A Sunday Filled with Surprises
Bonjour,
The weather gods continue to shine down upon us! And I might say that it’s well deserved! Our day was beautiful, nicely cool and sunny. We thought it would be a calm, easy catch-up day, but there were surprises afoot.
The visiting couple (Valerie and Derrick from Nashville) with their 4-year old called about 11 suggesting that we meet up with them after their river cruise over near the Eiffel Tower. First-time visitors to Paris have no appreciation for travel time or effort. With Line 1 down, it took us about 40 minutes to get to them. They were delightful especially little George, the 4-year old. Just precious. Sorry, no pics as I left my phone in the room on the charger, and all the photos of us were taken on their phones. We were ready to suggest a soirée for them to the Jardin d’Acclimatation, a children’s playground. Suddenly about 2:30, they announced a desire to go to the flea market at Clignancourt! I politely did everything I could to discourage this (terrible neighborhood, long subway ride, closed at 6pm, not very child-friendly, need a whole day there, etc. etc. etc.) but nothing would do but to head out.
It’s a bit difficult to get into the authentic part of the market (past all the hoards of vendors hawking knock-off products). When we finally got to the best section, it was 3:45! But they were completely mesmerized by its charm and all the antiques. Their clear intent was to purchase something LARGE and have it shipped. We had alerted them to our 6pm dinner reservation and left a little before 5pm. We have no idea if they made it back or what they purchased but c’est la vie! It was indeed a good memory for them. Here’s a few photos from Bernie’s phone of the market, Marché Aux Puces (fleas). It’s a must-see at least once and is only open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The eating and “toilette” facilities are much better these days compared to earlier visits. I like to say that the market is held together by duck tape, electrical wires and bubblegum!
We hauled it over to Le Palais Royal and our final dinner for this year with our friend Hannah. Always the dancers in the area.
Our dinner was at Le Grand Colbert and it was perfect.Many thanks to Hannah for the photos.
At the end of this week, my daughter, Natalie, and grandson, Carson, will arrive. Can’t wait. It will be Natalie’s fourth visit and Carson’s second. I am blessed indeed!
L & B
May 22, 2023 @ 8:31 am
I’m getting excited!! Trying to get things settled a bit here before I come. Love the last few pics…I would be “all in” for dessert…not so sure about any of the other, ha! Croque madame here I come (and crepes, oui)!
May 22, 2023 @ 8:42 am
Hi
I loved the Marché aux Puces when I was a student especially.. I would go early early early in the morning to scout out things.. I bought my pea coat there. ( still have it and wear it!). used of course. I learned about used clothing there from my French friends ( or as we now say, vintage!).. it was a great morning spent. but yes, hard to find bathrooms! One time when my parent came to visit, as we were walking around my dad saw a violin for sale.. he asked if he could play… I was so embarrassed I fled, ran away ,, when I ventured back, my dad was playing the violin and all the French around were in circles watching, listen and enjoying, Some one came by with an accordion and the two were playing a duet… People there threw money down ( which of course my dad kept saying no)… anyway, when I came back my parents were the toast of the Marché… and my dad gave the hat filled with money to the accordion guy… which everyone there cheered… and then brought him and mom food… Quite a day… Every time my parent s came to visit, it was off to the marché aux Puces!..
May 22, 2023 @ 9:24 am
What a fabulous memory for you and now for us. Merci beaucoup for sharing!
May 22, 2023 @ 9:47 am
The best joie de vivre photo! A perfect end to your hectic day fulfilling the dreams of others. When we were in Paris in December, we arrived on my husband’s birthday and the waiter put one of those flaming ‘candles’ on the tray with his dessert. I was so shocked by how big the flame was that I didn’t get one photo! When I try to explain it to friends, they really don’t understand how late the flame was and now I can show them the photo on your blog! Thank you, and isn’t it nice to celebrate a special day more than once!
May 22, 2023 @ 9:54 am
Absolutely. Best elongated birthday ever!
May 22, 2023 @ 9:49 am
What a great day followed by dinner at Le Grand Colbert which used to be one of the places we would always go to on a visit to Paris as Malcolm took me there for lunch after he proposed.
Have a super day today!
May 22, 2023 @ 9:54 am
We’ll go there together next time.
May 22, 2023 @ 11:42 am
What a fun day! You and Bernie often get to view the special places in Paris through the eyes of newcomers, and sometimes with a 4 year old! Le Grand Colbert is one of our favorite spots to dine. How nice you got to go there with your friend and what a nice dessert surprise.
May 22, 2023 @ 12:31 pm
Another fun day. Used to visit “Fleas” back in 60s. Always enjoyed it.
Thanks!
May 22, 2023 @ 12:36 pm
Love the flea market! Got an antique Louis Vuitton trunk there that I use as a coffee table!
May 22, 2023 @ 1:29 pm
Oh, my….what a small world this is!! Your visitors from Nashville are the son, daughter-in-law and grandson of my dear friends from the Memphis area. I knew that were embarking on a family trip to Europe, but did not know their first stop was Paris. What fun to read of their adventure with the two of you!
May 22, 2023 @ 1:55 pm
That is unbelievable!
May 22, 2023 @ 9:54 pm
My favorite photo of all these is the Fois Gras on toast! Oh, how I miss that Parisian fois gras! Second favorite is you with your birthday surprise! Sweet times!