Wed. in Paris
Dinner in the hotel. We were treated like royalty, waiters in tux and bowing and taking my hand to seat me. We sat outside in a garden with a fountain and pool with beautiful Sculptures spraying water into the pool. Tableclothes and cloth napkins and real silver and crystal. This was again an international arena. On one side of the garden were a large group of Sheiks in their long white robes on head long cloth with different cording. There were many older men and a few young men. One in particular was all in white and everyone seemed to treat him with great honor. One very young man, maybe college age wore a black ball cap backwards and mostly western clothes. None of the waiters approached them unless he was called for and they seemed to come and go at will. About half way around was an obvious Jewish couple, seated purposely with their back to that area. Many very diverse looking peope in very dressy evening atire and and some in casual, listening, we could here several differnt languages. Some were very Eastern European, Greek we think. Italian and languages we did not have a clue. Several greeted on another with a kiss on the cheek, or very warm handshakes and words sounding in an endearing tone. Dinner again was many courses and about 3 hour adventure. We did not recognize much on the menu, but a lady near us was served something that looked like steak, so I asked for that. Andy had some unusual things. Cheese and very, very hard bread(Bob would love it) The salad was very interesting and jellies and jams for bread. Then the main course came. The steak had a very interesting flavor, almost steamed it was so lightly browned, but very moist and had fresh herbs. Potates had an herbal flavor as well but very light. We enjoyed all the pomp in serving and ended with desserts that we had little knowledge of. I had crepes with whip cream and orge marmalade and Andy's came with 4 things, a frozen sugared rose petal, a chocolate brownie with bitter chocolate and apricot sorbet, and a creme mouse that was undescribably yummy. We shared everything and they brought the bill after 3 hours with an attitude of disdain at having to speak of such matters. There were people smoking everywhere but it was outside and did not bother, but it is weird after the smoking bans in US. There was and every exclusive fund raising dinner in the ball room but all the guests had to go past us. It was purely delightful to see all these obviouly wealthy people coming and going. Another fashion show. People of every culture, size, shape and age, just wealthy. Some were beautiful tall long woman dressed on sophisticated array, some were a little too abundant for their very expensive gowns. The halls have 3 enormous crystal chandiliers, and everything is exquisite. At one point, Andy pointed out a very pretty woman, and told me her name which I have forgotten, but said she has the program called the Top Cook on European tv, and is famous.
Our room is very purple, but gorgeous. Above the bed is a huge crystal chadelier with clear and purple and then the whole thing has a silk golden lampshade on it. Very pretty. Will check in tomorrow, I am tired and I couldn't get on line for a couple of days so I wrote alot tonight.
Pastor Clarance asked me to come Aug. 8 thru 17. Won't know for sure until we get to India and know my schedule there.