Two previous trips to Paris in June 1987 and April 1988 were full of the usual tourist sights. The trips were part of German and French language tours and were a rush of buses, fellow students, pre-planned meals, and being herded around like cattle. This provides a mere glimpse of a city. Even with these short visits I knew that Paris was something special.

A third trip to Paris in October 2014 changed my outlook forever. This city got under my skin and dug in deep. Every little thing is now compared to what something similar was like in Paris. One example would be traffic. The traffic in central Paris is massive. Gridlock at every turn. However, in Paris the drivers seem to take it in stride and offer a simple “beep beep” of the horn to indicate their impatience. There was no loud and long honks of the horn, there was no yelling at other drivers, no visible road rage. It was all very civilized and very French. Beep beep.

The people in Paris dress really well. Small children, young men and women, professionals, and the elderly. All are dressed and accessorized to the point you can tell that they take the time to look civilized. The attention to detail (scarves, gloves, hats) was oh so very nice to see and such a change from the t-shirt and sweat pant fashion staples of home.

Food and drink are taken very seriously in Paris. Separate stops in the morning for pastries and coffee. Wine with every meal after breakfast. Long drawn out meals full of conversation and enjoying the company of who you are with. Meals are not rushed because they are important. Wine flows heavily because it is how things are done and a shared bottle brings people together. Wine was available in sizes from a small glass all the way up in 4 stages to a full bottle. Again…the word to be used is civilized.

On the same topic of food. The different variety of shops for food was a nice change and seems to make a lot of sense. Separate small shops for meat, wine, cheese, pastries, seafood, chocolate, and produce. The one grocery store that was explored offered the basics. Canned food, cleaning products, tin foil, paper products, bulk items, etc. The other things mentioned above were purchased daily or several times per week. The freshness of the items in these small shops was apparent. The smells of the cheese, meat, and seafood shops were intoxicating and wonderful.

The museums in Paris are completely ridiculous and wonderful. The Louvre of course has to be seen and the first stop really should be the Mona Lisa. Down the escalator, straight ahead, up the steps, take a hard right, and march like crazy until you take another right into a room that houses the famous woman on the far wall straight in front of you. It’s all worth it. The Louvre is wonderful and cannot be missed. However, it was the Musee d’Orsay that will blow your pants clean off. Situated in an old railway station, this museum was by far the best I’ve ever seen. Small room connected to small room on both sides of the building. I distinctly remember going into a room and being stopped in my tracks by a huge painting by Henri de-Toulouse Lautrec. Blown away and I’m still not sure why. I simply could not stop staring at this painting. Amazing in so many ways. I think it featured prostitutes. Pretty sure.

I would mention the experience at the Opera Bastille and a production of Tosca by Giacomo Puccini. However, I’m not sure I could stop typing describing how fantastic things were. Trust me, opera in Paris is something to experience. Sigh.

If you do not like food, wine, art, museums, architecture, fashion, culture, music, and all things civilized don’t go to Paris. You will hate it. Stay at home and leave this magical and wonderful city to those that truly love everything that the city has to offer.