Paris. Winding down

Well, just as we begin to think we are slowly winding down, we had an emergency at the Chinese restaurant across the way. Mid-morning we noticed the arrival of two ambulances whose crews dealt with an emergency case, whipping him off to the nearest hospital adjacent to the Gare du Nord.  We are not entirely sure (and don't want to find out) but there appear to be two ways medical emergencies can be dealt with.  In addition to an ambulance we noticed that one can call the fire brigade who seem to be equally efficient in dealing with medical emergencies.  Perhaps this made us more conscious of it, but we have noticed that in restaurants there is often a sign at or near the cash desk which basically says that in the event of a medical emergency dial 15.  Useful information for staff.

As I write this, we are down to our last four days in Paris.  Over these days we will do some very familiar things and say goodbye to people we have become acquainted with, neighbours, shopkeepers and even one or two of the "artists" in the Place du Tertre. This morning, for example, we finished our shopping and then went to a very ordinary local bistro for coffee.  The coffee was excellent, hot and the pain au chocolat melted in our mouths.  Interestingly the price was about one-third of what we would have paid in the more touristy part of Paris.  And that price was almost double (as we sat outside to watch life go by) what we would have paid inside at the bar.  So, if you want to taste the real Paris, go to the outer arrondissments. Our favourite, of course, is always the 18eme!