Paris - the place to meet perfumistas

Some of you might know, and for those who don't, this Sunday I returned from a 4-day trip to Paris where I got to spend time with perfumista friends, one of which I only knew virtually, one I already met in Paris a few months ago, and a new one. :)

Suzanne, Asali, Mark (Suzanne's husband) and I met on Thursday afternoon and from that point on, we went together on a perfume journey through the streets of Paris - and on a culinary one as well, through the numerous possible choices of bistros, cafes and restaurants (and many other names the French like to call similar establishments).
You already know I met Asali in December, and now I met a pair of perfumistas from across the Atlantic Ocean, I cannot but think that the perfumistas of the world are the most wonderful bunch of people one could ever meet.
In case you were wondering about Suzanne, she is this wonderfully nice, petite and delicate (bossy if you ask Mark) lady.
I still feel ashamed that my first words to her were that I thought she would be taller. It's just that through her blog and some of the photos there, her strength and character came through so obviously so I somehow added height to that.
And once you meet her, the quiet strength she has is obvious (well, she also doesn't lack physical strength what with her regular running routine).
Also, her love of the sun, perfumes, reading and writing and her gently inquisitive nature makes talking with her (or just hearing her explain something) a great experience.
Btw, I believe the fact that in my mind I added height to Suzanne has more  to do with the fact I wish I didn't feel big when compared to other women (so I like to refer to my build as Amazonian, that sounds much better). ;)

Mark on the other hand is rather tall, with an inquiring mind, capable hands and teasing personality (it seems he always tries to learn how to do things himself - and he succeeds as well).
We didn't get to talk much about Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings (we got a little in during one dinner) but he's obviously as much of a fan of HP as I am since while walking around the city he also noticed an interesting street (this photo is for him). :)
So when I say Paris is a place to meet perfumistas, I am including Mark in that as well. He fits the picture perfectly (for the three of us girls you already know we fit the definition).

We had lots of fun sniffing perfumes and each other (for perfumes each of us decided to try) and keeping track of who was wafting what and how come it smelled like this or that. Then we would find a bistro and have a break for something to eat and drink.
Asali called it "nerding" about perfume and I admit, I kept waiting for someone to say, OK, enough of the perfume talk already, but that never happened. :)
Some people might not think it, but I found it extremely refreshing not having to curb my perfume enthusiasm and being able to indulge in talking about perfumes to my heart's content.


Where we went, who we met, and the perfumes we bought, to come in following installments.