finally back

I can't believe it is September already! Did I really go to Paris in July? Seems so long ago now, but I still like revisiting these photos and the good memories that they recall. Just thought I should post another of my favorite views of the tower. See those buildings waaay in the distance? That is where I stood on Bastille Day, July 14th to watch the fireworks. Pretty good view. Soon I will be watching fireworks in Portland on Wednesday night, as the Oregon Symphony plays the 1812 overture, complete with booming cannons on the waterfront. The fireworks are always spectacular, and it is a fitting end to Summer.
These are the velib, or rental bikes that I wrote about before, but the photo did not appear. I so wanted to be able to rent these bikes as they seemed like such a fun and convenient way to get around the city. It was not to be, however, as my American credit card lacked the proper microchip to work in the machines. American Express may work, but don't take my word for it.
I have been trying to get to the Musee Jacquemart Andree for years, and this trip I finally found it, by chance, as I was fleeing the crowds of the Bastille Day parade. I spent a happy hour there, learning about how the upperclass French lived in this very house, then enjoyed a delicious lunch in the tea room. Although I ordered water, the waiter brought me a glass of wine, which he must have sensed that I needed after standing for 3 hours watching the parade! I recommend the lunch there.
The best part of being here, though, was seeing all the tanks from the parade zooming back up the street, as the soldiers held on to their hats! Later, these same tanks were parked near the Tracadero for anyone to climb aboard and have their photos taken with the soldiers. It was such a charming change from the rigid military demeanor of the morning parade.
Looks like a wonderful French tarte, doesn't it? Actually, it was very french and very tasty, but I had this apricot-fig tart with bourbon ice cream at Palace Kitchen in Seattle. I also tried Julia Child's mussel salad, in honor of her August birthday. Everything was delicious, and I have added this to my list of favorite restaurants. But go to Top Pot Doughnuts for breakfast, just down the street. It must have been doughnut day at work, because office workers were carrying out boxes and boxes of doughnuts that morning!