And Jenny, Dave, Ava, and Niamh Arrive!

We're at the halfway point of our month in Paris, and this week features the arrival of our daughter
Jennifer, husband Dave, and granddaughters Ava (7) and Niamh (pronounced Neeve, and 6 years old).  They took the same train Jeff took, starting in Nottingham, UK this morning, through London, and to Paris for arrival about 4 p.m.

Before their arrival, Cheryl and I awoke to what we hoped would be a normal day as far as how we felt after the food poisoning incident.  And, that pretty much turned out to be the case.  She and I walked up to the Galeries Lafayette Haussman, about 20 minutes away and near Opera Garnier.  

It has morphed from its 19th. century beginnings to the present day,  from a small haberdashery to a large institution.  It is now well known as a purveyor of many luxury stores over several floors, but also has a magnificent rooftop terrace for views of Paris. 

We weren't there to shop but rather to see the magnificent dome that hovers over a center courtyard of shops, and to snap a photo from the rooftop view.  We succeeded in both amongst a lot of people doing the same and it was a beautiful space.  Even the limited walk there, though, took a toll on me as I'm not yet fully recovered from my half of yesterday's illness.  So, back to the apartment for a nap before Jenny's arrival.

Upon Jenny's arrival, she and I adjourned to the nearby grocery store for some more supplies (little ones eat stuff Cheryl and I aren't accustomed to and can't be denied by their grandparents, of course!).  I enjoyed the few minutes of father-daughter time we had together - there's precious too little of it and what better place than strolling down a lovely Parisian sidewalk.

When we got back to the apartment, Ray and Brenda arrived shortly to follow from their stroll around the Latin Quarter that morning and afternoon.  Since it was time for dinner, we gathered the troops and descended on nice, simple Cafe Zephyr at the end of our street.  Several of us, including myself, had a French hamburger which was good, but interestingly sweet from whatever it was on there.  Ray lamented quietly to me that he would've enjoyed an American burger with a big slice of Bermuda onion and plenty of mustard.  I agree.  A crack in my French facade.

Some of the group decided ice cream made good sense and so they greeted the purveyor with familiarity engendered from repeat trips there, and a smile.  Back to the apartment for the night - Ray and Brenda's last evening with us and Jenny et al first.  The plan for tomorrow involves a daytime trip to the Eiffel Tower about 1 p.m., followed by a crepe sampling at the Trocadero and then a Seine River cruise with the girls.  Ray and Brenda plan a quick hit at the Louvre, a dash back to the apartment for their luggage and off to Charles De Gaulle airport for their direct flight back to LAX.  It has been wonderful having them - so thoughtful, kind, solicitious, funny, charming, and family.  We'll miss them.

We'll soldier on with Jenny, Dave, Niamh, and Ava.  Should be a great day out in the continuing sunshine of Paris.   Bon soir!