Earlier this week, my coworker Hans and his wife Danielle had me and my other coworker, Manoela, and her Husband Thibolt (pronounced Tebow) over for dinner.

Hans and Danielle live in a town called Bievres (Beaver). They are well traveled and have unique souvenirs from their trips throughout their house. They also have a beautiful garden in their backyard, where we ate appetizers and drank champagne.

Danielle is quite the chef, and we had a real French meal that topped every French restaurant I've been to. We had five or six courses, each more delicious and better presented than the last. The conversation at dinner was especially interesting for me—we talked a lot about politics, discrimination and socio-economic classes in France. I know there are big differences in the French and American governments, but it was interesting to hear from the perspective of those who live in France (I can't say "of the French," because Hans is German and Manoela is Brazilian). My dinner companions were thoughtful to speak in English for me, although when they got passionate about a subject they'd inadvertently switch to French.

Hans drove me home after dinner. The congested streets of Paris were cleared and I got a beautiful view of the city. We drove along the Seine for a while and right in front of the Eiffel Tower. I'd walked most of the streets we drove, but you get a much different view when you drive, as you can take an entire building in, and not just your limited view from the sidewalk.

It was a lovely evening.