Prawns in Paris

Ray hasn't traveled much in his 15 years with Rockwell Collins, but when he does, it's always been memorable.

Like the time he brought home Cheesecake Factory cheesecake in his suitcase.
Or when I got delayed coming home from a trip to Spain and arrived a few hours AFTER he left on a business trip.

In November, Ray was sent to Paris, France to meet with a sub-contractor. It sounds wonderful, but the schedule was grueling (or at least that's what he told us...I think he was exaggerating to make us forget about his business class seat on the direct flight from Chicago to Paris!!) As travel goes, there are always stories and this was one of the best:

The last night in Paris, the team stopped work about 7:30 p.m. so a couple of the guys could see the Eiffel Tower before it closed. Ray and others who had already visited milled around so that the whole group could go to dinner together. About 10 pm they decided where to go eat, and about 11 pm they arrived at a restaurant on Champs-Elysees. After the orders were placed, a co-worker pointed out that Ray's prawn appetizer -- at 46 Euros or about $65 US -- cost more than his meal. So Ray agreed to split it with the guy. When the appetizers arrived, Ray was handed a plate with elaborate garnishes and one prawn! After overcoming his shock, true to his word he cut it in half and shared with his co-worker.

Ray's Paris travel advice: you get great-tasting food -- and more for your money -- at off-the-beaten-path sidewalk cafes than in the fancy main street restaurants.


Next trip: Savannah, Georgia; December 16-20. Check back to read what humorous mishap follows him home.