Entre Les Murs

Just Missed Marlene

A frustrating day at work - it has been tediously difficult trying to work remotely - and I made us late to meet Janet's colleagues. Another international meeting of regulators is in town, so we had plans to have dinner with a couple who I met at the last of Janet's meetings that I was around for, the one in Amsterdam that kicked off our honeymoon.

Joining us too were a couple of other ladies, one of whom was staying at her sister's boutique hotel, the Lancaster, just off the Champs Elysees. We met them all there and the bellman gave us an effusive tour of the place. Marlene Deitrich was a regular guest, and there was a room named after her; unfortunately it was occupied, so we couldn't see it. It's neighbour, the Emily Wolfe room, was large and lavishly appointed with antiques. The suite on the top floor had its own terrace with views of the Eiffel tower and Sacre Coeur. Both contained paintings by a portraitist to the czar who had left them in payment.

Dinner was at the bellman's recommendation, one of a chain called Les Bouchons de François Clerc. Chain restaurants in France clearly don't have the same quality connotations. We waddled home on foot, happy to be within walking distance for the welcome exerise.

posted 5.8.05