Tuesday (Paris)…

Shopping is medicinal, and today we found Sherie’s prescription. After our morning pastries, we started off mere steps from our apartment. Vanessa Bruno. Surface to Air. Sherie felt reborn.

Lunch at the Café Beaubourg. Strong coffee and a heavenly croque Madame. Perfect to fuel the rest of the already waning day. Time to divide and conquer before things closed for New Years Eve.

Sherie and Paolo hopped in a cab to do some shopping at Galerie Lafayette. Jeff and I headed to the Hotel de Ville for a must-see Brassai exhibit. We were met with a typical museum line, but endured the 90 minute wait to see a photographer who’s work we had heard so much about. We have seen Brassai’s images frequently in our photo class, and it was truly inspiring to see them up close and personal. There were hundreds of images, many focused on night scenes of Paris. Although we take low light photography for granted today, it’s easy to see how Brassai pushed the boundaries of photography in his day.

We made our way slowly back to the apartment, stopping to pick up some last minute items for our New Years Eve party. Hard and soft cheeses. Sliced salami and prosciutto. Crackers. Soda and lime to mix with Paolo’s vodka. In addition to their glamorous Louis Vuitton purchases, Paolo and Sherie returned with gourmet delights from the Galerie: champagne, olives, anchovies, and a glorious hard sausage. Oh and let’s not forget the fantastic Bouche Noel for desert. What a perfect spread for a festive pre-New Years celebration.

As the clock passed 11, we headed out under cloudy-but-dry skies and walked towards the Seine. We made our way to the Pont Neuf with a view of the Eiffel Tower and awaited midnight with throngs of revelers.

As the clock struck midnight, the Eiffel Tower sparkled and the crowds cheered. Hugs kisses and selfies ensued. We attempted a celebratory drink along our return route, but bars were surprisingly closed. A few clubs with lines and cover charges dotted our route, but we chose to return to the apartment for our own Champagne.

Happy New Year!!