Finding our New Rhythm and Daily Cadence
Bonjour,
Yesterday was the quiet day in Paris… Monday. Many shops and museums are closed which means less circulation and traffic. It’s a bit maddening until you get used to it.
We did more walking around the area and discovered ATM’s close by which is great. Also, my observation is that this once used to be quite a nice area but has become very run down and quite abandoned. BUT only a few streets over, things improve drastically as evidenced by a Pierre Hermé shop and a Ladurée, both offering their delicious macarons. Also some nice dress shops. Very close by is Le Marché des Enfants Rouges, a famous open air market which had already closed by mid afternoon. We’ll return today to see what we discover. 
There were some other cute little shops that seemed to pop out of nowhere amid the time-worn environment. This reality is true in all of Paris, and maybe since all is new, I’m just more sensitive to the contrast.
We had a nice lunch of salmon with rice at Le Royale café down the street, then a restful afternoon in the apartment where having surfed through 500 channels, I finally found the news stations in English on the television…CNN, BBC, and the 24-hour news channel for France. A little goes a long way but it’s nice to know what’s going on at home.
After an omelet for dinner in the apartment, we rode the bus to St. Paul and did our evening stroll along the river. Unfortunately, none of Bernie’s French pals were out and about. It was a cool, beautiful, breezy evening. Enjoy the photos.
Cafe chairs for the day. 
A word about the bees! They are protected here as at home for all the reasons we appreciate, but they are definitely difficult. It’s almost impossible to eat outside anywhere without being attacked. You just learn to ignore them as best you can. There are over 1000 hives in Paris now and many are on famous places like Notre Dame (though maybe the fire took a toll), Le Tour d’Argent, Luxembourg Gardens and on top of many of the hotels. I fear getting one in my mouth as I’m eating!
Today, we will head back to Le Marché des Enfants Rouge and then over to the Shakespeare bookstore for a new book to read in English. They have bargain kiosks with books for 5 euros. I have been reading a book by Danielle Steele which I found at the Newark airport called “Complications.” I bought it because it was set in Paris, but I find it juvenile and so poorly written. My novel (unpublished as yet called “8 Days in Paris”) is better! Does anyone know it? Very disappointed.
So, time for a chuckle. As I’m writing this, it’s 66 degrees in Paris and I’ve pulled out a scarf!
À toute à l’heure,
L & B
July 26, 2022 @ 10:10 am
I can never tell if my comment goes through. Did you get the one about Les Philosophes?
July 26, 2022 @ 10:40 am
No, I don’t think so!
July 26, 2022 @ 11:17 am
Thanks for taking us on a lovely stroll!
July 26, 2022 @ 12:40 pm
Congratulations on moderate weather! Thank you for your photos of your old and new neighborhood. Love your new dress, it will serve you well on the days temps are unbareable.
July 26, 2022 @ 12:44 pm
Sounds like a rest got you going again…..am so glad we are on your list…..have loved the tour. Dad here burying two friends sons…The Lewters and Peter Barbers😥
July 26, 2022 @ 12:51 pm
Love love my daily visit in Paris! Rereading Prince of Tides since I read it in the 80’s and remember very little. Conroy’s writing is amazing! I think we are alike in that I have to read good writing. Have you read Boys in the Boat? Excellent!
July 26, 2022 @ 1:12 pm
I had mentioned that an old favorite restaurant of ours was around your new neighborhood I think . It is Les Philosophes. Just wondering if it’s still there and if you’ve seen it or tried it. I used to love their duck.
July 26, 2022 @ 1:20 pm
I think this is in our old neighborhood, on rue Vieille-du-Temple. Near Le rue des Rosiers. We’ve stopped for a drink but never eaten a meal there. It’s in the 4th arrondissement; we’re in the 3rd or Haut Marais.
July 26, 2022 @ 2:59 pm
Why did you call them a ‘Typical French couple’? Or were you just rambling on?
July 26, 2022 @ 3:01 pm
They just looked like a French couple to me, especially with his glasses.
July 26, 2022 @ 4:05 pm
To me, a perfect day in Paris- exploring the unknown and ending in Marais area.. I hope you find a place in your old haunts next year.
July 26, 2022 @ 4:13 pm
Well, yes, we’ll have to see. It’s been very hard this year. Age!!
July 26, 2022 @ 6:12 pm
Yes, I liked his glasses too. If I knew what avant garde meant, I label them as that.
July 27, 2022 @ 1:13 am
Loved reading about your day. We have visited several of the places you featured so it brings back such happy memories for us.
We will be in Paris next year.
Really looking forward to it.
Enjoy being in Paris through your and Bernie’s eyes.
Always interesting.
July 27, 2022 @ 7:15 pm
Oh I want your temps!! Is 8 Days in Paris online? Also, forgive me, what is the deal with the wall that used to be around Paris; I don’t believe you have shown me that. Miss being there!! Y’all should stroll around at night – it’s fun!
July 27, 2022 @ 8:50 pm
I sent you “8 Days in Paris” in email. All of Paris in its early days was a walled city especially visible in Le Marais. We have strolled around many hours at night through the years, even walked the river at midnight.
July 29, 2022 @ 2:10 pm
I am enjoying your wonderful pictures and blog each morning as I vicariously visit Paris with you and Bernie. Thanks for the tour and insights you provide. Hope you continue to enjoy cooler weather and wonderful foods.