We have a system of touring via "fortifiers" -- a quick coffee, a pastry, a cocktail, a chocolate. This system is very responsive to your immediate needs (hunger, thirst, need for a restroom break, tired feet) and is easily adaptable to whatever city you find yourself in. In Italy, a fortifier might often involve a cappuccino at a sidewalk café, whereas in Hong Kong it might be a stop for green tea in an air-conditioned tearoom. In Brussels, it would inevitably include beer, chocolate, and/or a waffle. It all depends on the environment.
So, for example in Paris it might go something like this: Begin your day with coffee and croissants sitting at the tiny table in your room since it's still a trifle chilly to eat outside on the balcony.
Once you leave the hotel, make the 30-second walk across the square to Saint-Sulpice and visit the church, discreetly watching the parishioners and their laurel branches as they observe Palm Sunday services.
From there, head towards the heart of the city, stopping off for a quick coffee standing up at the bar in a café as, of course, you don't need to sit down yet.
Make your way over to the Île de la Cité and the Cathédrale of Notre Dame de Paris. Forego the interior and the hordes of tourists it holds, and instead take some pictures outside and wander through the lovely surrounding garden.
Walk over the bridge to the Île Saint-Louis, pausing to listen to the random trio of musicians playing on the bridge. Get a hot crêpe filled with jus de citron et sucre or confiture de fraises from the window of a tiny café, and stroll the isle, popping in and out of its fun little boutiques.
Rest your feet from all that shopping by hopping on the metro. Head over to the Place Vendôme for a late lunch with a glass of dry rosé.
Try to visit the Musée l'Orangerie, and, after being unexpectedly turned away due to a random private party having engaged the museum for the evening, console yourself with a stop at La Duree for macarons.
Nibble on them as you head over to the Arc de Triomphe, popping into a random bistro for a cocktail while you wait for the sun to set.
Walk up the million steps to the top of the arch to take in the view of the Tour Eiffel all lit up and the sparkling lights of Paris at night.
From there, head back to your hotel to change and take a moment's rest. Stroll through the quiet streets of Saint-Germain-de-Prés and sit down at La Ferrandaise to a lovely 3-course dinner accompanied by a bottle of Côte du Rhone at 10:30 pm. C'est parfait.
Fortifiers work! You need sustenance for all that walking and site-seeing, plus potty breaks, supporting the local economy, staying hydrated, resting your feet...Really, you're just being sensible.
Well, at least until you get the bill...
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Love how you coined the phrase "fortifiers". They all sound completely appropriate and necessary and even more lovely when you partake in Paris or at a canalside, etc.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love the look of "ugh" on Troy's face while looking at the bill.