BONJOUR PARIS

June 30-May 2

We arrived safely in Paris on May 1 after departing SFO on the morning of June 30, 2005.  Our first exchange partner, Francois Merle, was there to meet us and we found one another easily.  Francois first took us to his Paris apartment to show us how to get into the garage, up the elevator and through the apartment security.  Lots of codes and keys to keep track of.

The apartment in Paris is stunning.  The setting is lovely, and the terrace and living room and dining room overlook a large park, which runs between the building and the River Seine.  There are lots of big trees and beautiful rhododendrons and azaleas throughout the park.  In addition to the living room and dining room, there is a well-equipped kitchen, foyer, three bedrooms and a bathroom.  Our hostess must have a real green thumb because there is an extensive pot garden on the terrace and in the house.  The selection of plants is varied and interesting, and includes cacti, citrus, bonsai, perennials and annuals.

After mastering the key and code system in Paris we got back into the car and headed out for Acheres and our other house.  The trip went quickly as we chatted with Francois and learned a bit more about him as he learned a bit more about us.  We drove along a nice country road and saw the sign that we were entering Acheres.  Suddenly Francois made a left turn into the bushes, and I caught my gasp in my throat as I saw that there was, indeed, a little road through the trees.  Soon we came to an open gate and there was the house, with a palatial drive to the front.  We continued to the side of the house and parked the car. 

First we met Mathieu and Arnaud, the Merle sons, who are 9 and 5.  As we turned around, here came Nathalie, our hostess.  Francois showed us around their lovely country home, which used to be owned by an Arabian Sheik.  The house has 5 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms, a spacious kitchen with a huge American style fridge, an enormous sitting room and large dining room.  The grounds are spacious with lots of mature trees.  WE feel like sheiks.  Well, technically I guess I can’t be a sheik, but boy, is this a nice house!  Our generous hosts then left us with an excellent and informative booklet of information on how to use appliances, etc., their Jeep Cherokee and a larder full of food and we were officially on vacation. 

We didn’t have much trouble staying awake.  We took a walk into the town of Acheres and then we did a bit of grocery shopping.  It was a fine first day.