Un gout de Paris / A Taste of Paris

Bonjour!
     Our flights went perfectly-no delays and smooth check-in.  We arrived in Paris to a foggy day, but the temperature felt tropical after the winter in Iowa.  We were met at the airport by Michel, a L & F agent, who guided us to our bus.  We drove through Paris rush hour traffic (watch out for the motorcycles that go in between the cars!).  As the fog lifted, so did our spirits as we realized that we were in FRANCE.
     First stop was the Gare d'Austerlitz, where we discovered that the signs weren't always helpful...but no worries because we speak this language!  We found a very helpful SNCF agent who guided us to the consignes automatiques (luggage lockers).  Then we were off to explore the 4e an 5e arrondissements of Paris.  After a quick stop for refreshments (orangina, bien sur), we wandered through the Jardin des Plantes (who knew there was a zoo in Paris?), gushed over groups of French preschool children on field trips walking 2 by 2  with their petit backpacks.  Then we found ourselves on the quai of the Seine as the clouds lifted. It was sunny but hazy because of the ALERTE de Pollution.  There is reduced speed limit in effect and public transportation is free because of it!  Hopefully it will improve before we climb the Eiffel Tower later this week...  We followed the river to Notre Dame and studied the gothic architecture  inside and out.  The sun shining through the stained glass windows was beyond beautiful.   Per my request, but the group was ready to comply, we took a break inside and sat for awhile to take it all in. We happened to catch a performance of a rehearsal of a choral- it was so peaceful.  We continued on to the Memorial de la Déportation, dedicated to the 200,000 French victims of the Nazi concentration camps.  Then we crossed to the island Ile St. Louis.  Lots of window shopping until we found the right creperie for lunch.  Everyone ordered in French! We couldn't resist sampling some of the world famous Berthillon ice cream (chocolat, s'il vous plait!).  Miam miam!!!
       At this point we were really feeling the fatigue but we kept going- what an amazing group- no complaining.  I am also very proud to have received compliments from from two different French people about how nice my group was (in the airplane and at the train station).  We checked out the bouquinistes (book sellers) along the Seine, hung out in the Quartier Latin and enjoyed the free outdoor music at the Shakespeare &Compqny bookstore, then strolled on the Boulevard St: Michel all the way to the Jardin du Luxembourg. From there we took our first subway (free) back to the train station.  We were happy to retrieve our luggage and we waited for our train to Orléans to meet our French families.  Most everyone slept on the hour long train ride, which was far more comfotable than the 8 hour plane ride. The families were waiting for us- they are all so nice!!!  I can't wait to hear qll the stories about thier weekends with their French families.
      I do not have wifi access for my Ipad, but as soon as I do I will post pictures.  Yesterday, I was lucky to run into Gracie, Sydney, and Ashley at a cafe in Orléans, and Ben with his family on the way to a boat cruise.  They looked well rested!  I know that Kolby was going to the rugby game of his French brother yesterday.  Rachel's family is just down the street from me and I will hopefully see her later today.  I have also heard great things about the families of Meg and Kacey.  This is a really wonderful city.  I will do my best to post updates. Tomorrow I will see everyone for our day visiting the castles of the Loire River.
A bientot!!!  Mme Rezek