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	<title>Paris - Mrs. HomeFree</title>
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		<title>What are the Paris Catacombs? The Hidden Paris Not Everyone Sees</title>
		<link>https://mrshomefree.com/what-are-the-paris-catacombs-the-hidden-paris-not-everyone-sees/travel/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=what-are-the-paris-catacombs-the-hidden-paris-not-everyone-sees</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mrshomefree]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Catacombs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cemetery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eiffel Tower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hidden Paris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[monument]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paris]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Millions of visitors flock to the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre every year. And, while I have visited those sites too, the Paris Catacombs have also been on my list for a while. This is, in fact, the hidden Paris... <a class="more-link" href="https://mrshomefree.com/what-are-the-paris-catacombs-the-hidden-paris-not-everyone-sees/travel/">Continue Reading &#8594;</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/what-are-the-paris-catacombs-the-hidden-paris-not-everyone-sees/travel/">What are the Paris Catacombs? The Hidden Paris Not Everyone Sees</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Millions of visitors flock to the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre every year. And, while I have visited those sites too, the <a href="https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en">Paris Catacombs</a> have also been on my list for a while. This is, in fact, the hidden Paris that not every visitor makes time to see and they provide a mesmerizing ancient history lesson.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4643" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_163419-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A section of quarry.</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Today, we know that lining a grave before inserting the casket is essential, but generations ago, people didn’t yet have that knowledge. In 1780, the City of Paris closed down the Cemetery of the Innocents. The story goes that there was so much disease in the air that fruit left out would spoil in less than a day. I don’t know if that’s an old wives’ tale or not, but the city felt the neighborhoods near the cemetery were in danger and that conditions were unsafe. Five years later, in 1785, a government decree required all the remains in that cemetery to be moved.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4644" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_171053-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Displayed with artistic reverence.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4645" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C1260&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_170741-2-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="(max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Me next to a stack for a height reference. </figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Below the city there were limestone quarries from which people mined all the limestone that built the city of Paris. Making use of what was already available deep, deep below the city, the human remains were moved there in stages. Over time, many cemeteries moved remains there as well. In 1810, Hericart de Thury, Inspector General of the Quarries, turned the area into a proper monument by grouping the remains and organizing it into an artistic display.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174242.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4646" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174242-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174242-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174242-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174242-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174242-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The beautiful structure of the displays as the idea of Monsieur de Thury in 1810.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4647" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_173018-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">&#8220;The eyes of God are fixed on the just and his ears are open to their prayers.&#8221;</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4648" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_172744-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">In memory of some of the citizens killed during the French Revolution.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Paris Catacombs" class="wp-image-4649" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_174139-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The number of people interred here is staggering.</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Estimates are very rough. Perhaps there are two million Parisians down there? My ticket included an audioguide and the walk through the tunnels took about 90 minutes. Today, there are memorials to those killed during the French Revolution and so much more. Visiting this place is done with reverence and respect, as with any monument. It is not ghoulish. People are (for the most part) well-behaved and touching the remains is <strong>strictly</strong> forbidden.</p>



<p>This piece of hidden Paris is an unusual way to pay homage to those who helped establish a great city. Visiting the Paris Catacombs may not be as elegant as visiting the Eiffel Tower, but it is every bit as fascinating.</p>



<p>Familiarizing yourself with the heart of a community’s history can be done well with a walk through its oldest cemetery. Here are <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/walking-through-time-maple-hill-cemetery-huntsville-alabama/travel/">a few of my favorites.</a></p>


<p><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lfuW4/creativeref:1011l51346" rel="sponsored"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://creative.prf.hn/source/camref:1101lfuW4/creativeref:1011l51346" width="728" height="90" border="0"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/what-are-the-paris-catacombs-the-hidden-paris-not-everyone-sees/travel/">What are the Paris Catacombs? The Hidden Paris Not Everyone Sees</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Flea Market Shopping in Paris</title>
		<link>https://mrshomefree.com/flea-market-shopping-in-paris/travel/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=flea-market-shopping-in-paris</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mrshomefree]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flea market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[furniture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[haute couture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Les Puces]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saint-Ouen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[vintage]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://mrshomefree.com/?p=4627</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Most people would not think of flea markets when they think of an elegant city like Paris. But, like everything else in Paris, the French do even flea market shopping with style &#38; class. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is the... <a class="more-link" href="https://mrshomefree.com/flea-market-shopping-in-paris/travel/">Continue Reading &#8594;</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/flea-market-shopping-in-paris/travel/">Flea Market Shopping in Paris</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most people would not think of flea markets when they think of an elegant city like Paris. But, like everything else in Paris, the French do even flea market shopping with style &amp; class. <a href="http://www.paris-flea-market.com/">Les Puces de Saint-Ouen</a> is the largest antique market in the world and one of the largest overall flea markets in the world. It was also a 10-minute walk from my apartment on the outskirts of the city.</p>



