Paris or Palo Alto?

I am still enjoying and reminiscing about our vacation holiday in France. While walking down our main street, University Avenue, here in Palo Alto, California, I am reminded and taken back to France and especially the nearly two weeks we spent in Paris.

Greeting cards from University Art Annex on Hamilton Avenue.

Bon Vivant Café recalls the charm of a Parisian brasserie on Bryant Street.

Croissants and French Toast at Café Epi on University Avenue.

Chantal Guillon Macarons and Tea on University Avenue.

La Boulange Bakery on University Avenue.

The French flag flies during "happy hour" at La Boulange.
The chain is now owned by Starbucks Coffee.
BTW, Starbucks is found on every other Parisian corner.

Les Petits Cadeaux boutique on University Avenue.

Paris Baguette, a Korean owned company, on University Avenue.
Fact: there are 2,900 stores in Korea, 50 in China and 15 in the USA.

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Peninsula Optical on University Avenue with a French Boz eyewear poster
with Eiffel Tower design.

A JCDecaux Public Toilet, the maker of French self-cleaning commodes, at Hamilton and Waverley.

8-foot-tall architectural model of the Eiffel Tower in Restoration Hardware
on University Avenue.

The historic City of Paris Dyeing and Cleaning Works building on Homer Ave.
Originally built in the 1920's, it is now an office building.

When we travel in Europe, we are constantly amazed how many American companies have a large presence there.  A French or British or Dutch or German shopping district or mall looks just like an American one. Some of the American companies we saw in France include: Abercrombie & Fitch, American Apparel, Apple Inc., Burger King, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Domino’s Pizza, Gap, Hard Rock Café, Harley-Davidson, Hyatt Hotels, KFC, Marriott Hotel, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Ralph Lauren, Starbucks Coffee, Subway, UPS, Walt Disney Company.