It’s a lovely morning here in Paris! The Olympic Games are ongoing, and morning weather is always « fresh. » Later today, we’re going to have some heat.

Yesterday was a scorcher – all day, and all night. I ventured out only once for some errands. Sleeping was difficult. There was no air anywhere, and no escape. It reached 96 degrees without a breeze in sight. And all of that is in a city, country, continent that doesn’t use air conditioning. Somehow, this American survived.

But a very interesting thing happened to me last night which really took my by surprise. For the first time in my life, I was having a conversation with Stefan, and I looked up at him, and as natural as you please, I just started speaking French. I didn’t even realize I was doing it. I wasn’t thinking of what to say, or how to say it. I was just TALKING. I stunned myself a moment later at the realization. Stefan answered me in French, and we continued – alternating between English and French – with Stefan allowing me to lead.

Today, I’m not sure what I’m doing – original plans to visit le Petit Palais have been postponed, but I may still venture there on my own, as it’s a favorite museum. (Aren’t they all!) I was there last year and saw an amazing exhibit on Sarah Bernhardt. What a thorough tribute it was to her amazing life and times.

My « house guests » left early this morning. What a joy it was to meet them, and become friends with Nathalie and her husband, Stefan. I can’t say enough kind words to describe how I feel about them. I loved our conversations, laughs, and small talk. We gave each other space, and at other times, gathered around the table. They are understated, humble, and generous people. They have pride in their sports teams, and are loyal to each other and their countrymen. We exchanged contact information, and Nathalie and I truly hope to see one another again. And I know I mean that with my whole heart.

This morning, I stumbled into the kitchen, and missed their early bird presence. Nathalie had left me a note. Of course she did. So thoughtful.

Merci Lisa pour ton accueil! Bonnes vacances à Paris et bon apprentissage du français! Tu parles déjà très bien donc tu vas faire des super progrès à l’oral! Restons en contact! Si besoin d’aide: (and here, she left her email). Bises, Nathalie.

The second French Nathalie I’ve met, who immediately holds a place in my heart.

Enjoying a coffee, and the food treats they left behind for me as I type.

And just like that – Nathalie and Stefan returned to the apartment. It was like I manifested them. Turned out, their train was canceled because another train had hit a tree that had fallen on the tracks. Anyway, long story short, Stefan prepared a lovely luncheon for us, and we broke bread together.

I complimented Stefan, and he said it was all just basic. lol! Omg. ROFLOL! Watching him cook was a spectator sport.

I told them I’d signed up for a week of intensive one-on-one tutor sessions, and I’ve never felt more encouraged! Nathalie raised her fist in the air to cheer me on! She meant it! These two people who wore their bleu, blanc, et rouge quietly, but daily – waiting till they got to the arena to use their special French flag makeup – applying the iconic 3 stripes to their cheeks – and always wiping it off before they returned home. So understated, so French, but like the French, when they love, they love.

Then, they were off again – having found another train to take them home. Farewell, my new friends. May our paths cross again. Bisous.

Ok…

Meanwhile, the weather is hot, hot, hot. Here’s what you see a lot of in Paris:

I’m looking for Olympic tickets, but have not had much success. Anything available would cost me a small fortune. So, that’s sad, but as I didn’t know I’d be here, I missed out on buying tickets earlier.

I am not complaining.

Nathalie and Stefan often spoke of visiting the Team France House. They did so all the time for 5 euros a day. So, I decided I would check out the Team USA House. Do you know what our House costs? $390 for a one-day pass. So you pay to go into a place where you can buy stuff. All the other countries have open houses at nominal fees – where people can go in and watch big screens of games being played – and buy food and souvenirs. Not us. It’s actually embarrassing, and my friends and I are baffled.

OK, moving on.

Can I tell you how seriously Parisians take recycling? They don’t even buy trash bags for trash or recycling if they can help it. There is less and less plastic to be found anywhere. Bags are paper or you bring your own tote (which everyone does, including yours truly). And some of their smaller bags that they sell are biodegradable – for use with actual « garbage » (organic foodstuff) which goes in a special bin on certain days. So, I’m watching how careful they are with their trash here, as well. And I watched as Nathalie and Stefan took great care in re-using the bags for the trashcan that Nathalie (apartment owner) saves from her shopping, etc. I do this myself at home, using plastic CVS bags for my bathroom trash. Ok, smart. I get it. But, if that’s not enough, they then take those bags down to the recycling areas in the courtyard, and empty them into the bins, saving the bag for another turn as a trash bag. I’ve done that, too, on occasion – emptying my bathroom trash into the larger container.

Why am I talking so much trash?