<p>Les Puces (the fleas), as it is known to locals, is comprised of 3,000 vendors and covers 30 acres. It is actually 15 markets all clustered together. Each market is slightly different but they all make for great window shopping.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4612" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122257-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></figure></div>

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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4611" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122108-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4613" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C800&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_102917-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4614" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_122325-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-4615" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_105905-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></figure></div>


<p>There are indoor stalls that look more like miniature showrooms and there are traditional store fronts, open stalls and tents. Mixed in on the maze of streets are cafes where you can take a break and get something to eat.</p>



<p>Flea Market Shopping for Furniture</p>



<p>There is furniture from every era and it all makes you want to buy a new house or apartment just so you can decorate.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="439" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2.jpg?resize=676%2C439&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4616" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C665&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C195&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C499&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C998&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1331&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C390&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C614&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103530-2-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="428" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2.jpg?resize=676%2C428&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, Paris" class="wp-image-4631" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C648&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C190&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C486&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C973&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1297&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C380&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C598&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_111630-2-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A birthday present for Elton John? </figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_113032.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4618" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_113032-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_113032-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_113032-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_113032-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_113032-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I want this coat rack so much!</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_112816.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4619" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_112816-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_112816-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_112816-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_112816-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_112816-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Does anyone have a kitchen worthy of that brass collection?</figcaption></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Paris Fashion: The Real Deal</strong></h2>



<p>For me, the holy grail of this field trip was finding two vintage clothing stores. The two atmospheres were a little different but, in both stores it was hard not to gasp at the merchandise. I touched a REAL Chanel dress, people!</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114509.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4620" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114509-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114509-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114509-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114509-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114509-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I touched a real Chanel dress!</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="517" height="1024" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2.jpg?resize=517%2C1024&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4621" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=517%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 517w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=152%2C300&amp;ssl=1 152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1520&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=776%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 776w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=1035%2C2048&amp;ssl=1 1035w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C1188&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C1871&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114312-2-scaled.jpg?w=1293&amp;ssl=1 1293w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px" /></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114146.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4622" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114146-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114146-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114146-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114146-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230109_114146-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The black dress is by Jean Paul Gaultier and the maroon velvet dress is by Yves Saint Laurent.</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>By far, the most extraordinary experience was my visit to <a href="https://chezsarah.net/">Chez Sarah Vintage</a>. Let me be clear: This is NOT a thrift store. This is something else entirely. I imagine that if you are a stylist for a celebrity and they want to wear vintage on the red carpet or to some other type of event, this is the type of store you would shop in.</p>



<p>When I walked in, without a word, the woman handed me white cotton gloves. The message was clear: You don’t handle the clothes without gloves on. Every item was hanging on a padded, satin hanger. There is no photography permitted in the store, so I had to be content with pictures of what was on display in their front window. You’ll get the idea of why I kept gasping once I got inside.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103236.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4624" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103236-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103236-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103236-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103236-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103236-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An elaborate kimono.</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103448.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4623" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103448-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103448-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103448-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103448-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103448-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">I would gladly wear that 1920&#8217;s flapper dress in the center any time. </figcaption></figure></div>


<p>An haute couture dress by a big name designer was typically around 1,200 euros ($1300) and many of the blouses were about 300 euros ($325). For clothing from such famous designers these are bargain prices. Many of the dresses were probably sold for more than three times that when they were new.</p>



<p>Chez Sarah is like a museum of clothing. Every era from 1900 to the 1970’s is represented. You can picture old movie stars in every item. Better yet, you can dream of wearing them yourself. For simple blouses, pants and day dresses to evening wear and outer wear, they sell it all.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103433.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4625" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103433-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103433-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103433-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103433-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103433-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">That purple dress is SO me!</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103440.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="flea market shopping, paris" class="wp-image-4626" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103440-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103440-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103440-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103440-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_103440-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anyone want to channel their inner Liz Taylor? </figcaption></figure></div>


