Paris Pace

When I last posted we had just arrived in Paris.  The swanky first class carriage of the Jet Train provided a taxi booking service.  (That's how us rich folk do things, apparently!). So at the end of the platform, an Asian looking, French speaking taxi driver was waiting, holding a sign with our name.

He took my suitcase and guided us swiftly through a  maze of twists and turns, out of the station, to his waiting chariot.  No horses, just horsepower, these days.

Through the Parisienne streets he roared along, with me gazing in amazement and delight out the window.  We passed Saint Chapelle, the church within the Justice Complex, with the stunning stained glass  windows.  We drove over the Sienne, then turned immediately right.

Guess what?  Our building is on that street.  The river is right over the road.

But now we have, just like Elvis, left the building.  About 8 o'clock, 10:00 hours, we set off with three aims in mind.

1.  Gain a sense of orientation.
2.  Find some dinner.
3.  Get breakfast supplies at a supermarket.

We turned left, then left again.  At an intersection a New Orleans style band was playing with a crazy old French woman doing a weird shuffle dance all alone in front of them.  The trumpeter was even singing, a la Louis Armstrong "It's a beautiful world".

What emerged in this area was Little Lygon Street, French style, sans traffic.  The narrow streets are mainly vehicle free.

I concluded dinner with the most superb Creme Caramel.  I dipped my spoon occasionally into Rob's chocolate mousse.  I believed I made a great chocolate mousse.  Not now, I don't.

A few doors up was the supermarket, still open.  In fact, several stores were still trading and the many restaurants and cafes, all with outside tables, were doing a roaring trade.

Returning, Louis and his band were still playing ....  and Madam was still shuffling.  Was she part of the act.

We deposited the groceries in our apartment.  Despite it being ten at night, it was still light outside and a balmy evening.  Woodsie suggested we walk some more.  We crossed the road and I dreamily gazed down at the river.  Strolling to the right, you.could feel the pace and excitement.  People were everywhere.  Restaurants were still full.  Over the road past the bridge, from down a dark lane way came light and sound.  At the intersection of the narrow lane ways, all was movement and light and sound.  Street food traders, shops, people.   A carnival atmosphere.  It was amazing!!!