Nuit Blanche

Saturday night Oct 6 Paris celebrates contemporary art along the Seine all night long.  A number of public buildings will be open, some not too far from us (in Trocadero and Palais de Tokyo).  It isn't clear exactly what this is, but it seems that there will be pieces of art, as well as performances.  Lights seem to be a major aspect of it.  However, it has been raining most of today, and still continues.  I expect that this will affect the outdoor items.  And, as Debbie's parents are here (and we were out until 1:30am last night - see more later), it doesn't seem like we will experience it.  Ce la vie.

Debbie and I have had a busy week it seems.  We went out 4 of the last 5 nights! Unheard of!  On Tuesday, we attended a small presentation at the American Library.  Marjorie Williams, author of Markets of Paris was speaking.  Coincidentally, we received her book before coming to Paris and have visited some of the markets and restaurants listed.  So we attended the talk, and had her sign our book.  Afterwards, we attempted to dine at a interesting French restaurant I had scoped out, but no tables available!  We had to settle for a Greek deli near our church (where the one other patron said hello to us, asked where we were from, then told us that he had worked in Morenci, AZ with the mines).  Small world.

Thursday, we attended a "Thurber Thursday" at American Church in Paris.  These are weekly gatherings that include a meal (chicken is very popular), then some sort of lecture/presentation and discussion.  This one featured a scholar of Islam, who is also a Christian missionary.  He presented the common ground between the religions, and promoted discussion of the common points as opposed to differences.  The lecture was a bit dry, but the questions and antidotes afterwards were interesting.  On both of these nights, Debbie and I strolled home in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.  I realized on Thursday, that I've basically gotten used to it.  Walking along under the Eiffel Tower no longer seems amazing to me!  I'm not sure how I feel about that!

But our best evening out was last night, Friday.  We had been invited to dinner at one of my French co-worker's home.  We joined some other co-workers who are from India - seven of us all together (including our host).  We had a lovely time and were treated to a full French multi-course meal!  We started with some small snacks and champagne in the living room.  Then we moved to the table where we had an entree of quiche Loraine and some white wine.  Next came the main course - chicken, cooked peppers, and potatoes. The Indian guests brought a couple of tasty Indian dishes as well.  We switched to red wine.  Lots of conversation throughout.  Once the main dish was finished, we had a little break and cleaned up.  Then on to a cheese tray.  Finally we finished with a home-made plum tarte and sweet white desert wine.  By this time, completely full and needing to walk, it was too late to get the metro!  1am!  Our hosts gave all of us a ride home!  This is the first time Deb and I had been to someones home like this.  We've dined with co-workers many times, but always out at restaurants.  Of course that's fun also, but it was special to be invited over like this.  We really appreciated and enjoyed it.

We slept in a bit to make up for our late night.  Chase (Debbie's dad) and I walked down to the Marine Museum at Trocadero around mid-day.  We had a good time looking at the paintings and large elaborate model ships.  The picture is one of Louis XIV royal barges for cruising the Seine.  There was a special exhibit of lighthouses ("phares" in French), which was interesting (earliest French light house built in 1611) .  We stopped at one of the cafes across from Trocadero for a lunch, then home again in the rain. Tonight was of 4th night out - dinner at Avenue 16e with the parents.  I think my stomach is beginning to feel permanently full!