<p>The French are famous for their sense of style and at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen you can see an entire range of furniture, clothes, kitchenware and more with that special French je ne sais quoi (I don’t know what).</p>



<p>If supporting artists is more your thing, for unique pieces I suggest you visit this massive <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/alabama-art-studios-the-artists-you-need-to-know-now/travel/">collection of artist studios</a> in Huntsville, Alabama.</p>


<p><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lfuW4/creativeref:1011l70059" rel="sponsored"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://creative.prf.hn/source/camref:1101lfuW4/creativeref:1011l70059" width="728" height="90" border="0"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/flea-market-shopping-in-paris/travel/">Flea Market Shopping in Paris</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4627</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Sacre Coeur: The Sacred Heart That Has My Heart</title>
		<link>https://mrshomefree.com/sacre-coeur-the-sacred-heart-that-has-my-heart/travel/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=sacre-coeur-the-sacred-heart-that-has-my-heart</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mrshomefree]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hotels/Lodging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AirBnB]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cathedral]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eiffel Tower]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Notre Dame]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sacre Coeur]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>There are so many reasons to visit Sacre Coeur in Paris. Here are some of mine. A couple of days before I left for the UK I had lunch with an old friend. We met at a French immersion retreat... <a class="more-link" href="https://mrshomefree.com/sacre-coeur-the-sacred-heart-that-has-my-heart/travel/">Continue Reading &#8594;</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/sacre-coeur-the-sacred-heart-that-has-my-heart/travel/">Sacre Coeur: The Sacred Heart That Has My Heart</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There are so many reasons to visit Sacre Coeur in Paris. Here are some of mine.</p>



<p>A couple of days before I left for the UK I had lunch with an old friend. We met at a French immersion retreat in high school. She asked if I was going to France since I would be so close.</p>



<p>My response, “No, there are other countries I want to see. If I ever do go back to France, it definitely <em>won’t </em>be to Paris. I’ve seen that twice. I would want to see the rest of the country.”</p>



<p>The Universe said, ‘HA! HA! HA! I’ll show you. . .”</p>



<p>There was a problem with my UK visa and I needed to leave the UK and go into exile until the proper paperwork came through. France was closer than America, so I stayed in Paris for weeks. My husband remained in the UK to continue going to his job everyday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AirBnB in Paris</strong></h2>



<p>Since I needed to stay for weeks, I wanted a kitchen. So, I found an AirBnB outside the city. Inside the city is expensive, so I stayed waaaaay up north in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine. Check it out on Googlemaps. The neighborhood is much grittier and more working class than the fancy Paris you see in movies. There are a lot of Muslim immigrants and it was interesting to see this side of life here.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Airbnb Paris" class="wp-image-4607" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230113_133145-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AirBnB &#8211; January 2023</figcaption></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><strong>Then &amp; Now: Me &amp; Sacre Coeur</strong></strong></h2>



<p>In 2006, I visited Paris for the second time. It was the first time I went with my husband. I wrote briefly about seeing Sacre Coeur cathedral in my essay <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/ex-libris-libertas/travel/">Ex Libris, Libertas (mrshomefree.com)</a>.&nbsp; Everyone should see the Eiffel Tower lit up at night at least once. Everyone should see the gardens and flying buttresses in the back of Notre Dame at least once. But, for us, <a href="https://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/">Sacre Coeur</a> simply captured our hearts. It is one of our favorite places in Paris. Check out a super young me at the cathedral in 2006.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sacre Coeur Paris 2006" class="wp-image-4595" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/022_22.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taken September 2006</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sacre Coeur Paris 2006" class="wp-image-4596" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/024_24.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taken September 2006</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Boy, do we need to learn to be kinder to ourselves! I am sure I thought back then that I needed to lose weight or that I was having a bad hair day or whatever. Now, I look at this picture and am struck by how lovely that young woman (married only 8 years) was. How time flies!</p>



