A Blissful Day of Leisurely Friendship
Bonjour,
Not every day in Paris is full of momentous excitement fueling dozens of photos. Some days are made to be relished slowly and completely like a glorious setting sun or a slow rain. Yesterday was such a day, focused on the warmth and camaraderie of friendship.
The Bilbros have only a few days left here in Paris before returning to the States. We met them around noon at their apartment off rue Cler for a walk to a restaurant new to all of us called Café Jacques which is in the Quai Branly Museum. Our host was Ann Jeanne who insisted on treating us despite fervent objections. From Kir Royales to desserts, and in true Parisian fashion, we had an almost three-hour lunch, sharing old and new stories about our lives as well as tips for Jim on where to find the best pastries in Paris!
Ann found my blog many years ago and helped us with our book “Bernie’s Paris.” She is a photographer, blogger, and tour guide. The pandemic was challenging, and she pivoted from doing her typical walk-around tours with individual Americans to live FB bus and walking tours around the city. She offered subscription levels to previous and new clients on FB. This seems to have been a perfect switch for her and one she is enjoying.
After a leisurely visit in Jim and Peggy’s spacious apartment, we rode the bus together to the Left Bank to pick up a new suede jacket for Jim. Oops, should have gotten a photo but didn’t. He’s stylin’ now. The bus is much easier for Peggy because of all the Metro steps, and they are slowly teaching us an appreciation for this alternate mode of transportation. Our Metro tickets work on the bus so quite easy. As we age, this may become a more reasonable transportation option for us, but as long as we can do the steps on the Metro, we’ll persist. The bus is a great way to see all the sights as opposed to being underground. It has its own set of complications just like the Metro but it’s all what you get used to. Both are extremely efficient.
Here’s some interesting sights both coming and going from this outing as well as some street art I forgot to post.
Here are our lovers for the day which were in the restaurant. I missed their kiss unfortunately.
Last evening we went out for our usual walk (no dinner for us) and landed at the Royal Turenne for a refreshment where Bernie got a photo of these interesting shoes. Out of 100 people who passed us, probably 95 of them had on tennis shoes. My, my! How Paris has changed.
Today, we are off to Montmartre in weather that is approaching mid 80’s. Finally, summer temps are here, at least for a few days.
Tomorrow…major laundry…ugh.
À bientôt
L & B
August 12, 2021 @ 8:47 am
It was a wonderful day! Blissful describes it well we so enjoyed our leisurely lunch with Ann Jeanne. Good food and good friends!
August 12, 2021 @ 1:11 pm
Thanks Linda! Love the street art.
August 12, 2021 @ 2:54 pm
So enjoyed the buildings’ art works. My favorite photo was the clock. It sounds like you had a lovely lunch and conversation with friends. These are the times you will best remember.
August 12, 2021 @ 3:58 pm
Linda, I think your blog is keeping me sane. Thank you! I remember the restaurant where you all had your lunch. You and Bernie took me there the day I discovered “The Museum of Man” — correct? So glad to see you so happy and to profit from what you view as you move through the city!
We appreciate you!!
Please tell the Bilbro’s I would like to know where their Italian apt is. I’m hoping to be in he region of Umbria next June and might drive south. Maybe you could just put us in touch via email. Merci.
XO
Jeanie
August 12, 2021 @ 7:03 pm
Glad to do that. Remind me! It’s a tiny village that starts out Guardia ???
August 12, 2021 @ 6:35 pm
Thanks again to you 4 for your support on my Patreon page and you interest in my work. I enjoyed your company yesterday
August 12, 2021 @ 9:58 pm
After many trips to Paris where I relied only on the metro, I was determined on our last trip to meet the challenge of the bus. Since one of the bus lines stopped right outside our apartment door, I felt we needed to take advantage of this convenience. We ended up loving it and I can’t understand why I was so hesitant to use it in the past. It was nice for a change to see outside as we drove through the streets. I had always heard the bus was slower because of traffic, but we never really noticed a difference. They do tend to get very crowded at the end of the work day and we were forced to stand.
The only night we were greatly affected by the bus and traffic was the night France won the World Cup and the streets exploded with people. The buses immediately became stuck in the crowded streets. We could have popped down into the Metro, but instead decided to brave the streets and were so glad we did, as we joined in with the happy exuberant people celebrating a momentous win.
August 13, 2021 @ 3:07 am
Love hearing your stories of Paris!