I can’t think of a better way to have capped off an utterly perfect week; A dinner amongst all strangers at the Parisian home of American Ex-pat Jim Haynes.  I first heard about his weekly dinners through NPR (and posted about it here), and apparently, so did a lot of people because there were many American’s in the crowd tonight who also heard of it on NPR.  This night was sheer perfection in its balance of great food, casual atmosphere & people from all over the world(Americans, British, Australians, Germans, Swedes, & Parisians, that I met anyway)  gathered for good food and conversation.  The easiest conversations I have ever had in my life…you just walk past Jim and he grabs you and (remembering your name even though he hosts 50-60 people weekly) then grabs the nearest person to you and says…”danielle, do you know Daisy?” …”Why, no Jim, I do not.  Daisy, I am Danielle, nice to meet you…”  LOVELY!  

This wonderful evening started at 8pm, and ended officially at 11pm, but, after buying a book and having him sign in and hanging out with my new friends (2 lovely gals from the NY times, and an Expat from NY living in Paris now), we finally left, nearing midnight.

Please enjoy a few pics from the evening here, or go to the full Paris collection at my FLICKR site here.  Also, if you are going to be in Paris on a Sunday, YOU MUST go to a dinner at Jim’s, it is an essential…check out his website here.

jim.  wonderful.

Jim & I

Michel & I

The American contigency…me, a lovely student from Boston by way of Seattle on her way to Jordon (i think jordon), and two lovelies that work for the New York Times, among other pursuits (such as a one-woman performance artist and writer/computer saavy lovely)

Phil, a lovely Parisian

CLaude

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I have now been in nearly every inch of Paris, except for Montparnasse, which I will go to tomorrow before my big dinner with 50-60 strangers over at Jim Haynes (which I previously told you about here.) So, today after going to the flea market, My friend and I decided to go back to Montmartre, since Iast time I had been there it was the crack of dawn and while beautiful it was not quite awake yet, and I wanted to see more of what I have come to realize is perhaps my favorite area in all of Paris…I am now back at hotel for a long nap.  I am so exhausted and my knee is throbbing, but I shall press on!  In the meantime enjoy these pics from todays adventure and if you want to see the unedited group of Paris pics they can be viewed here.

I think if I lived in Paris, I would come here quite often.  If not even to buy, but for inpspiration.

Back in Montmartre, do you recognize this from Amelie? 

It is not just the stunning views of Montmartre that I love, but also the charming little back streets winding all around in it.

Oh how i love the doors here.  Unfortunatley I have a bad habit of taking pictures while I am still walking so they end up a little blurry.

I am running out of time here.  I have tonight, all day tomorrow and tomorrow evening before I head out.  I will leave here with very little remaining use of either of my feet nor one of my knees but it will all have been worth it!  hell, i don’t care if my other knee goes too!  it will have been for Paris!  

OH WAIT….and for mandy who asked what my hotel room looks like:

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Recently ( Thank you Andy! ) I was pointed in the direction of an nstallment of the NPR series, THIS I BELIEVE, of which I am a fan, that featured an American living in Paris who hosts a dinner for strangers at his home every week.  every week!  strangers!  I love this!  

Jim Haynes estimates that over 100,000 visitors have joined him in the 30 years he has been hosting these dinners at his home.  I have gone to his website and signed up as I can’t imagine a better way to spend my last Sunday night in Paris.  I am not so sure, with this story just having aired if I will be one of the first 50-60 people to sign up; it seems highly unlikely in fact. *** I JUST HEARD BACK FROM JIM HIMSELF AND I AM ON THE LIST TO GO ON MY LAST NIGHT IN PARIS!!!****But it so intrigues me I had to try. And, if I should be unsuccessful on this attempt, I will simply be sure to register before my next visit to Paris.

So check out the NPR essay here or sign up for a Sunday dinner at Jim’s here!

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