A Bit of Paris Sunshine on a Cold Day
Bonjour,
Yesterday was sunny most of the day which was a nice surprise! We met our friend Richard Nahem for lunch at a new crepe spot on rue de Rivoli. He has a blog many of you follow called Eye Prefer Paris. We’ve known him and his partner, Vincent, for almost 20 years! He told me he had a surprise for us; we had made many guesses but never that he has become a jewelry maker! Of course, I had to have one of the pieces. Very nice, don’t you think?
Richard is a tour guide (on the side…ha!). If you ever come to Paris, he’s an insider here and knows just what to show you.
We parted ways and at his suggestion made our way to the street of the rose bushes in the Jewish district, rue des Rosiers. He told us with horror that a Krispy Kreme was opening up there. We couldn’t believe it, but there it was directly across from the famous iconic spot for falafel. What a way to spoil the cultural ambiance of this area. Ugh!!! 
This next photo is for my daughter, Natalie. It’s her very favorite flower shop in Paris. Always the rose petals. 
It’s hard to get used to dusk at 4:30 and darkness by 4:45 so our days are cut short. We met our London friends, Malcolm and Antonia, at Sorza on Ile St. Louis and had a wonderful catch-up visit and delicious dinner. Sorry no photo! Malcolm referenced our initial meeting many years ago at the wonderful cafe at Jacquemart-André museum. It was their anniversary where they like to celebrate. I overheard them speaking English. Malcolm said we would have never engaged except that you Americans always reach out to people and we Brits never do. It was the start of a terrific friendship. We are joining them tonight at the fabulous SO hotel for dinner at the Bonnie restaurant. No outside seating unfortunately!! Google this hotel as it’s a relatively new 5-star with a breathtaking roof-top bar that overlooks the city. Summer does have its advantages.
The main thoroughfare on Ile St. Louis was decked out for Christmas.
As we crossed over to the island and right above Pont Marie, there was writing in the sky. We couldn’t figure it out but it was very pretty. Not another soul was noticing it which led us to believe that it was not a new occurrence. 
After a great night’s rest, we are off to the races in the rain this morning. Thank you for all the comments. I read every one but just run out of steam by the end of the day so I don’t always reply. It’s wonderful to have the blog to stay in touch, mais oui?
A bientôt
L & B
December 5, 2024 @ 11:19 am
We were traveling back home from Florence when your first blog post popped up in my mail and knew I had something to look forward to reading when we got home!
We have always traveled to Europe in November or December and have spent 2 Thanksgivings and 3 Christmases in Paris. We have never been there at any other time of year, but we prefer smaller crowds and we prepare and don’t really care about the cold. Paris works its magic regardless of the weather!
I know what you mean about travel being more arduous as we get older, but we will keep on as long as we can!
So looking forward to your photos of our favorite place to spend Christmas! Stay warm and enjoy the Christmas markets. I hope you are able to secure a time to see Notre Dame!
December 5, 2024 @ 11:55 am
I’m so happy you’re back! And, what a bonus to see Paris during the holidays! C’est belle!
December 5, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Your blog is the first thing I read each day. I’m so happy that you and Bernie are reconnecting with friends you made there, and am always happy to hear of your dining experiences.
Cindi
December 5, 2024 @ 1:14 pm
Love seeing all the Christmas decorations!
Eager to hear about the Bonnie restaurant!
December 5, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Thank you Linda! Look forward to your blog every day!
December 5, 2024 @ 1:59 pm
I am so looking forward to following your time in Paris. Your accounts make me feel like I am right there beside you enjoying it all. Merci. 🙂
December 5, 2024 @ 2:37 pm
I’m enjoying the blog and the photos, as always.
Enjoy your 21st (?) stay in Paris!
December 5, 2024 @ 3:05 pm
A Krispy Kreme would be an upgrade in my neighborhood and certainly would be welcomed (probably covered in our local newspaper). I think I’m finally seeing why you hope that Paris preserves its past architecture. Keeping old Paris separate from new Paris. At least no neon ‘HOT’. Am I becoming a snobbish Parian? Were those people standing in line or just standing there?
December 5, 2024 @ 5:13 pm
They were just standing in line. The new Krispy Kreme is not quite ready to open yet.
December 5, 2024 @ 3:18 pm
What lively Christmas decorations everywhere. So happy for you to be with long time friends! Loving your blog.
December 5, 2024 @ 4:52 pm
Hello Linda,
I think Paris weather will continue to be a challenge. I just read that there is an exhibit of Teddy Bears at the musee Arts Decoratifs. Maybe check it out on a rainy, blustery day.
December 5, 2024 @ 5:15 pm
Thanks for the tip!
December 5, 2024 @ 7:18 pm
Thanks for always sharing. Love it!!
Mary Ann Hickman
December 5, 2024 @ 9:01 pm
rue villa way circle not near as exciting as your Paree! Really appreciate your to🎆
December 6, 2024 @ 1:59 am
Glad to see you are out and about! We would love to meet Malcolm and Antonia someday. Your mention of Sorza and the lights on the Rue Saint-Antoine and your meeting with Richard all make me homesick for Paris. But a KK on Rue des Rosiers?! How terrible!
December 6, 2024 @ 2:33 pm
Oh, I do love that flower store! And Richard’s jewelry looks wonderful! I do think summer most definitely has its advantages with the late nights and sitting outside, etc. It appears the writing in the sky was projected from Notre Dame so it’s probably something about it’s grand opening!?
December 6, 2024 @ 3:39 pm
Now that a trip to Paris is in my future, I am reading your blog with thoughts of where I want to visit and what to see!
Enjoy your shorter days & longer nights!
Love, Jill