<p>In January 2023, I made a pilgrimage back to Sacre Coeur (a 40-minute walk), so I could take a picture of it to send to my husband. I am happy to say that it took my breath away just like the first time.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_093655.jpg?w=676&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sacre Coeur Paris 2023" class="wp-image-4597"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taken January 2023</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="901" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_094123.jpg?resize=676%2C901&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sacre Coeur Paris 2023" class="wp-image-4598" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_094123-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_094123-scaled.jpg?resize=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1 225w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_094123-scaled.jpg?resize=1152%2C1536&amp;ssl=1 1152w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_094123-scaled.jpg?w=1920&amp;ssl=1 1920w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/20230107_094123-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Taken January 2023</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>I tried to go early before the tourist swarm. I wasn’t successful. I walked up the hill at 9:30 in the morning and the tourist groups were already streaming in. But, the architecture and the view of the entire city still didn’t disappoint. Hopefully, 17 years from now, the pictures I took of the cathedral and of myself won’t disappoint either.</p>


<p><a href="https://prf.hn/click/camref:1101lfuW4/creativeref:1011l52331" rel="sponsored"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://creative.prf.hn/source/camref:1101lfuW4/creativeref:1011l52331" width="728" height="90" border="0"></a></p><p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/sacre-coeur-the-sacred-heart-that-has-my-heart/travel/">Sacre Coeur: The Sacred Heart That Has My Heart</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">4600</post-id>	</item>
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		<title>Wedding Crashing in Four Countries</title>
		<link>https://mrshomefree.com/wedding-crashing-in-four-countries/travel/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=wedding-crashing-in-four-countries</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mrshomefree]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Jul 2020 13:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beach]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bride]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[castle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Edinburgh]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Germany]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Landstuhl]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scotland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stroll]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Venice]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[walk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weddings]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>OK, so I didn’t really crash any weddings, but I did spy on them a little bit.&#160; There is something lovely about stumbling on a stranger’s wedding while you are traveling.&#160; For me, it is a professional fascination since I... <a class="more-link" href="https://mrshomefree.com/wedding-crashing-in-four-countries/travel/">Continue Reading &#8594;</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/wedding-crashing-in-four-countries/travel/">Wedding Crashing in Four Countries</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>OK, so I didn’t really crash any weddings, but I did spy on them a little bit.&nbsp; There is something lovely about stumbling on a stranger’s wedding while you are traveling.&nbsp; For me, it is a professional fascination since I planned weddings for many years in my capacity as an event planner/venue manager.&nbsp; It is also reaffirming.&nbsp; What better way to remind ourselves that, worldwide, we are more alike than we are different? &nbsp;Humans fall in love.&nbsp; Most cultures (that I know of) recognize love and the desire for two people to merge two paths into one common path. &nbsp;Love is in the air. . .in any culture.&nbsp; Yes, I realize that there are plenty of cultures where arranged marriages are still practiced. This does not mean love cannot (or does not) develop eventually for many of these couples.&nbsp; Humans honor many other traditions by hosting weddings too.&nbsp; Family.&nbsp; Community.&nbsp; Food.&nbsp; Celebration.&nbsp; Hope.&nbsp; &nbsp;Just for fun, here are weddings that I encountered in the U.S. and Europe, while traveling.</p>



