Sunday, October 29, 2006

Even in the Rain

Paris is still the most beautiful city in the world. We arrived on what appeared to be the last day of summer. The street performers were out in full force last night as we strolled along the Seine in the Rive Gauche in short sleeves.

But today it is damp and markedly colder. Even two café-au-laits failed to take the chill away.

We are staying under the shadow of Notre Dame on l’Ile St. Louis. Here are some pictures I took on the block where our hotel is located.



Right now we’re sitting at an outdoor café in the Tuillerie Gardens waiting for the Musee de l’Orangerie to open. This is the home of Monet’s 91-meters of water lilies, which was closed for renovation the last time we were in Paris. The scene is considerably different than it is on a sunny Sunday, when young children are sailing their boats in the pool, couples are lounging in the grass, and musicians are adding the background sound that so typifies Paris.

Instead I can hear the crunch of leaves underfoot, the chatter of children confined to their strollers, and the clink of spoons from those sipping hot drinks. What a window on humanity as they stroll by on their way to who knows where.



The afternoon ended with a little sun and a chance to sit and meditate while listening to an organ concert in the Eglise de la Madeleine. Even though it’s not my religion, the church is magnificent. And the concert was free, as many are.

8 Comments:

Blogger Pauline said...

I was away for the weekend and so missed the goodbye to Lourmarin, and now here we are in Paris and I'm famished! Wonderful photographs! I'm shivering at the thought of an outdoor cafe - it snowed here briefly as I hung out the wash this afternoon...

5:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is fun!

8:06 AM  
Blogger Reya Mellicker said...

Great pics! Wow!! I miss you, glad you'll be home soon!

9:06 AM  
Blogger bulletholes said...

So how is the Brie today!!! I could google up a Fondant Recipe for you but instead I will call my friend Shari Carlson the very slinky NYC Model turned Pastry chef and Owner- Operator of "Dessert Dreams" in Dallas and find you a Qualified 'Fondant au Chocolat" recipe'. Last year she was a very convincing Marie Antoinette at "Les Dames de Escoffier" Masquerade Dinner.

10:07 AM  
Blogger Mother of Invention said...

Is the food even better there? Are the leaves turning colour? We're into a few days of Indian Summer hee only not real hot.
Enjoy to the last drop of the cafe au lait!

1:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just went on an impulsive little trip to Paris last weekend (Friday-Tuesday) and had a wonderful time. I'm sorry we didn't overlap there! (I posted a ton of pics on my flickr site.) I love your photos and stories....

4:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

BTW, it looks like your hotel is on the block where Berthillon ice cream's shop is located. Oui? If you haven't been there, go... it is the best!

4:35 PM  
Blogger Barbara said...

ImaginaryGirl -- Yes, it is too bad we didn't get to have an espresso or better yet an ice cream cone together. We haven't stopped in that ice cream shop but it is on our agenda for today. Love this location!

4:00 AM  

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