‘LE BAISE MAIN’ & CHAMPAGNE

It was a year ago my adventure started. But really it was in the spring of 2019, that it started. I had thought I would return to work; getting work had always been challenging, but working and taking acting workshops and classes had been a fascinating part of my life. I had all kinds of ideas of how to return to the stage; in the middle of all that, I thought a trip to Paris was an excellent idea.  

After all, I had not gone in 2018, and if I got fortunate, I would be working and not be able to go in 2020.

It made and perfect sense, I would take a week of French classes in Paris, then my dear friend and best traveling buddy, Una would join me. She suggested a road trip down the Atlantic coast. That sounded perfect. 

I arrived in Paris on Sunday, June 30th, my friend picked me up, I had one friend in Paris, and he drove me to the Home Stay.

It was a residence for students: rent a room for as long as you need. I took a room with a view, a douche, and a toilette, for ten days. It was a tiny space with a view of all the quirky chimneys in Montmartre. It was me and three gorgeous 15-year-old models from different parts of the world, and we barely spoke French. 

Luckily, Sylaine, the proprietor, spoke several languages.

My one friend invited me to a Dinner/Dance for the following Friday evening, he was playing in the band. I was to wear a pretty dress and a fancy hat.

There I was on Friday night in my pretty dress and fancy hat sitting all alone, wondering if I made a mistake, but it was too late. A few minutes later, a tall, elegant man, dressed all in White kissed my unaware right hand, which, I had grandly extended onto the chair next to me. (!!!HE KISSED ME!!!) Well, anyway, he kissed my hand. He asked me, POURQUOI ETES-VOUS SEUL? “Why are you all alone?” He found his place at the same table, gave me his business card, and asked, “Voulez-vous boire un verre de champagne?” I would love to have a glass of champagne.