<p>The first time I stumbled upon a wedding celebration was in 2005 in Venice, Italy.&nbsp; There is a daily tradition in Italy called La Passeggiata.&nbsp; Typically, between the hours of 5:00pm and 8:00pm the streets fill with neighbors strolling.&nbsp; Couples, families, and groups of friends wander the streets socializing.&nbsp; Later, everyone heads home for their evening meal.&nbsp; One night, while participating in this lovely pastime, I was taken off guard, as this beautiful bride came rushing down the street past me.&nbsp; You can see by the poor quality of the photograph how little time I had to set up my shot. &nbsp;I tried to be unobtrusive and take the photo secretly.&nbsp; The results are kind of artistic, I think.&nbsp; The evening stroll is leisurely, so she and her companion (Mom?) stood out for their fast pace and for their wedding clothes.&nbsp; I wonder if she had just completed her vows and was going a local restaurant for the wedding dinner or if the ladies were on their way to meet the groom.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Venice Italy bride in the street" data-id="336" data-full-url="https://mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/030_30/" class="wp-image-336" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?w=2048&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/030_30.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>The second time I spied on a stranger’s nuptials was in December 2011.&nbsp; My husband and I spent the night at a hotel on the beach so we could watch New Year’s Eve fireworks over the ocean. &nbsp;We walked along the beach at dusk. &nbsp;In the distance, on a hill, we saw a small wedding in progress.&nbsp; The cluster of 15 or so guests were casually dressed.&nbsp; Only the bride was in a traditional, formal gown.&nbsp; If her gown had not caught my eye, I would not have recognized the event as a wedding.&nbsp; I took a few shaky photos and observed the kiss signifying the end of the ceremony and the beginning of something much more.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/075.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/075.jpg?w=676&#038;ssl=1" alt="beach wedding vows" data-id="337" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/075/" class="wp-image-337"/></a></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/077.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/077.jpg?w=676&#038;ssl=1" alt="beach wedding kiss" data-id="339" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/077/" class="wp-image-339"/></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>The third time I took secret wedding photos was 2013 in Edinburgh, Scotland.&nbsp; &nbsp;There is a street in Edinburgh called “The Royal Mile” that slopes down (for a mile, duh!) from the castle to the royal palace (Holyrood House).&nbsp; It has become touristy, as it is lined with souvenir shops.&nbsp; That is unfortunate, but it is still worth walking.&nbsp; Crowded streets are great for people watching, after all.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One afternoon, while strolling the Royal Mile, I passed the City Chambers.&nbsp; A couple had, apparently, just finished their vows.&nbsp; They and their guests spilled out of the government building into the courtyard out front.&nbsp; My photos show men in kilts (this is traditional Scottish dress for men at formal occasions), the bride posing with various friends and relatives, and even a server with a platter of hors d’oeuvres. &nbsp;The kilts are really the only thing that give away the overseas setting.&nbsp; The bride, the joyous smiles and the buoyant atmosphere are the same as anywhere.&nbsp; I found myself rooting for these perfect strangers.&nbsp; A joyous occasion brings smiles the same way in any corner of the world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scotland-and-Ireland-2013-Ericas-Birthday-1407.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scotland-and-Ireland-2013-Ericas-Birthday-1407.jpg?w=676&#038;ssl=1" alt="Scotland wedding kilt" data-id="343" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/scotland-and-ireland-2013-ericas-birthday-1407/" class="wp-image-343"/></a></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scotland-and-Ireland-2013-Ericas-Birthday-1408.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scotland-and-Ireland-2013-Ericas-Birthday-1408.jpg?w=676&#038;ssl=1" alt="Scotland wedding bride and appetizers" data-id="345" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/scotland-and-ireland-2013-ericas-birthday-1408/" class="wp-image-345"/></a></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scotland-and-Ireland-2013-Ericas-Birthday-1405.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Scotland-and-Ireland-2013-Ericas-Birthday-1405.jpg?w=676&#038;ssl=1" alt="bride and friend" data-id="341" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/scotland-and-ireland-2013-ericas-birthday-1405/" class="wp-image-341"/></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>The fourth time I “crashed” a wedding was in Germany in 2015.&nbsp; If I am being technically accurate, I don’t think this time was an actual wedding but, rather, a wedding photoshoot. The bustling little town of Landstuhl in western Germany has a winding road that snakes up a mountain.&nbsp; At the top of the mountain, overlooking the town, is a castle.&nbsp; I trekked up there one day to explore.&nbsp; When I arrived, I saw a couple dressed in their wedding best having their picture taken.&nbsp; I figured they wouldn’t mind if I snapped a quick one myself.&nbsp; Like my other spy photos, you can see by how blurry it is that I was in a hurry.&nbsp; Although, this couple actually looked my way, which most of my other subjects did not.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="wedding photoshoot in Germany" data-id="340" data-full-url="https://mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/germany-and-belgium-103/" class="wp-image-340" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Germany-and-Belgium-103-scaled.jpg?w=2028&amp;ssl=1 2028w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>Weddings are one day when we seem capable of setting aside politics and differences.&nbsp; Many of us are reminded of our own loves, which is always a nice interlude in your day.&nbsp; Elegant poses, families electrified with joy, favorite foods and numerous hugs: these are the things that remain constant in Western weddings regardless of the home country.&nbsp; I suspect the same is true in other corners of the world too.&nbsp; I haven’t been to those corners yet, but when I get there, I will be sure to “crash” a few weddings and bring back pictures.</p>



