Thomas Gold Appleton said “Good Americans, when they die, go to Paris.” I hope that’s true. Paris is beautiful and warrants far more time than the two days we spent there.

Of course I couldn’t help but focus on the Eiffel Tower. My wonderful friend Vérinoque was letting us stay at her place which was a mere walk from the tower.

Note the rainbow crossing the River Seine there.

There was a group of men playing near the tower…it looked to be a game much like bocce ball.

This was only the beginning of several wonderful culinary adventures we embarked on in Paris. Stopping at a fromagerie near the tower we purchased a bit of hard cheese. I honestly don’t remember which cheese it was…but it was phenomenal.

And then there were the patisseries at every corner. Glass displays full of croissants and pastries…the croissants were flaky and perfect, no butter or condiment required. At one point I purchased a baguette and finished half before I realized it.

Another must-see on our list was the Moulin Rouge…or red mill. Moulin Rouge sounds so much better. The Pigalle district was…a little shocking to say the least. The streets there provide entertainment in many less edifying ways than you’d think. But being Paris, even that area was fascinating.

Our night concluded at La Balançoire on Rue Aristide Bruant. If only I could do these French words justice, but there’s no way I’m accurately pronouncing any of this…thank goodness this is in writing and not oral. The atmosphere of La Balançoire was warm, small, cozy and a welcome respite from the busy streets of the city. The food was excellent…the natural flavors supported in each dish and not awash in any overwhelming sauce or saltiness.

I was honestly so caught up in the meal that I blanked on taking any photos until after we were in the process of leaving. And then there were these tiny jars of candy-flavored vodka…they look really cute…but I’m not one for vodka.