Paris

Paris in April - normally it is warm and spring-like - but like the UK, spring is late in Paris this year. There were some trees just coming into leaf, but the borders round the Senate were still bare of colour, and the wind was COLD! But it was fun. A very cultural trip this time, as I took my goddaughter to several exhibitions and museums, as last time we had concentrated on the sights. Wonderful. We also had lots of opportunities to sit and watch the world go by in the cafes - and I introduced her to the joys of Chocolat Viennoise...

Cooking dinner for 12 in a tiny kitchen 1.5m x 3m was a challenge - but I managed it - and all the food vanished, so even though the visitors were French, they didn't seem to mind British cooking! The evening was rounded off by performances on the piano, flute, Chinese flute, lute, and voice. Incredibly civilized - it would be great to repeat it at home, but my piano skills are BAD, and I haven't played a clarinet since I left school! I think I will stick to a CD instead.

Shopping was great as usual. The only down side was the shops I really wanted to visit are shut on a Monday in the Marais - I wanted to look for a necklace for Patrick to replace one he had broken - but luckily I found a little shop down a back alley in St Germaine and found him a necklace and a bracelet - which I decided to give him on his birthday, rather than when I saw him.

An early flight back to UK, plus a dash up to Leeds to collect Patrick was a hectic end to the trip. He had returned from skiing in the French Alps and wanted a lift home - so of course, I just do it. I know I am daft, but I can't say no to that boy...