We are finally back in Europe for the first time since the pandemic began. With three years of accumulated credit card points, we were able to buy business class seats on Air France to Paris. This gives you a somewhat better dining experience—including, on this flight, an appetizer of Maine lobster that wasn’t bad. The best part of the business class seats is the chance to get more of a rest, as the seats are set up so you can lie down. (I still don’t sleep much on planes, but it was great to be able to lie down.)

After arriving at Charles de Gaulle and spending the usual hour-plus going through the maze of hallways, immigration inspection, and luggage retrieval, we took a taxi to our friend Edith’s, where we will spend the week. The guest room has a view I never tire of.

The first day was spent in the usual jet-lag mental fog. A nap, a short walk, dinner at home, and effort to stay awake until more or less normal bed time.