then, ciao!!!

Day 52

Hi All,

Back home to my little apartment on Sunday evening after spending the night at Vicki and Joseph's.

Last night I took the train to Le Visinet/Le Pecq at 8:00 pm. Vicki and family picked me up at the train station and we went to Pierre and Bobbie's for a BBQ. It was a special night for celebration with fireworks and music. It was called something like Fete de Marguerite or Festival of Flowers. Whatever it was, it was fabulous. We had dinner, a group of about 12 adults and as many kids, and then this "show" started around 10:00 pm once it got dark. I've seen many fireworks displays but this took the prize!!! The fireworks were synchronized to the music and the music was just great. It had to do with Quebec which I understand is a sister city of the little town where we were. People came from all around but we were lucky that the show was right in the front yard of our hosts! Here's a picture of Eric, 16 year old son of Vicki and Joseph, taken at the party.


THE PARTY'S OVER!


It was 3:00 pm when I went to bed. Up at 10:00 am for a full day of fun at Vicki and Joseph's. Andre stopped by for about an hour to bring a bottle of Hennessy Cognac for me to give to Joseph as a thank you for all he's done during my stay in Paris. (Andre is the International Director of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.)



Tomorrow will be a big day as it is the longest day of the year which is cause for a huge celebration throughout France. The streets of Paris will ring with music all night long. I don't know if I'm going to stay in Paris and walk the streets partaking in the festivities or go out to Vicki and Joseph's for a musical event.

Whatever I do, I'll be sure to get a good night's sleep tonight.

With that I'll send my love and a good night to you all!

Judy

Day 51

Hi All,

So here's a picture of the morning after my "slumber party." It was Vicki and her good friend, Kelly, who spent the night with me. We all went to the Ritz (Ecole Ritz Escoffier Paris) for the cooking class followed by dining together as a class and enjoying the fruits of our labor. The chef gave us a tour of the kitchen where all of the food is prepared for the Ritz hotel guests. It was 11:00 pm or so before we left the hotel. Of course, we decided we needed a dessert and cofee so we took the metro back to my neighborhood where we finished off the evening with sweets and stimulating conversation. It was after 1:00 am when we got home, so our slumber party was all too short.

This is seeming very strange--Day 51--can it be? I cannot imagine that this fabulous journey is nearing its end. But then again, perhaps it's not. I am considering going back to Germany when my stay is over in Paris. I'll keep you posted--if I do, I'll extend my stay by a week or so. My wonderful friends in Weinstadt want me to come back and celebrate Bernd's birthday on July 6th. I'd love to do that but need to figure out the logistics with the airline, etc.

The cooking class was a winner! We made two very gourmet dishes--sea bass and salmon tartar with fine herbs dressing and also sea bass with a shallot and tomato crust, green pea risotto and saffron cockle juice. I'll post a few pictures but both of my batteries gave out so the final presentation was not "digitally" captured!






We had breakfast here in the apartment--cantaloupe, orange juice, baguette, yogurt and coffee. Sitting around talking "girl talk" was so enjoyable--I just wish they could have stayed longer. Vicki had to get home to bake a carrot cake for tonight's party (I'm invited) and Kelly had some activities planned with her children.

I took the metro and met Vicki and Kelly at the Ritz. The hotel is in a beautiful part of Paris and I thought you might enjoy seeing a few of the sights and some of the street scenes along the way. One picture is of the entrance to the Ritz Paris and another shows the Place de Vendome, the large plaza right out in front of the hotel.




Soccer games dominate the conversation around Paris--what about back home? I saw that the U.S. team tied (but perhaps could have won if the call had been in their favor). The Lakers win also dominated the news but unfortunately the "aftermath" did too with several arrests for unruly behavior. Of course, the oil spill and the BP executives are in the news daily. Other than that, not much news from America. My good friend, Eddy, sends me weekly mailings of news articles from the LA Times and NY Times which I thoroughly enjoy reading. How lucky can one lady be???

I'm off to Vicki and Joseph's for a BBQ at their friends. I'll get back with you later.

Much love, Judy

Day 50

Good Morning, America! How Are you?

Well, folks, this is just to say "hi" and let you know that you'll have to wait until tomorrow to find out what happened today! It's 3:06 am and I just said good night to my girlfriends. We had a "slumber party" tonight after the Ritz Paris cooking class.

Congratulations LAKERS!!!

Life is Beautiful--Judy