Paris in the springtime

Surely no one who knows us even remotely doesn't know that we went to Paris last week. Anyone who knows the kids or my parents certainly knows and although I did stop short of accosting people in the supermarket and telling them I was going to Paris, it was only just.

Still, three nights away and two fully packed days later it was all over and consigned to history. The weather was fantastic, the food and wine just what you would hope for and the art impressive as ever. We went for places we had never been before so Hotel Carnavalet, Notre Dame, the Louvre and Versailles were our main destinations - combined with general soaking up of atmosphere. On more than one occasion I was heard to remark that I didn't feel the lack of any small people going: "I'm thirsty," or "I'm bored," or "If I never see another Basillica in my life it will be too soon." - Oh no, small slip there. That was me as a teenager (and in a different country) - but I think it illustrates the point.

Heroic plaudits must go to Mum and Dad for surviving At Home with the Braithwaites so successfully. This morning when I carried Madeleine into the kitchen she said "Where's Granny?" and Dominic has been looking at houses up for sale near us and wondering if they might like to buy one but I think he may be doomed to disappointment on that one.

N.B. Our top restaurant recommendation is Restaurant du Petit St Benoit in the St Germain area. Stunningly cheap, good food and buzzing place. Should my dull brain remember how to put in a hyperlink, I'll come back and add that later......