On Wednesday night, Erik and I were invited to the Hotel de Ville for a reception for the Accueil des Recherhceurs Etrangeres. Unsure of what to expect, we dolled ourselves up, and headed out the door. I felt a big strange all dressed up at 5:00, and once we got there, the dress code was all over the place, but it was fun to get dressed up for once, and do something that seemed pretty fancy.
This was an invite only event, and it took us about an hour to get through the line up, security and coat check. Once we got to the room where the event was being held, the both thing we both said was "I wish we had the camera!!" Luckily the cell phones came through in a pinch, and we can share a taste of our evening with you. This place is fantastic! As Erik said, the French really know how to go over the top with elaborate decorations.
The evening was started by a speech by the mayor of Paris, and a speech by someone official in charge of welcoming scientists. Basically, they were throwing the party because the city of Paris wants it's foreign researchers (900 in the Paris area) to feel welcome, and to have a good time while in France.
After the speeches, a band came out. There was a live band that played the whole evening, complete with harmonica playing lead singer. After their first song, the buffet opened, and things really got going. We had been hovering around these tables anxiously awaiting a glass of champagne. Not only was their champagne, but appetizers as well, an assortment of smoked salmon treats, and then later bite sized desserts. Yumm!
It was great! When else would be we able to wander around a couple of rooms in the Hotel de Ville with a glass (or two, or three...) of champagne? The building was absolutely beautiful. Frescoed ceilings with ornate carvings, huge staircases, and floor to ceiling mirrors, Erik is looking forward to being invited to many more fancy events in the future. I am too.
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