General Yeager

I had saved up my pennies and determined lunch would be cheaper so made a reservation for November 1, 1986, at the Tour DArgent (the tower of silver), one of the best, most expensive restaurants in Paris. It was on the top floor and overlooked Notre Dame from across the Seine. I love walking in Paris love the architecture and the ambiance. I was we... aring my sneakers or walking shoes and had my nice shoes in my small backpack. With my natural Philadelphia city gait, I overtook two loud, rich, clearly American women in heels heading in the same direction. I rang the doorbell and a Matre D answered. He looked at me and my shoes and was about to close the door when he espied the two Americans with better shoes. He let them in. With disdain and still not sure attitude as only the Parisians can do, he let me in. In my university in Paris days, the high-end establishments often let in young folks with torn jeans because the aristocratic kids often dressed like that but had plenty of money to spend. The Matre D hoped he had guessed right, Im sure. I went to sit on a chair when he stopped me. No, Madame! La (there)! I went to the bench in the corner in the dark, pulled out my nice shoes and put them on. Next, I pulled out my wallet. He took my backpack as though it was dirty laundry almost holding it with two fingers as far away from his nose as his arm could go. Then he directed me to the elevator. I rode it up and entered the dining room with grand windows where one could see forever towards the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th arrondissement (sections of Paris). I noted the two women were in the center table to see and be seen. The upstairs Matre D sat me by the window. Perfect view of the Seine and Notre Dame. They brought me a menu. I ordered the duck, and I cannot remember what else. They asked if I wanted wine. I thought why not the whole experience so I got a half carafe, hoping I had enough French centimes. I had travelers checks and tried to convince myself they would surely take them in this internationally known ...Read More