September in Paris

Young Lovers in Paris
on September Evening

Having recently spent 15 days in Paris, I can share the following observations:


1. As  billed, Paris is a beautiful, elegant, cosmopolitan city with fine food and wine.
2. Contrary to some reports, the people of Paris are gracious and accommodating.
3. As for language problems, many Parisians speak English and are quite helpful to tourists who speak little or no French.
4. Paris has more than its fair share of attractive women.
5. Parisians are always well-dressed, even if they are grocery shopping.
6. The "Metro" (subway) system is first class. With minimal walking, one can travel from any part of the city to any other part. 
7. Paris is expensive. Sandy and I each had a cup of coffee at a cafe near St. Sulpice and the bill was 11 euros ($15.40), tip included. We presumed we were paying for the location and atmosphere. Although this experience was an isolated incident, prices are generally quite high.
8. The striking architecture is so omnipresent that eventually even tourists begin to take it for granted.
9. Although excellent French wine is available everywhere, most cafes, bistros, and restaurants have a wide variety of  good European beers. Many locals as well as tourists will have a beer or two at lunch and maybe even at dinner.
10. Paris does not need any more museums, particularly art museums. The existing art museums cover every possible genre including erotic art.
11. The above applies as well to churches, cathedrals, and basilicas. Although an overabundance of Gothic, Romanesque,  and Byzantine  churches, all old and frequently beautiful, are scattered throughout the city, not many Parisians attend Mass.
12. If one wants to live in Paris as a street beggar, he/she will need a dog,  or better yet,  two dogs. Apparently it is an unwritten rule of the street.
13. And speaking of  animals, to my great delight, I never saw a cat in the whole city.
14. The French speak softly. Even when two are engaged in a heated discussion, neither raises his voice. Conversations are quiet and private.
15.The French are not shy about combining the ultra modern with the very old. Considerer the Louvre or the Orsay Museums as examples. Hotels rooms in very old chateaus will feature the latest design in bathroom furnishings.
16. Paris has a fine selection of Cuban cigars -- a treat for deprived Americans.
17. Although they may look the same, the "French Fries" in Paris are much better than any I have had in the US.
18. Ham and cheese sandwiches (croques) are ubiquitous.
19. Young adults (teenagers) do not travel in packs as they do in the US.
20. Quasimodo no longer inhabits the bell tower of Notre Dame. I checked.


I have to add two more observations:
 I did not see any work-out facilities in Paris. Apparently Parisians do not need them because they do so much walking and climb so many steps as part of their daily life. I did see many runners in the parks, and many people use bicycles both for transportation and sport.
Eye glass frames are a fashion item in Paris and there are "optical shops" everywhere.