Day #4 in Paris...Reflection and Culture!!

Day #4 in Paris...Well as we wind it down, it has truly been a joyous day. Woke to a wonderful breakfast, went to some of the street markets and explored the city, and then had an AMAZING brunch with The Hill's!! Nothing like sharing the day with family & friends after a great wedding.

Déjeuner (Brunch) with The Hills at le Mesturet restaurant. The menu included grilled eggplant with tomato and fresh goat's cheese as an entrée/starter, grilled swordfish over a bed of grilled eggplant for plat/main course, and Charlotte aux fraises (Strawberry Charlotte with a red berry coulis)!! Mmmm delicious! French cuisine at its finest! 

It's all very fitting how my cousin and her husband would wed in Paris, with both of them being heavy into the arts (Quan in film and Will in music), it was a natural blending of the artistic cultures. And the fact that Paris is one of the world's leading business and cultural centers; entertainment, music, media, fashion, and the arts...it was simply PERFECT!!

Amazing how when you step back and soak up what the city has to offer your mind will be blown! I would also find it fascinating the values of the French...put it like this Paris is very much a "Free and Open City"...and here's what I mean:
a) The expression "chauvinism" originated in France and while women are playing a greater role in family life and business, many still see it as a male-dominated culture.
b) The French embody romance and passion, and there is an open attitude toward sex outside of marriage. Even the country’s top politicians have been known to carry out extramarital affairs without making an effort to conceal them. As a reflection of the country’s secular nature, about half of children are born to unmarried couples. (very interesting...)
c) The French embrace style and sophistication and take pride in the fact that even their public spaces strike a regal tone.
d) The French believe in "égalité," which means equality, and is part of the country’s motto: "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité." Many say they place a higher importance on equality than liberty and fraternity, the other two words in the motto.
e) And my personal fave ...Food and wine are central to life at all socioeconomic levels, and much socializing is done around lengthy dinners.

Why yes I'll take some Espresso, with a piece of Chocolat Napolitain!!

Needless to say there is truly a diverse, rich, and unique culture in Paris!! Nothing wrong with that my friends! So all in all, today was a good day!!

Till next time, stay tuned for the last deets in Paris on tomorrow.
~La Femme Noire en Paris

"Till next time...Stay tuned for the next adventure!!" ~Brooklyn Assata, WST