Friday started with a metro ride to Place de Clichy. I got out and walked down Rue Caulaincourt, where many a Parisian actually lives. I had to pop into Montmartre Cemetery, ignoring the advice of my host to "just see it from the bridge". This place was mesmerizing: the way the light filtered in through the trees; the haunting crypts; the variation in colours. I really loved it.
Naturally, there was an all-black cat in Cimetiere Montmartre. Why wouldn't there be?
I followed Rue Caulaincourt all the way behind Montmartre, drinking in the culture: packed coffee shoppes with laid back patrons; flower shoppes filled with mini roses; bookshops that smelled like old library books and polished wood; specialty shoppes expertly stocked with just the right amount of french fare to keep me wanting more.
The piece de resistance on Montmartre: Sacre Coeur. I could not believe the number of people here...
The view of Paris from Montmartre
Anvers metro station...
I might not be a ballerina, but I certainly do have a pair of demi-pointe shoes now. Look at this store...it's everything I thought it would be.
The Paris Operahouse
I had to jump into this little alley: I needed some repose from the crowds and the heat. There were two galleries at the end of the laneway, a bench, a foot rest, a breeze, and the most darling little potted-plant garden. And so I sat.
A pop over to Place Vendome, surrounded by luxury shoppes and absolutely no shade in the sweltering heat (good thing I was rested from the garden!)...
And finally...the Louvre.
After a day of walking, nothing felt better than putting my feet in the fountain at the Louvre. What a wonderful idea!
Planning a trip back to the Louvre after a rest at home since it was open until ten (sadly, I didn't make it...champagne with the hosts took precedence), I meandered back to the Arc de Triomph via le Jardin du Tuileries.
Here is the fountain around which I sat back on the reclined chairs provided, put up my feet, and read my book, The Pleasure Seekers, by Tishani Doshi. So good...book review to follow. The quality isn't great because I was zoomed right in, trying to get the pinky-blue sky, the Obelisque, and the fountain.
Our host said that on the Pont de la Concorde, one can see most Parisian landmarks. I gave 'er a try...pretty amazing.
I crossed back over the river and walked back along the Champ d'Elysees. Apparently Laduree is quite the tourist trap, but I saw more Parisians in here picking up goodies for their Friday night dinners than foreigners.
The presentation was amazing, but forgive the colour...pictures are strictly forbidden even to paying customers. Come ON.
I opted for the raspberry and vanilla macaroons...pretty good choices (not the same macaroons we make back home, now are they? I kept thinking of Joelle's macaroons fondly while I chomped through these ones...I think I prefer the former!). Though they weren't my favourite dessert ever, they were rather delicious.
Back at home, I put my feet up after a sun-burn-soothing shower and enjoyed several glasses of champagne with my hosts and their guest. It was well into the night when the topics of celebrities, Thailand, and my fifty-odd-year-old host's newest career endeavours came up. A good night indeed.
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