I'm a Brit, not a Frog. And it's been half a century since I visited Paris. So I can't tell you where to go or what to see there.

But I did have a French wife for about 20 years. She was from Vendee (the west of France, where they fought against the Revolution) and I did get sort of indoctrinated into the Royalist, anti-Revolutionary attitude!

In Paris, you'll only get the Communard view of France. This quasi-communist outlook took hold in the capital, and in the industrial centres, and things remained like that from the end of the 18th century until, well, until now.

But out in the more rural areas there was - and still remains - a different view on life.

OK, they know they can't fight against 'La Republique'. But they maintain a lovely way of life that is so very French!

If you can, get out of the capital! The real French people aren't the ones you meet in Paris!

Old Greebo (imported) wrote: Thu May 20, 2010 3:46 pm I'm a Brit, not a Frog. And it's been half a century since I visited Paris. So I can't tell you where to go or what to see there.

But I did have a French wife for about 20 years. She was from Vendee (the west of France, where they fought against the Revolution) and I did get sort of indoctrinated into the Royalist, anti-Revolutionary attitude!

In Paris, you'll only get the Communard view of France. This quasi-communist outlook took hold in the capital, and in the industrial centres, and things remained like that from the end of the 18th century until, well, until now.

But out in the more rural areas there was - and still remains - a different view on life.

OK, they know they can't fight against 'La Republique'. But they maintain a lovely way of life that is so very French!

If you can, get out of the capital! The real French people aren't the ones you meet in Paris!

Interesting post but my interest is seeing the city, museums, monuments and enjoying the people and cuisine. I will enjoy any conversations I may have with citizens of Paris. Maybe another time I can visit the countryside but this time it will be Paris, Paris and more Paris.

As a caregiver I enjoy my work but often saddened by the need for it. One of the few prayers I pray is to heal all sickness and make me look for a different job. I am currently working for two home health companies and I have another gentleman that I am developing a relationship with for his future care.

What has brought this to the forefront of thought for me has been the latest gentleman. He has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease well at least as well as it can be diagnosed. He is still very functional but knows the outlook is bleak. I have been going to his home twice a day to make sure he is taking his meds correctly. His family was trying to find help and at first he said if someone comes to the house to help he would leave and never be heard from again. So I put my best personality forward (that would be personality #7) and went to his house. I told him "I was just here to make sure he took his meds and then I would disappear". He looked me up and down and said "you must not disappear as easily as you once did". We both had a good laugh.

He had nothing planned for Saturday and said he would be around the house all day. When I went back Saturday evening for his evening meds I invited him to lunch on Sunday. When I went at 7 AM for his meds before church I mentioned again I would pick him up at noon for lunch. When I pulled in at 11:45 AM he saw my car and was ready to go. We went and had a nice lunch and good conversation and then I dropped him off at home before going to another clients home.

I know he will be a long term patient as he loses abilities. I am glad I am building this rapport with him now. When he needs me I will be a familiar face. His parents and my grandparents were great friends. In a small town you have many opportunities to connect with generations of people that have been close to family.

In the mean time I am going on vacation. I hope all are well while I am gone. I need this for me so I can come back and give my all. My homecare vicitms will have to hear about vacation and look at pictures. This may inspire them to use their walkers to get away from me and my endless talking.

One thing I have noticed from taking care of many how important kindnesses are to me. Recently I received a gift in the mail that was so incredibly important to my travels and a place I will be visitng. Sharing something that has been a part of someone's life to heighten your enjoyment is a great gift.

Of course when you are used to doing for others and you ask a favor when you are used to fulfilling them for others and the favor is not often fulfilled it can make you sad. Then I have to realize that just because I can do for others, others cannot. If I ask for a favor and you do not want to do it just say no.

Vacation is fast approaching and I will enjoy myself and when I get back I will check on all my folks.

...

tugon (imported) wrote: Tue May 25, 2010 7:10 pm So I put my best personality forward (that would be personality #7) and went to his house. I told him "I was just here to make sure he took his meds and then I would disappear". He looked me up and down and said "you must not disappear as easily as you once did". We both had a good laugh...

