Hard as it is to believe, but we’ve only a few days left and so this will be my last post. I’ve a few things to catch up on to tell you about, but first I have to tell you about today. As you might know, anyone entering the US must show both proof of vaccination and a negative Covid PCR test taken 3 days before departure. Online, I found several laboratories in our area which do the PCR test and made appointments at the closest one. Saturday 2:45. I was sure something would go wrong. Since this was all done in French – I wondered if I had the wrong day, time or even the location. How would they send the results? Would the airline accept it? Could there possibly be something missing that I’d forgotten about. This is probably the most anxiety provoking part of travel these days.

At 1:50 pm we headed out – giving us plenty of time to walk the half mile to the lab. We found it without a problem, went in and got on line to register. Within a few minutes I was up at the window speaking French with the receptionist. Suddenly I thought to ask, “Parlez-vous anglais?”. “Oui, madam,” came the reply. And in English she said, “But you are speaking French so well.”. No -no — English please so we get this all right. Her mother is Australian and thus she speaks English — without an Australian accent. We proceeded to complete the registration. Luckily, I had thought to bring our passports as ID which turned out to be critical. After a short wait, the laboratory tech called us and within minutes we were both tested — the nasal swab quite professionally carried out. All turned out OK. We’ll have the results in 24 hours — and we’re 88 euros out-of-pocket (just about $100. — not bad for two).

What do you do when you are happy and in Paris? Have something delicious to eat. I don’t have a photos of what we ate, but look at this. Sliced white bread in Paris. Never thought I’d see it!

Now for some catch-up… back to Reims. Andrew Carnegie, after WWII, along with several other barons of industry, put their efforts into rebuilding Reims which was nearly totally destroyed during the war. Most notable, is the beautiful library, built in Art Deco style. It is a gem – totally in-style down to the last detail. Here are a few photos, but none does it justice.

We stopped in to see the daily market in the center of town, also done in Art Deco style. The center clock is a winner – and definitely brings a smile to one’s face.

Art Deco architecture is everywhere to be seen. It is easy to walk right by it and not notice as so much of the city is built in that style. Below is a stunning warehouse entry way for one of the major champagne companies. Unfortunately, I didn’t note which one. Above the door are a series of mosaics which depict the various stages of producing champagne.

Below is the rare structure that survived the war. It is from the Middle ages. The story goes that a certain sect needed protection and so lived within the courtyard behind these gates — which formed a fortress. If you look right through, between the cars that are there today you can see the façade of the cathedral. The Christmas market booths are in front of it.

And so as not to leave you with a sad thought, here is one last image of some of the most delicious pastry we ever had the pleasure of indulging in…. Pastries by Mori Yoshida — Japanese/French pastry chef. His tiny store is just a few blocks from us. I discovered it because a friend brought us six chocolates from the shop. So, when it was our turn to take dessert to another friend we went to the small shop to see what it was all about. I included photos of the desserts in the shop on an earlier blog.

I walked in and started a conversation with the young sales woman. I said in English — ” I understand this is the only shop in all of Paris. ” She replied,” This is the only shop in all the world!!” I leave you with this image… imagine the flavors. Until the next time…. Au revoir Paris.