Europe is not for the physically unfit.  In two days of touring we have walked 7.7 miles and climbed 33 floors.  Mom has handled it all with aplomb.  She’s a spry 75 year old.  Her years of constant walking for exercise have clearly paid off. 

On Wednesday we started late and went to the Rodin Museum, mom’s favorite sculptor.  I’ve included many of his famous works in this email.  He is well known for his expressive faces and unusual poses.  

Afterwards, with the Eiffel Tower closed for elevator repairs, we visited Tour Montparnasse instead.  It’s a spectacularly ugly skyscraper they stuck a lovely observation deck and cafe on.  We watched the lights turn on over Paris.  There was a a peculiar metal tower in the distance many people were taking pictures of as it lit up.  Finally, we headed over to dinner and enjoyed a decadent French meal at a restaurant near the Arc de Triomphe.  I’m still full, some 18 hours later.  Mom insisted on a cab home from the restaurant.  RBD threatened to walk it, another 2.5 miles, but we were mostly sure she was bluffing.

We eat dinner early because it suits us, but to Parisians eating before 8 it’s just so uncool.  Fortunately with age my concern over how how cool I am has long since dwindled, much like my hair.  We generally get the restaurants to ourselves, which I kinda like.  The wait staff seem amused by our presence and eager to practice their English with us, as no true European would eat at this ungodly hour.    

Service here is very low touch.  The wait staff do not hover, and if you want something you generally have to flag them down.  In NYC I always feel like they’re rushing you out to turn the table over.  Americans also expect a more “hup-to” attitude from their service staff.  We get impatient quickly.  Back home I recently witnessed a couple get huffy and walk out because their water didn’t come fast enough.  Carry that attitude here and you might starve to death.      

I enjoy the French approach.  Feels very civilized.  I suppose the trade off is meals out are more expensive.    

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Our plan tonight is to peruse several street markets in the neighborhood and eat Korean BBQ in celebration of the season.