This captures an important part of the person I know you to be. Funny, in a gentle way, while being extraordinarily caring.

...

tugon (imported) wrote: Tue May 25, 2010 7:10 pm Vacation is fast approaching and I will enjoy myself and when I get back I will check on all my folks.

I will send you an email to express my wishes for you.

Hugs,

Danya

My dream for years was to visit Paris. I am on my way to Dublin. Tonight I missed my connecting flight. A little T might have kept me from getting emotional but it worked. I will arrive in Paris a few hours later than planned.

Maybe I can pick up some luck of the Irish. Or get lucky with an Irishman.

tugon (imported) wrote: Fri May 28, 2010 4:00 pm My dream for years was to visit Paris. I am on my way to Dublin. Tonight I missed my connecting flight. A little T might have kept me from getting emotional but it worked. I will arrive in Paris a few hours later than planned.

Maybe I can pick up some luck of the Irish. Or get lucky with an Irishman.

Or take an Irishman with you to Paris! I'm glad you are well on your way.

Hugs,

Danya

Well Ireland is every bit as green as they say it is. I enjoyed the countryside as we flew over. But anyway I finally made it to Paris and I am in my hotel room ready to freshen up. Time to hit the city.

tugon (imported) wrote: Sat May 29, 2010 6:29 am Well Ireland is every bit as green as they say it is. I enjoyed the countryside as we flew over. But anyway I finally made it to Paris and I am in my hotel room ready to freshen up. Time to hit the city.

You go!

Don't worry about lots of updates - use the time to see all you can instead!

Best to you. See you in August!

I second that, tell us about it when you get here for the MOM.

River

Oh and have a great time of course.

The City of Lights, my City of Change. I am not sure what has always attracted me to Paris. I think primarily it was the musicians of color, writers and artists that found Paris to be free of prejudice. Of course there was always the art and the museums of Paris. I also enjoyed the cuisine and the champagne. I loved walking streets that were unimaginably old and had been trod by Roman soldiers and so many others through the years. Walking into a church where the faithful had prayed over a thousand years ago.

A city so incredibly old that supported a very modern lifestyle. Up to the minute fashions. Many galleries to shop for art. Crowds rushing into malls to buy the latest music and electronics. Houses of fragrance that made a parfum that I had worn for years. The city known for fashion, cuisine, art and culture. Along with the problems of modern cities such as the homeless inhabitants, people trying to exist by scamming tourists of which I was so obviously one and pick-pockets of which I was not a to be a victim.

Visiting museums and monuments you quickly recovered from your concerns for personal space. Dining in Cafes and Brasseries you sat so close to the next table that you quickly forgot about a gentleman's elbow as you dined. My greatest concern was should I have another champagne or is it time for wine? I was incredibly spoiled by the good food and the great service. One of the waiters made me a delicious cocktail and invited me back but there was too much to sample in the city. He smiled frequently at my french and was rather ornery.

My change occurred when I stood on the Pont des Arts which is a pedestrian bridge over the Seine. As I faced the Ile de la Cite and the Pont Neuf a wind blew. The wind was mixed with the past and the present. What a clean and fresh wind. I raised my arms to let the wind blow past me and over all of my body. As tears formed in my eyes I let my past join the winds. The wind blew away my past and left me with only today and a future. A weight I had carried too long was taken by the winds. I was lighter and happier and I truly understood that I needed to take care of me every bit as good as I take care of others.

Everyone in Paris was so kind. From the gallery owner who sold me art to the wait staff in restaurants that took very good care of me. The Hotel staff will be missed not only from their helpfulness but their encouragement. Oh and the store that sold me wine I will miss. I will miss the coissants and the coffee. For all of those who live in Paris and make Paris what it is I want to thank you and let you know I will be back. I knew it was important for me to visit Paris but I did not fully understand why until I was there. Merci Paris!