Jeudi.

Today was my last day in Paris. I made the most of it, trust me.

I enjoyed a morning Continental breakfast at un café préféré dans ma rue. Then, I went to have my Covid test – required for flying into the U.S.

From there, I bought a Levi’s jean jacket, because why??? How crazy is that? To buy an American product in Paris? ROFLOL! (You may recall I bought Converse here, too!) And why do clothes here fit me better?

Anyway, it was chilly, and my suitcases were (mostly) packed, and you need jackets and light scarves here in spring. Did I say suitcaseS? Plural? Yes, I did. Yes, I had to buy another suitcase to fly home. I have no shame.

So, I met a friend at Place des Vosges where we shared pastries, coffee, memories, and tears. I’ve had tears for the past two days because I will never be the same.

I raced through a recommended historical museum, because I just wanted to be « home, »

…to finish packing, arranging airport transportation, etc. I hopped bus #96 home, and enjoyed the journey above ground, seeing the sights. Remembering it all.

Mon quartier! Le 6ème! I went back to my café for une coupe de champagne where I saw my serveur préféré, Charlie!!! We did « bisous » which was an honor for me with a real Frenchman. He told me he was sad to see me go, and asked me to return tonight because he wants to buy me a drink XOXO Then he sang, « The most beautiful girl in the world… » and I laughed. Oh, go on!

I checked for my Covid test status, but the link did not work, so I stopped in at the pharmacy and they printed out a hard copy of my NÉGATIF results. Yay!

And then, walking home, I saw DAVID!!!!! OMG, we had the best chat ever. We talked for like 2 hours or something. I adore him. We had a few French lessons, and I asked if I could give him a gift – some money. Real money. I didn’t want to insult him. He was so grateful. And then I told him I was really just paying for French lessons and he liked that. I want him to take care of himself. He told me I spoke French beautifully, and we shared lots of compliments and well wishes for one another. He then asked if it was okay to do « bisous, » and I said, of course! Bien sûr! And that happened twice. So sweet.

Yesterday, I bought some French underthings. My souvenir. And I had so much fun chatting with the saleswoman! She asked where I learned French, and I was happy to promote l’Alliance Française! XOXO From there, I went to Sephora, across the street to visit « Constance, » and say good-bye. She filled my bag with samples and plugged her phone number into my phone. We promised to stay in touch – with me teaching her English, and her helping me with French. More tears.

So yes, I had an absolutely perfect and amazing last day. My airport transportation is booked. My suitcases are jammed and zipped — mostly. And Now, I’m ready to go meet Charlie for that drink he promised me. LOL! I don’t know if it’s possible, but I’ll try not to cry, though the French keep telling me, « C’est normale, Lisahhhh. »

D’accord.

Alors, tout le monde, merci de me suivre dans ce voyage d’une vie.

Merci encore a tous!

P.S. I ran to a local market for a few paper goods to leave here in the apartment for the next guest. I purposely went to the first market I visited upon my arrival. (I’ve been filling a lot of squares like that this week.) I told the man he was very kind to me back in the winter and gently told me that French is « très fort » because I was speaking shyly. Not today! We had a full-on convo, and it was fun.