<p>Have you ever stumbled on a wedding while traveling?&nbsp; If so, feel free to share the memory in the comments section.</p><p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/wedding-crashing-in-four-countries/travel/">Wedding Crashing in Four Countries</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>What Sincere Customer Service Looks Like</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[mrshomefree]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2020 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[customer service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mediterranean]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paris]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Poggibonsi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sitges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tuscany]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>In America, being a restaurant server is usually seen as either a second job that one does for extra income or as a preliminary job that someone has while they work towards their “real” job.&#160;&#160; For example, there are very... <a class="more-link" href="https://mrshomefree.com/what-sincere-customer-service-looks-like/travel/">Continue Reading &#8594;</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/what-sincere-customer-service-looks-like/travel/">What Sincere Customer Service Looks Like</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<figure class="wp-block-gallery aligncenter columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/customer-service-meme.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="384" height="271" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/customer-service-meme.jpg?resize=384%2C271&#038;ssl=1" alt="Customer service Meme" data-id="319" data-full-url="https://mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/customer-service-meme.jpg" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/customer-service-meme/" class="wp-image-319" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/customer-service-meme.jpg?w=384&amp;ssl=1 384w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/customer-service-meme.jpg?resize=300%2C212&amp;ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 384px) 100vw, 384px" /></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>In America, being a restaurant server is usually seen as either a second job that one does for extra income or as a preliminary job that someone has while they work towards their “real” job.&nbsp;&nbsp; For example, there are very high-end restaurants in America where a career as a server is viewed with pride.&nbsp; These servers see themselves as the caretaker of a customer’s happiness for a few hours.&nbsp; I have certainly had great servers in America.&nbsp; I have also had servers who couldn’t wait to “turn the table” and get the next tipper seated.</p>



<p>A friend told me a story once about her trip to Paris.&nbsp; She and her husband were trying to squeeze in a lunch before an appointment.&nbsp; They had somewhere else to be, so they agreed to a quick lunch at a café.&nbsp; The concept of a “quick lunch” on the way to somewhere else does not really exist in France.&nbsp;&nbsp; Lunches are commonly two hours long.&nbsp; All food (at any meal) is meant to be savored and digested slowly.&nbsp; After an acceptable amount of time, (for Americans) my friend requested her check.&nbsp; The waiter was aghast.&nbsp; He wanted to know if he had done something to offend them.&nbsp; Was his service unacceptable?&nbsp; Is there something he could do to rectify the situation?&nbsp; He was so sorry.&nbsp; And on and on it went. They gently explained to him that they were simply in a hurry.&nbsp; They had somewhere to be and he had not, in fact, done anything wrong at all. &nbsp;It was a fascinating moment of cultural exchange for sure.&nbsp; He learned that sometimes Americans need a quick lunch (probably thinking that we overschedule ourselves).&nbsp; They learned about what true pride in a job well done looks like in the service industry.</p>



<p>This is Frank (and a younger me).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-1 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Good customer service in Paris" data-id="318" data-full-url="https://mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/frank-medium-size/" class="wp-image-318" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?w=1632&amp;ssl=1 1632w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Frank-medium-size.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>Frank not only made our dinner fantastic, but he impacted the quality of our entire vacation.&nbsp; Frank was our waiter one night in Paris in 2006.&nbsp; It was a tiny place.&nbsp; Even with the tables packed so closely together that only a French woman’s narrow hips could glide through, there were only about ten of them.&nbsp; Frank seated us.&nbsp; Someone lit a cigarette.&nbsp; Then someone else lit up.&nbsp; I don’t know what it is like these days, but fifteen years ago, everyone in Paris smoked. &nbsp;When Frank visited our table a moment later, we prefaced our concern with, “We are Americans and we are not used to it.”&nbsp; We admitted that we considered not saying anything because we knew the restaurant was so small, there wasn’t really anywhere for us to move where the smoke would not waft over to us.&nbsp; Immediately, he said it was not a problem.&nbsp; He had a solution.&nbsp; He led us up a steep circular staircase that was not meant for these American hips.&nbsp; There was a second dining room upstairs with another six or eight tables that had not yet been opened for the evening.&nbsp; We had a private dining room for our dinner!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Frank gave me suggestions on wine and provided us with honest recommendations for entrees.&nbsp; When we asked his opinion, he gave it.&nbsp; He didn’t parrot what the kitchen told him to say.&nbsp; Like many servers, he made small talk by asking us about our plans.&nbsp; We told him we would be spending several days in Barcelona, Spain.&nbsp; He suggested that we take a day trip to Sitges.&nbsp; He said it was a Mediterranean-style paradise that was worth the trip.</p>



