[Bêthberry]

The great fun of eating in Paris is not only to find great culinary establishments, but also to enjoy the style of French dining in its many forms.

First of all, even at the most expensive restaurants, lunches are considerably cheaper than dinners. But they taste just as good. (will return with names of several fantastic establishments if they still exist.)

Second, we really enjoyed eating al fresco in Paris, buying meat and fresh French bread (which does not exist anywhere else in the universe except in France) and fresh fruit and vegetables at boulangeries and patisseries in the morning before we began our excursions for the day.

We brought along plastic plates, cups and utensils in a backpack (horrors, I know, but easily transportable) which we ditched before returning home. It was amazing how many French citizens also ate this way. I recall observing an entire mini soap opera of l'amour triste between a French couple while they and we ate a similar French picnic lunch near the Eiffel Tower (which we refused to go up). Same holds true for dinner if one travels during early evening daylight.

The English apparently cannot fathom this sort of manners/eating/fare and so we were unable to experience such spontaneity and free form cuisine in England. On t'other hand, it is possible to find great pub fare in the Septre'd Isle, if one looks for it.

PM me if you want the name of a fantastic tourist hotel in the Latin Quarter. As I recall, it was only 2 stars, but why people need a TV while in Paris I fail to understand. Double glazed windows provided sound proofing. No lift, but you're young. It provided breakfast, free laundry facilities, and even allowed guests to use the kitchen. near the Musee de Cluny. Not available in London, sadly.

I am so wanting to catch a flight back there tonight.