Certainly a fanciful notion if not outright silly. That’s OK. I had flirted with other titles such as - More Champagne in the Last 10 Days than the Last 10 years but the only other real contender was - Travels with Luca - our 4 month old grandson. What a delight.

We used Uber Reserve for our transportation to SFO and reserved a ride home as well. Worth every penny. We flew out of SFO on Sunday June 22 at about 3:30 PM and arrived in Paris on Monday morning at 10:00 AM. We flew out of Charles De Gaulle on Monday July 4 at about 9:00 AM and arrived back at SFO July 4 at 11:00 AM with our ride waiting for us. Perfect.

The intervening time in Paris and Provence was a much needed respite after my 9 month journey that will continue for the forseeable future. Back to SF on Wednesday, July 16 and 17 for more MRI’s CT Scans and infusions. Forget that crap for now. Time for 10 amazing days of family, food, wine, history, photography, laughter and relaxation.

Up for 30 hours that first day. Wanted to jump into the Paris time zone. We all did pretty good. We rented an apartment for our time in Paris which worked out great for the five of us. We unpacked and relaxed a bit after the long flight and then set about to walk the streets of Paris and get some dinner. We did not have plans but Steven and Gina suggested Chez Julien where they had eaten on a prior trip. They love Paris. Dinner was magnifique. One of many great meals on our trip. We definitely ate and drank our way thru Paris and Provence.

Dinner with Luca at the Capelongue Resort

I am not a city person at heart. I like my skyscrapers capped with snow. I know - no skyscrapers in Paris - but you know what I mean, my sidewalks made of dirt and stars as my streelights. But you cannot ignore the history, culture, art, food and of course the people of Paris. An incredible time. I will say french lingerie has taken a hit. I do not think there was one young woman under 30 that chose to wear a bra. Sorry.

Some highlights - I of course had to see the Mona Lisa and did. Unfortunately, the mass of humanity at the Louvre made our visit a bit short but was enthralled all the same. We had lunch at a roof top restaurant named Perruche. Insane views of the city. Food and drinks were delicious. I had this cocktail called at Lerin - I call it delicious. It had Grey Goose Vodka, Schrubb Figue & Framboise, Liquer Saint Germain. I am not a day drinker but the rules went out the window in Paris & Provence.

Lunch at the rooftop restaurant, Perruche, in Paris

Mela and I took a car tour of the city in a old convertible VW Bug. It was a good way to see the city and get some highlights from our driver. The traffic was unreal and did not probably get the ‘usual tour’. The city was packed. One evening the kids stayed with Luca - and Mela & I treated ourselves to a 3 star Michelin Restaurant located in the Four Seasons. We had a 7 PM dinner reservation and it took our Uber drive one hour to get there. We texted Gina and had her call the restaurant to say we were running late. The old people could not master the international call. The food, wine, service, ambiance - all impeccable. Worth every Euro and memories to last a lifetime. Anyway, 3 hours later - it only took our Uber driver 10 minutes to take us home.

So much to see, do, eat, drink, shop and enjoy in Paris. Could probably spend years there and not take in all the history, architecture, art and culture of the city. But one last highlight from the uninitiated that just wanted to get a sense of the city. The private boat tour with just the five of us down the Seine was breathtaking. Just the bridges alone were architectural feats. Seeing uninterrupted views of the city and the Eiffel Tower without hordes of people in the way. By the way what I mean by hordes is 6 or more. I forgot. We also went to an antiquities market. Something Steven and Gina enjoy. They had bought a chandelier there on their last visit. Cool to see something that is much more Parisian and outside the tourist circles.

Time to take the 3 hour train ride to Provence and the Capelounge Resort. Our home for the next 5 five days. I truly enjoyed the train. Much of the French countryside was dotted with agriculture. We arrived at the station and then had about a 1 hour drive to Capelounge. The roads are so narrow. Glad this one eyed wonder was not driving. What a piece of paradise it proved to be. Absolutely beautiful and impeccable grounds. Great restaurant, 2 swimming pools. Lovely single story cottages scattered amongst the grounds. Perfectly designed for the surrounding landscape. I guess I would compare the area to the Amador County Wine Country but with very old charming villages with quaint narrow streets that hold small cafes and boutique shops.

I could go on and on. But if you read this far I am no journalist for Travel and Leisure. But the five of us had the best time. Despite head turning views in every direction there was no better view than that of my family at the end of a long day enjoying a cold beverage chatting and laughing over the ventures of our day.

Stay Strong, Be Humble, Be Kind & God Bless!