<p>We researched trains and discovered that Sitges is only a 45-minute train ride from Barcelona.&nbsp; We did spend a day in Sitges.&nbsp; We have never regretted it.&nbsp; We owe our fond memories of strolling along boardwalks, passing our first topless beach, and winding our way through tiny ceramics shops to Frank.&nbsp; Thank you, wherever you are.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitges Spain" data-id="322" data-full-url="https://mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/sitges-beach-2-medium-size/" class="wp-image-322" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?w=1632&amp;ssl=1 1632w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-2-medium-size.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></a></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><a href="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?ssl=1"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="676" height="507" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=676%2C507&#038;ssl=1" alt="Sitges Spain" data-id="321" data-full-url="https://mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg" data-link="https://mrshomefree.com/sitges-beach-1-medium-size/" class="wp-image-321" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=300%2C225&amp;ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=768%2C576&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=600%2C450&amp;ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?resize=945%2C709&amp;ssl=1 945w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?w=1632&amp;ssl=1 1632w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Sitges-beach-1-medium-size.jpg?w=1352&amp;ssl=1 1352w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 676px) 100vw, 676px" /></a></figure></li></ul></figure>



<p>On our very first international trip, we made a few rookie mistakes.&nbsp; One of these was to schedule our transfer from one town to another in Tuscany for a Sunday at mid-day.&nbsp; This is a two-fold problem.&nbsp; First, all Italians shut down their businesses for several hours from lunch time to mid-afternoon for a long lunch break.&nbsp; Second, Italy is a Catholic country, and <strong><em>everything</em></strong> shuts down on Sundays. &nbsp;</p>



<p>Our bus from Florence dropped us off in the village of Poggibonsi (population 28,000) around noon. It was a ghost town.&nbsp; The bus station was closed.&nbsp; There were no pedestrians or vehicles.&nbsp; Every shop in the city centre was closed, except for one.&nbsp; This woman (thankfully) called us a cab.&nbsp; I had directions to the farm (agriturismo) where we would be staying.&nbsp; I spent the next hour trying to loosely translate them into Italian with my dictionary so I could direct the cab driver.&nbsp; One hour later, when the cab driver (finally) arrived, I made the mistake of asking, “Do you speak English?”&nbsp; I already knew that Italians will never say, “Yes” to this.&nbsp; But it slipped out.&nbsp; His negative answer made me glad for my weakly translated directions.&nbsp; I sat in the front seat and tried to direct him.&nbsp; He could not understand.&nbsp; My translated directions and my interpretation attempts were pathetic at best.&nbsp; I was sooooo pitiful that he, apparently, felt badly for me.</p>



<p>He asked me to read the directions in English.&nbsp; I was baffled but I did.&nbsp; He began to speak heavily accented English to me.&nbsp; What?!&nbsp; Et tu, Marco?!&nbsp; This reminded me to stick to the <strong>cardinal rule</strong> of travel.&nbsp; You will receive better customer service if you make an effort to speak the native language first.&nbsp; It is the polite thing to do.&nbsp; Locals appreciate the effort and will switch to English (if they are capable) if they see you struggling. &nbsp;Following the Golden Rule goes a long way here.</p>



<p>Marco gave us his business card and, days later, when it was time to leave the farm, he was our first call.&nbsp; He talked non-stop on the drive back to town.&nbsp; He turned out to be funny, informative and fun.&nbsp; We miss you, Marco!</p>



<p>For the most part, I have erased most of the negative customer service experiences from my memory bank.&nbsp; I prefer to focus on the stars of the hospitality industry.&nbsp; Do you have a great customer service story that illustrates someone going “above and beyond?”</p>



<div class="wp-block-image is-style-default"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="379" height="271" src="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/manners-meme.jpg?resize=379%2C271&#038;ssl=1" alt="Customer service meme" class="wp-image-323" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/manners-meme.jpg?w=379&amp;ssl=1 379w, https://i0.wp.com/mrshomefree.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/manners-meme.jpg?resize=300%2C215&amp;ssl=1 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 379px) 100vw, 379px" /></figure></div><p>The post <a href="https://mrshomefree.com/what-sincere-customer-service-looks-like/travel/">What Sincere Customer Service Looks Like</a> first appeared on <a href="https://mrshomefree.com">Mrs. HomeFree</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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