Paris best kept secret

This is my first blog post. Ever. I couldn't think of anything better to write about  in a blog about Paris and its secrets than  my unique experience this last June at the very secretly kept "dinner en blanc". It's a giant picnic, an invitation "only" event that gathers about 5,000 people at a place that remains unannounced until the very last minute.

The code is strict, you must wear white from head to toe, even the food has to be white, probably the only rule most people brake, but since it was my first time, I prepared a quail eggs and soursap salad, a peruvian ceviche, I brought the whitest cheeses I could find in the market and of course some white wine, plus a few white lilas to decorate my folding table. 

photo by luc legay

We all looked gorgeous, women wore white hats and white gloves, white feathers, white sequine jackets .... men wore ample white linen shirts with impeccable white derbies....every detail was close to perfection. Then we were told to head to Notre Dame Cathedral where the event would take place and that every row and seat had been assigned. As we got to Notre Dame and unfolded our chairs and tables at the sound of champaign bottles popping everywhere, my friend who is also from Venezuela and I, had already become acquainted with our neighboors. A french group on the left and an american couple on the right.

photo by luc legay

We all shared our food, wine, laughter, jokes and that incredible feeling of privilege of being part of something  magical.

photo by luc legay

Very late at night, the bells of Notre Dame rang and a priest came to the balcony and blessed our dinner. I wasn't the only one in tears, I promise. I felt the need to hug my family,  but I knew it wouldn't have been the same with my two little girls. I secretly made a prayer that my good friend will invite me for many years to come.

photo by luc legay