I’m actually posting this in the lounge at the Toronto airport, about two-thirds of the way home from Paris, boo-hoo. Though I must say I’m looking forward to seeing my boys, and my cats. Apparently Emily – yes, that cute little thing with the orange patch on her face, who likes to hide in my suitcase – has been peeing where she shouldn’t while I’ve been gone. Honestly, the extent to which those two cats rule our lives, and destroy our home, is truly incredible. They’re lucky I love them to bits (as I do my boys, but they tend not to exhibit the same troubling behavior).
On Monday night we had a great dinner with Gilberte and Valerie at a little boite called, rather fittingly, “Meres et Filles,” on Rue St. Paul in Le Marais. Simple and delicious, and lots of laughs all over again.
What is wrong with my head in this picture? It looks like the photo was taken in a funhouse mirror.
On Tuesday I had the entire day off till the evening. Mom and I spent it walking all over the place, and doing some last-minute shopping. Walked from Le Marais to St. Germain des Pres to Latin Quarter to Ile St. Louis.
Mom eating a macaron from Gerard Mulot in Luxembourg Gardens.
By the Seine with a tour boat and Conciegerie in the background.
Me pretending to bike in Paris.
Christmas decorations going up outside the Pantheon.
The weather was beautiful, a little chilly but lovely and sunny. Just before we crossed to Notre Dame Cathedral, we came upon a beautiful little park. I don’t remember the name – I had never seen it before. In the park was a monument, a memorial to the thousands of children who’d been deported by the Vichy Government police. Some of them were so young they had never had a chance to go to school, and the memorial listed their names. Here we were, walking and shopping and enjoying this beautiful city, and in a moment we were completely gutted.
I don’t quite know how to segue from that to the rest of our day, so I think what I’ll do is show a picture of youthful radiance and optimism.
This is Rozenn, the young woman who works for Helium, whom I said I’d like to take home in my pocket. She might rule France one day.
In the evening I went to another bookstore, Merle Moquer, to meet with another book club. I briefly met the designer of the beautiful French cover, Jeremie Fischer, which made me very happy. Julia the organizer was very kind, and directed the conversation with a lot of great questions. Again, I love the way the French do things (see below).
Really, nothing goes better with a good book than a good wine. 🙂
Now that I’m on my way home I’ll be able to upload more photos from my camera and I’ll try to post a few of the actual book clubs. Afterward we (me, Mom, Gilberte and Julia) went for dinner nearby and had a delicious meal and more good conversation.
Me, Julia and Gilberte
Gilberte and Mom – they really hit it off.
We got back to our flat at around 10:30, completely wiped after a non-stop week. This morning we boarded our plane. Business class (booked on my points) sure is sweet.
Mom with her champagne.
Au revoir, Paris. Or should I say, “a bientot.”
