“It is always sad to leave a place to which one knows one will never return. Such are the melancolies du voyage: perhaps they are one of the most rewarding things about traveling.” ~Gustave Flaubert, Flaubert in Egypt: A Sensibility on Tour

According to a post I googled in the internet ( then it must be true) one of the common mistakes tourist do when leaving Paris is to say  “Adieu” which means farewell.  They should say “Au revoir Paris“ which translates to until we meet again.  Yesterday we said “Au revoir” to Paris after a quick breakfast once again at our favorite restaurant. Here are some reasons why it was our favorite restaurant.

Cheese omelet, fresh greens and tea

Croissant to die for

Lissa’s future husband ( also restaurant manager)

We took the TGV fast train from Paris to Metz.  From there we boarded buses and drove to Luxembourg.  While many of the crowd had a quick lunch and a walking tour we had a leisurely lunch with wine and food with our friends Barbara and Tom which was just what the doctor ordered!

It was once again a bit dreary and cold which added to my annoyance at the bus tour guide who kept promising to be quiet but instead spoke incessantly with facts that may have been interesting but I am certain few remember.

Sycamore Tree

Luxembourg Church

Delicious looking pastry

Street view in Luxembourg

After another bus ride we visited the American Cemetery in Luxembourg and the sun came out for a brief appearance.  It is a beautiful but sad place and Patton is buried there.

After another bus ride we FINALLY arrived at the boat to begin the river portion of our cruise.  It was good to unpack and settle for the week.  We had a lovely dinner with our group of fifteen of the “Friends of Dave” cruising/drinking/enjoying life group.

I left my camera unattended on the train for a few minutes and our fearless leader took a selfie.

Off to making more memories my friends.

“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float,
To gain all while you give,
To roam the roads of lands remote,
To travel is to live.”

 The Fairy Tale of My Life: An Autobiography

by Hans Christian Andersen
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