As we wait to board our flight we are talking about our impressions of France now. My main impressions, in no particular order, are:
— the Champs de Élysées is different, more Americanized, the big designer houses are mostly gone and replaced with MacDonalds, H&M and other American brands. Instead of strolling down a peaceful tree lined Avenue with small bistros lining the sidewalk, it is a crowded, noisy, area with mostly tourists. Only one or two of the big designers houses still have a presence here. When we were on the bus, the announcer made a comment that the powers that be wanted to return the Avenue to its former glory and reintroduce the big designers to the area and make it an exclusive shopping area again.
— the main fashion seen is leggings or tights without feet. These are worn with the shortest possible top often not even covering the bum. Seen on all sizes and ages of women. Definitely not a good look for all! Some of the leggings are very decorative.
— there are more motorcycles than we remember from previous trips. There are not the big Harleys and not noisy. Most have a blanket that the driver puts over his lap when driving and uses to cover the seat when it is parked.
— there are parking spots where drivers can plug in their electric cars
— we see a few scooters, mainly kids but some adults, many are motorized so the driver can scoot along the sidewalk at a fairly good pace. Not as many bicycles as we remember.
— French waiters are much better than we remember – more polite and accommodating, most spoke English and tried to communicate and displayed a sense of humour
— getting around Paris is still relatively easy using the Metro and RER
— coffee and tea are still very expensive 5E or about $7.50, the same as a glass of wine
— Saturday is not the best day to sight-see. It was a real mob then, however there was also a lot going on with the street entertainers and music in every square, on the bridges, corner bands set up.
— the food is as good as ever with plenty of moules, escargot, crime brûlée, patisseries and outdoor seating areas perfect for people watching
— there is still a lot of smoking, but no longer inside, so the restaurants are more comfortable inside and no dogs in the restaurants!
— we still love Paris and love wandering around. There are fountains and art works everywhere. The museums are outstanding and works of art themselves. The city has endless things to see and do. I hope we come back again soon.