Wednesday, October 9, 2002

    We took the morning to pack after breakfast with brothers Gary and Jerry, whom Marie was tending to. They were staying in the apartment of one of her friends. Then we had a last little walk along the river. We found an outdoor sculpture garden along the river, and silly looking willow trees, chopped off at the bottom and swaying in the breeze like grass hula skirts. We came home through the Jardin des Plantes, with stops to put our fingers in at least two fountains. B said that means we'll be sure to go back to Paris. We mailed a final postcard, to Laura—her Chartres labyrinth card. Then, back to Marie's apartment for last goodbyes and photos. We are so sorry to be leaving our new friend Marie.
    Our shuttle to the airport was a few minutes late, but we didn't panic, we had time. When we were on our way, we found that one lady had been picked up on the fly—that's why the shuttle was running behind. There had been a mixup: the shuttle company thought she was leaving tomorrow, and now she was very late. This driver was a pro, he ran through traffic, and made a convoluted detour to avoid a jam. When a car was turning too slowly, he leaned out and shouted, "C'est nes pas la campagne!" (This isn't the country!). The late lady was worried that we might be picking up someone else. B saw that we were now over the river, and headed onto the ramp for the highway. He said he was sure we were on our way, and so we were. We were entering the airport at 1:30 and her flight was at 2:45. We hope she made it! Our driver was good, and got us there in time, of course, so we gave him 5 EUR in addition to the 30 EUR fare.
    Now, at 3:30, boarding begins in 30 minutes. Sigh.

Some final words at home

    Entered on: November 4, 2002; Election Day
    We had a wonderful trip. There were problems, as there sometimes are when we travel independently. On a tour, one has help. We enjoy being thrown on our own resources and learning a bit about how other people live.
    Let's lay to rest once and for all the stereotype of the aloof and unfriendly French. We met dozens of people, and of them all, only a few were anything less than wonderfully friendly, helpful and engaging. We think especially of the man who led us into Montpellier; the gas station attendant who noticed our struggle and came over to help us of his own accord; the many people who tried valiantly to give us directions; the hostesses and servers who educated us in how to eat like civilized human beings; and most specially of our new friend Marie Francois.
    The countryside, mountains, vineyards; the sea and the rivers; the towns, Paris; all were beautiful and interesting. The Parisian cathedrals, and especially Chartres, were truly holy places. The food was divine and the wine excellent, and all very affordable. Although we say it every time, this really was our best trip yet!

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