I always thought I don't like ice-cream ..

And then there was Paris. Bidding 'au revoir' to Paris, all I can think of are the ice-creams and sorbets I had. The first spoon of melon sorbet was a melon explosion in my mouth. I had never tasted anything like it other than the fruit itself, and this was much better. The sugar content was just right, and surprisingly, the one thing about cold things I don't like - the coldness - didn't bother me. I was enjoying it so much that Madhu was truly jealous that she chose panna cotta instead. The panna cotta ice-cream she got was good too - light, creamy and just right.

After our first taste, we tried many many others - mango, passion fruit, pistachio, caramel - they were all scrumptiously good.  And, I enjoyed ice-cream as never before!

And we ate, and we ate and we ate...

No matter what you taste - from a blueberry muffin to a penne with tomato basil to a raisin cake to a warm apple galette with ice cream - everything tastes special - from a road side hole in the wall to a nice sit down restaurant, the quality and flavor of food is mind-blowing.

The flavors are always spot on. Not too greasy or sugary. And when your waiter says something is spicy, you better believe it. There is also a great variety of food here. As vegetarians, to say we were apprehensive of our chances for good food in Paris is saying it mild. Paris really surprised us, from the libyan galette with zatar to crepes with cheese, eggs or with nutella to falafel, there is great street food at low cost anywhere you go.

Having cash at hand definitely has its advantages, a glass of wine will cost you €3 at the bar when the same might cost you double if you order it from your table! A crepe from a small street side vendor (with a couple of tables) is better taken to go than use their table. If you want a quick picnic, hop into a neighborhood boulangerie for a baguette. Don't forget to get some cheese at the fromagerie next door. Oh, how about those macarons at the patisserie across the street? There you go, doesn't that sound perfect? A cherry on top would be to pick a great spot - the gardens in front of Eiffel tower, along the banks of Seine or just any neighborhood park. You can't go wrong in Paris.

By the way, once you get a table at a restaurant, they don't expect you to leave anytime soon, they don't give you a bill unless you ask for it. You don't really have to leave after you pay your bill! And no tips, service charge is included. We always rounded off the bill, but there is no expectation of that too.

I did not see anyone hurry anywhere except on the subway. Maybe even that was to get the best street-viewing spot at their favorite cafe? I don't know how the French do it, but I am amazed by how much they enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday lunch, always taking time for food, chatting with friends and of course wine with a cigarette alongside.