Summer in Paris

Right... what summer???  The weather has been terrible.  Sorry for all of you back in Western NY, but here it has been regularly in the 70s and rainy.  The whole month of July has been gloomy.  Any way...

July in Paris starts the Summer Holdiay season.  Just like Christmas, everyone takes off and the place becomes a ghost town.  There are signs in Le Passy saying they are closed on Sundays in August, many of the shops have their curtains pulled with signs in the window and even Le Petite Tour (Gary's restaraunt) will close for the month.

Knowing that the closure was near, but uncertain when, I went to Gary's for dinner tonight.  I don't typically go to a restaraunt alone, but I thought it would be good to visit my friend's establishment before the holiday.  I decided to eat at the bar because it is more interesting then sitting alone.  Gary was having dinner with his in-laws (belle mere & pere) right next to me.  When I arrived he greeted me with open arms and a glass of wine.  We chatted for 20 or so minutes about the restaraunt is closing for the month of August.  We had a chance to discuss reservation for the Fall when Jean & Maggie's visit.  He assured me that he would have something on the menu for Jean.

It was a very nice evening.  I met Gary's in-laws, had a great steak (he will put it on the menu in the Fall for Jean) and a couple glasses of wine.  When it came time to pay, of course Gary took care of the wine and I had a chance to wish him and the staff a nice summer holiday season.

I found it amazing to realize that businesses can just shut their doors for this time of year.  It is just not here in France.  In Italy all of our operations shut down for 3 weeks and the people disappear to spend time with their family and friends.  In Spain they shut down the whole month of August.  As I learn more about the South Europe / Latin way of life, I wonder why can't we (as Americans) find a time to shutdown, unwind and relax.

I hope everyone makes the time to spend with those that care the most without the hustle and bustle.