Bienvenue a Paris! - My friend and fellow blogger Ali holds a French baguette in front of our apartment building's wrought iron gates. Ali came to visit Wednesday during a long layover in her trip from the United States to Maputo, Mozambique, where she lives.
Air France lost Ali's luggage, so she didn't arrive at my apartment as soon as she'd hoped. We had planned to make a quick dash to Notre Dame and a late lunch/early dinner on the Ile Saint Louis. Instead, we walked around my neighbourhood and across the River Seine to St. Cloud. Standing on the bridge, we could see La Defense and the Eiffel Tower, as well as all the lovely houseboats bordering both banks of the river.
Ali also accompanied me to the grocery store and boulangerie and my husband whipped up Spaghetti Bolognaise. At least Ali got to eat a French baguette and drink some nice red wine, during an all-too-hasty dinner. We phoned a taxi service, which typically arrives in seven minutes. Bien sur, last night the driver got lost and we had to phone for another taxi, delaying Ali's departure by 30 minutes.
The good news was by the time Ali arrived at the airport, they'd located her missing luggage. She then had a long flight to Johannesburg, another layover and a flight to Mozambique. No doubt she'll post about her experiences on her blog, once she recovers from all those flights!
It was wonderful meeting Ali in person, after communicating via our blogs and e-mail the past few months! She and I have lived in many of the same places in the United States and have much in common. Besides her work as a consultant and fund-raiser/grant writer for aid projects, Ali speaks several languages and is a talented jewelry maker. You can see some examples of her work in previous posts on her blog "Austin to Africa, Brasil to the Bay." She gave me a beautiful pair of silver, rose quartz and seed pearl earrings, which I immediately put on and am wearing again today. How lucky am I, to spend time with Ali and have a lovely memento of our visit!
We were so rushed, we forgot to take a picture together. It is hoped next time she travels to the States, she can spend more time in Paris - I'll be delighted to be her tour guide.
bonjour je vois que vous etes une cliante habituelle du grenier a pain. très fier et très heureux de vous avoir fait découvrir la boulangerie.
baptiste
Posted by: baptiste | 25 October 2007 at 21:20
Oh, I'm so glad to read this. I'd started reading her blog a few months ago via Sunday Scribblings (I think)...but then lost track. I'm adding her feed to my Bloglines right now...
Posted by: Marilyn | 25 September 2006 at 01:19
It is always amazing and cool to get to meet people in real life that you have gotten to know online. I have gotten to meet a number of people from another site I frequent and so far I have found every experience to be enriching and memorable. Congratulations to you both for taking an opportunity no matter how short. Cheers.
Posted by: Mike | 23 September 2006 at 10:10
Sweet, sweet, sweet! That is what I have to say about you, and about our short visit in general. Thank you so much for being my tour guide, even though we didn't hit any of the tourist spots in Paris I had a wonderful time and can't wait to do it again.
The delayed taxi was no problem. I fell asleep in the cab on the way to the airport, then managed to groggily make my way through check in with ample time. Had a few hassles in Joburg, but nothing super serious.
Now that I have electricity and am back up and running on the computer, I'll hopefully be able to catch up on your blog (and everyone else's), plus do some blogging of my own.
Thanks again!!!
(By the way, for all of you Paris Parfait fans, she is just as intelligent, cultured and sweet in person as she comes off on her blog. Perhaps more so!)
Posted by: Ali la Loca | 22 September 2006 at 13:01
Yesterday while reading, "La VIe en Rose," I discovered Ali's blog. In it she mentioned she would be visiting you today in Paris I was excited for the both of you and couldn't wait to read news of your meeting! Small world! And the blog makes it smaller!!
Here is toasting the both of you for your adventures and shared talent!!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 22 September 2006 at 07:14
What fun! Hope you two can visit longer next time.
Posted by: tinker | 22 September 2006 at 04:31
How fun!! And what a cutie pie she is. And so smart, and sweet...The whole package. Lucky you two, to get to hang out. I hope she gets home safe and sound!
:)
Posted by: Amber | 22 September 2006 at 03:55
what a 'très charmant' pic! so pleased that you had a brief, but lovely meeting with Ali!
Posted by: Deborah | 22 September 2006 at 02:52
TALK ABOUT L*U*C*K*Y! Even tho it was rushed how fun to meet..now you're 'old' friends! And Ms pariscope:O) I DO REMEMBER YOU!!!!!!I'm glad I decided to post those old photos today! xoxo
ps. I check your pages a gazzillion times a day!
Posted by: berriesplace | 22 September 2006 at 02:44
What fun to meet a fellow blogger!
Bon voyage to Ali!
Posted by: Colette | 22 September 2006 at 02:31
It's so wonderful when blogging worlds collide. Your time together sounds great.
Posted by: kristen | 22 September 2006 at 01:53
what a fantastic opportunity to meet a blogger pal... a lovely dinner getting to know one another sounds like a delightful way to spend even a short time! I just know you'd be the perfect tour guide!
I will check out her blog for sure.
xoxo
Posted by: Lisa(oceandreamer) | 22 September 2006 at 01:05
I checked out Ali's blog way back when. Fascinating young woman who is living life large. How wonderful that you had a chance to meet.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 22 September 2006 at 00:24
ahhh, i love it when blog sisters get together - and i agree, her jewellery is fab isn't it :-) x
Posted by: susannah | 22 September 2006 at 00:22
What a kind host you are, and what a lovely tribute. Yet another talented and awesome young lady to get to know!
Posted by: jos | 21 September 2006 at 21:59
What a wonderful world the blog-world is :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 21 September 2006 at 21:29
wow - what a whirlwind, but how fabulous to seal this connection :-)
Posted by: bb | 21 September 2006 at 21:13
What a lovely gal she is, inside and out. What a treat you had some time with her :) xxoo
Posted by: Tammy | 21 September 2006 at 20:27
Ali sounds like an interesting person, must start reading her blog too! She is lucky to have met you in person. I have this grand image of you in my mind and think if I were to meet you, I would have to dress up and put on my best manners!;-)
Posted by: Nina | 21 September 2006 at 20:06
I am off to check out her blog, she sounds like a very interesting person. How nice that you two could meet up!
Posted by: meredith | 21 September 2006 at 18:52
thanks for the link to ali's blog and another stroll through your neighborhood and life in paris!
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 21 September 2006 at 18:04