My excitement level is building like a tidal wave. I am only two weeks away from heading back to Europe. I cannot wait to be spending the next two months gazing upon incredible art, eating incredible food and seeing old friends and meeting new ones.
On January 21st I was 74 years old, but you should know that my very first trip to Paris was in 2011 when I was 65. Before that, the extent of my travel out of this country had been limited to Canada and Mexico….Remember, It is truly never too late.
I have traveled a lot in the US and I have lived in 11 different states, but to paraphrase Forest Gump, France is a “whole other country” and “Paris is a whole other city”. There is a reason there are 130 museums and over 40,000 restaurants in Paris and it because the people of Paris have always appreciated the importance and benefits of having art in their lives and enjoying good food. This is not a new phenomenon. The foundation of the collection in the Louvre today was started in 1546 by king Francis 1 with his Royal Art Collection.
La Coupole in Montparnasse
It is beautiful city, but there is something else that keeps bringing me back. I think it is because there is something inspiring about being in the presence of people who seem to have a better than average appreciation of what happiness in life is, maybe Henri Matisse expressed it best in his “Le Bonheur de Vivre” or “The Happiness of Life”.
Le Bonheur de Vivre by Henri Matisse
I believe it is because I know that the people in France share my passion for art. I am trying to act calm, but my spirit is getting restless as I realize I am going to be back there soon. My love affair with that city will last until death do us part, which, presumably, will be mine.
I am starting in Amsterdam, then the European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht and then on to Paris to a little apartment in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Près for a month. Then I am going to head south to Nice and Northern Italy for a while before returning to Paris. I hope you’ll follow my blog and come along with me.
PS Don’t forget to click on the pictures to blow them up and enter your email to get notifications of new posts.
February 11, 2020
We leave for Paris on the 19th of February . Send us a message we can enjoy a few wonders together.
February 11, 2020
Happy trails!
February 11, 2020
Fantastic Paul – look forward to the updates
February 11, 2020
I arrived in Paris, for the first of many visits, on my 43rd birthday – never too late! I look forward to this trip too.
February 12, 2020
Safe travels Paul.
February 12, 2020
Thanks Carol
February 12, 2020
Very exiting Paul safe travels
February 12, 2020
Thanks Tana
February 12, 2020
Seems you just returned to Santa Fe a dozen or so weeks ago, fresh-faced and full of vigorous exclamations — have a wonderful return — indeed never, ever too late!
February 12, 2020
Thanks Anthony
February 12, 2020
Your excitement is contagious, Paul. I look forward to news of your trip. Bon voyage!
February 12, 2020
I’m glad you are following Janice.
February 12, 2020
Do you speak French?
February 12, 2020
I do not Speak French Laura.I really wish I did and I would be fluent if it was necessary, but it simply is not. I have never had a problem in Paris or any other city in France.
February 12, 2020
We’ve missed your art blog and continue to enjoy them. Have a wonderful adventure, we look forward to following along .
February 12, 2020
Thanks Michael and Ashley.
February 13, 2020
Can’t wait! Bon voyage! Your posts are inspiring!
February 13, 2020
Glad you will be following me.
February 17, 2020
Excited to read about your journey