Thanksgiving Day – Paris Style – Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving! It was a little weird to wake up this morning and know that it’s Thanksgiving back home. We just got home from our Thanksgiving dinner in Paris. One of the American ENPC students was kind enough to find a restaurant that served a turkey dish and could hold about 30 people. The Parisians are known for having very slow dining experiences. They like to take their time and savor the food, the company, and the dining experience. This restaurant was no different as we were there from about 7:30 – midnight. The Thanksgiving dinner was actually just the plat du soir (plate of the night) – Turkey stuffed with Foie Gras. While not a true turkey-stuffing-mashed potatoes dinner, it was a nice way to celebrate the holiday with 30 friends.

Class is pretty much wrapped up at this point. We have a little bit of material to cover in the morning and then group presentations for the rest of the day. Due to the numerous logistical problems around internet access, the professor shifted our schedule a bit to accommodate the group project. He has also been ending class a little early so the groups can meet somewhere with internet access. Because of the reduced schedule, the professor has changed our in-class final to a take-home exam. So the pressure is off for tomorrow and we have been able to relax a little bit this evening.

I believe this will be my last bit of rest in Paris. After class tomorrow the partying will begin. Saturday is my last full day in Paris and I’m planning to see as many sites as possible. At this point we’re looking at the Catacombs, Luxembourg Gardens, City Hall, Notre Dame (just for pictures since my camera was dead on Sunday), D’Orsay Museum, numerous photo opportunities along the Seine, up the Champs de Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Arch of Defense, then back home with a pit stop at the Pompidou Center which is open late. If I still have energy by Saturday night, I’m sure there will be some more partying to be found. Then Sunday up early and off to Charles Du Galle airport where the return adventure to Philly will begin. This week has gone by too fast and I will miss Paris.

Fun Paris Fact for the night - This one is actually a Fun European Fact, but here goes: In Europe, when clinking glasses during a toast, each person must look every other person directly in the eye before sipping the drink. Those who fail to acknowledge each person will be cursed with 7 years of bad sex.

PS - Just saw McNabb rebounded from his benching and led a big Eagles win last night. Go Birds!