We have just returned from two weeks in Paris, and we weren’t ready to come home. While I did see a lot of things, there were a few things I DIDN’T see.

If you have been following my adventures and this blog for any length of time, you know I love to travel. In fact, I have often said if I won the Powerball you would never see me again because I’d be traveling all the time. What I love about travel is not only the food <duh>, but I really enjoy seeing how other people live their everyday lives. The Hubs and I will often just spend an afternoon hopping from café to bar to brasserie, sitting on the patios and watching the world go by.

Here is a list of things I didn’t see in Paris

• There were no surcharges on the use of my credit card. The Europeans prefer cards to cash. Safer for the business if there is no cash on premises.
• While there were dogs everywhere in Paris (LOVE THAT), I didn’t see people picking up their dog’s shit. So, to quote Emily in Paris – Mind the merde.
• I didn’t see loads of children misbehaving in public…and when I did, guess what? Yep, they were Americans. And guess what else? The kids in Paris didn’t have their faces glued to a phone, iPad, or other device. They just fucking behaved themselves! Imagine THAT!
• There were no signs in restrooms reminding servers and patrons to wash their hands. Apparently the French are smart enough to know to do that and don’t have to be reminded or given instructions on how to do it.
• I didn’t see many people leaving the restrooms without washing their hands. And when I did, guess what? Yep, they were American men (at the co-ed sinks outside the restrooms).
• I never saw a single mobility scooter.
• Drivers in Paris don’t run red lights, except cyclists. They rode with reckless abandon!
• In Paris, everyone smokes, so I didn’t see people waving their hands in front of their face or fake coughing while I am smoking outside. It happened once. The guy was a cranky old Aussie. I told him the non-smoking section was inside. The other French smokers smirked & agreed.
• Cops with guns. They all had tasers and there were foot patrol officers in several of the areas we visited. And guess what? I never felt unsafe at any time in any neighborhood in Paris.
• A Martini – an honest to goodness Martini was impossible to find in Paris. Yes, I know, I am supposed to be drinking wine and champagne, and I did. But sometimes I just want a Martini. I found a serviceable Vesper, and a had a decent Martini at the Hotel Particulier, but a resident chicken ruined it by stealing my olives!
• I never saw a rude Parisian, contrary to what you have been led to believe.
• And not once did I see Ranch Dressing – halle-fucking-lujah!

When you are ready to book your trip to Paris, or anywhere else for that matter, let me know! I would love to help you plan the trip of a lifetime. In the meantime, enjoy these few pics, and to see more, go to my Instagram.