"Royale with Cheese"

My first day in Paris. We are in a very Hollywood version of a small Parisian Hotel. The room is the size of a large Master closet in an American Mac-Mansion with a bathroom. Television is all French - all day - every day. The elevator is intimate. Literally, one person and one medium suitcase.

To the fifth floor, please and no stops, please. The view is waiting for Jason Bourne racing the roofs of Paris. Photos tomorrow.

Actually, the room is delightful. The bed is comfortable and adequate. We are in Luxembourg Gardens area of Paris. It is Paris. The Streets are narrow and charming (no other word works). Disney almost got it right. But, it is better. Buildings are monuments "1906"  proudly announcing  the architect and the money man.

There are no right corners in Paris. Paris is designed to be a city of streets waiting to be barricaded with furniture with cheers of 'Liberte". .

The buildings are small with no space in-between. The shops are small and inviting.

Impression of the first day. F
irst, Fly Air-Bus 800-300. Wow, even in economy, it was enjoyable.

Seriously, I have no jet lag which I believe that the journey was actually comfortable - 11 hours. Your own personal television. Betty did get front seats with gave us additional leg room but the seats and spacing is comfortable. Current movies. Choice of languages.

Second impression, I am impressed with Air France cabin staff. The seats between Betty and I were vacant and the flight attendant volunteered before seating that they would be vacant and to stretch out. They served Champagne and wine with dinner. .

Third impression is that we took our time finding our way to the hotel. Everyone was friendly and helpful. They wanted to talk and wanted to help. The man who sold us a disposal phone took more time than he might have to answer questions for a  30 Euro sale. The countless people we asked for directions.

We got on the subway train from De Gaulle airport but did not realize that you hit the red button on the door when you want to exit the train when it stops. Missing the stop, we had a great journey finding our small hotel. Lesson learned here was that there are so many streets that even when the locals are four blocks away they still have to look at their smartphone to give directions (Iphones, of course).

Fourth impression is that the Parisian will willingly speak English and do it well. I bought a sandwich today in a very small Panini shop and he was comfortable with an American and quickly discussed my impression of his beautiful city.

The Parisian still smokes. Young and old. Like the old days, cigarette smoke scents the air. They do not hide it. It is open civil disobedience.

Finally, the women are beautiful and the men are gorgeous. What style. What Flair. Old ladies running across the street in flats looks like an idea for designer fashion next year.

More research later. See if all these holds up.

Photos tomorrow.