Day 16 - Paris, June 1, 2021

Our PCR test results did not come in by 6 PM the night before, so I was up early for the 36-hour window.  Nothing.  I went for a run, thinking that most things open at 9 AM, so maybe then...

At 9 AM, I asked the front desk to help us schedule some back up tests at the airport.  This process took close to an hour, but ready to pay the 260 Euros per-person for a rapid test to board our 3:40 flight in case the email didn't come, we went up and finished packing, and took a few photos looking out the windows of our room.

Taxi picked us up at 11.  Still no Covid results.  We arrived at the airport in under an hour and went right to the testing site, where we were informed a "rapid PCR test" takes 24-hours.  Screaming silently!  We decided to get the 30-minute antigen test, and then just keep our fingers crossed our Covid test comes through.  

We wait in line again, and are told we need to go register at the entry point, so out we go.  The lady at the front told us we needed to complete the form online.  After three attempts, getting kicked off, in French mind you, because we do not have a French phone number.  So she acquiesces and lets us fill out a paper form.

We wait in line again, only to be told that we filled out the WRONG FORM!  We keep checking email.  Fill out the new form, and are able to skip the que.  A big plus is just one nostril.  Sad what you celebrate in Covid test times! I managed to sneak a photo.

We waited 30-minutes in the holding area for the results, and received a negative.  Phew!  Now we just had to cross our fingers that either our email would come in, and / or they would take an antigen test to return to the US.  The fact that I was vaccinated was irrelevant.

We finally made it to the gate.  The antigen test worked!  Yay!  Pure happiness!

AND we each ended up with our own row again.

Home we went, with delays only in Detroit for an hour to "tighten screws on the tray tables".  Argh!

We arrived into Chicago sometime after 11, and drove back to South Bend.

PCR test arrived from Paris Wednesday, June 3.  I wish I had time to start a Covid-concierge business for travelers!!!

Day 15, Paris, May 31, 2021

Today was dedicated to nothing.  Our plan was to meander and stop wherever.  We started with the hotel breakfast, and then set off to explore, and maybe do a little shopping.

We stopped at a little cafe, and ended up sharing a croque monsieur.  So yummy!  Great spot to people watch.

We marveled at the beautiful bakeries and strolled through the Le Bon Marche department store which had a bakery, grocery store. flower shop, home goods, clothing, and shoes.

Before too long, it was time to take another cafe break, although it was late enough for a robust pour of wine.  Lily had a virgin mojito. I could used to this living :)

We took a bit of a rest at our hotel.  I think the full day yesterday was getting the better of us, and maybe the cocktails :)

Next up we packed up our painting supplies and headed back to Tuileries Garden.  We settled in and painted until the sunset and the lights came on the Eiffel Tower.  A great last night in Paris!

No trip to Paris is complete without many a close up photo of this.  I wonder who posed?!?

The view from our room...