What a beautiful, perfect day – weather-wise – in Paris!

Of course, I could say that same thing every day, as I am a Francophile, and also a lover of all things Paris.

Although admittedly, the heat here was a lot to bear these last two days, and prior to that, it was cold when I arrived in June. But that is Paris.

It’s THESE days – blues skies and a cool breeze as the sun shines – that are magical.

And, I will add, a little romance doesn’t hurt.

Quoi?

Oui, c’est vrai. I had a romantic encounter this morning with a lovely French man. This is not going to sound real, but I promise you, it happened.

We had arranged to meet for coffee this morning, but at the last minute, plans were interrupted on my end. I was ready to leave, when I got a text from Nathalie. She was reminding me that Patrick would be arriving today between 10h30 – 11h00. Uh-oh. What time was my date? 10h30. What time was it now? 10h00.

Patrick is a friend of Nathalie’s, who is involved with the French Olympic Judo team. He is to be staying here for just today/tonight, along with his young granddaughter.

When I received the text, I immediately replied, asking if I needed to be present in the apartment to meet them. No answer. I called Nathalie. No answer. Texted a few more times. No answer. Very unusual. Now what? The gentleman would be waiting. Wondering if I stood him up.

Well, since it’s the 21st Century, I texted him, to explain the situation. He was on his bike and offered instead to meet with me somewhere nearer to my apartment, so that I could be close to home, if I was needed to meet Patrick, etc. This seemed reasonable. I agreed.

My date had apparently arrived and texted me that he was here. So, I headed downstairs on the elevator, and that’s of course when Nathalie returned my call. She said, « Lisa, you are not my concierge. Patrick has a key, and he will be fine. You don’t need to do anything, and you certainly don’t need to make up the bed, but thank you for your concern and care. Go, enjoy your day! »

So, I met with Alain near le Métro, and suggested a local cafe close to Pont Sully. We had a nice coffee and conversation. He’s French, so of course he complimented me, telling me he thought I was stunning and said that I made him unsettled. And then, he asked me to walk with him along the Seine.

Bien sûr.

He gave me a brief tour and history of the area, on Île de la cité, and as we walked and talked, he took my hand, asking if he could hold my hand. Now, you have to know this is a “thing” in Paris. You do not hold hands unless you are “together.”

The setting was gorgeous, and after a short walk, he suddenly stopped. There on the ground, he’d spotted a lovely gold chain, just lying there. He knelt down to pick it up in disbelief. How crazy is this? What do we do? I suggested maybe leaving it, as is my nature. And judging by the clasp, it was not an expensive piece – but more of a pretty novelty necklace with a toggle closure. He took it, studied the clasp, and then placed it around my neck from behind. I had to lift my hair out of the way, and at this point, he kissed my neck, and then took my hand again as we walked.

We weren’t even supposed to be here. We were supposed to be meeting elsewhere at a cafe in Saint Catherine’s Square.

We continued to walk, and he noticed a tourist boat approaching. He said, pointing towards the boat « Ok, I have to kiss you now, because they expect me to. » And, he did. And at this point the entire boat broke out in applause and cheers.

He turned to proudly salut the crowd on the boat, and we laughed, wondering how many people had just taken our photograph.

So that’s the way my day started.

French men are different. I’ve had men write poetry about me – and have the waiter deliver the pages to me. Twice. I’ve had two French men stop me on the street and ask to spend the day with me.

It’s certainly flattering at this stage of life. 💙🤍💋

*Did I mention ruin that all of these men are younger than me.

**Alain has invited me to a rock music club this weekend.