Finding Something New in the Familiar in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
When there’s no blog from me for your morning cup of coffee, that’s a sure sign of a rainy previous day in Paris. Taking photos in the rain is not a hit with us, and we choose to stay inside the apartment. Such was the case on Tuesday when it rained almost all day. Yesterday was another story, extremely cool for late July, but lovely outside. We can’t believe the temps as we approach August. Nor can we believe we’ve been here for almost a month!
I’m the day planner, and we had two items on the agenda Wednesday: lunch at the rooftop bar and restaurant at the Centre Georges Pompidou called simply “Restaurant Georges” and pursuit of English bookstores where I might be able to find an American crossword puzzle book. I brought a stack from home, but I inhale them especially on these rainy days.
We have visited this museum many times, and must admit that it’s not our favorite. It’s bizarre facade is unlike anything else in Paris and houses very modern art which is also not our favorite. It’s definitely an experience everyone should have…once. 
Through the years, however, we have never been to the restaurant on top. This is where we should have watched the fireworks, and we’ll pursue that next time, if indeed there is a next time!
I had carpaccio de boeuf and Bernie had his favorite, tartare de boeuf with literally a stack of French fries. We finished by splitting a yummy eclair with salted caramel. The interior of the restaurant captured the ambiance of the museum. As I approached the toilettes, I saw two port-a-potties and feared that was the restroom. Not so, just additional facilities for busy nights at the bar. Thank goodness! This is a popular drinking spot for the young.
Here are some additional outside views which Bernie was able to get with his camera.
The door of the day is from Elgise St. Merry, a very old church we passed approaching Centre Pompidou. 
Next to the church was an interesting piece of sculpture done by Khalid Dawwa, a Syrian. The work represents the portrayal of a tyrant.
After our restful and lengthy lunch, we finished our outing on rue de Rivoli, the major thoroughfare which runs almost the length of Paris, changing to rue St. Antoine by our apartment up to the Bastille. It’s old Paris at its best. If you ever doubted the effect of carbon in our environment, you have only to see the dirt and grime which collects on the older structures like Le Louvre from car exhaust.
Well, alas, no crossword puzzle books but a fun jaunt anyway. And got the new Louise Penny book set in Paris called “All the Devils Are Here” at Smith Sons bookstore, formerly WH Smith.
The Bilbros have arrived in Paris and taking a day or two to get settled. Hopefully, we will link up soon. By the way, we used our vaccine pass at Restaurant Georges to enter for the first time. Also discovered from the pharmacist that one cannot get any NSAIDS here in Paris like Aleve without a doctor’s prescription. I sometimes use a half of an Aleve PM to sleep. Too bad as sleeping through the night is an issue for me.
Please stay healthy all of you in Alabama!
À bientôt
L & B
July 29, 2021 @ 8:53 am
We are here and settling in quite well, but still have shopping to do and hope to try to get our vaccination app set up this morning. Jim is trying to update our Metro NAVIGO cards on-line which, as you know is a challenge, as is anything done online! Did you see the Fontaine Stravinsky between Saint-Merry and the Centre Pompidou? Also, is the huge wall mural of Dali still there? We are ready and champing at the bit to get out and around in Paris and get together with you and Bernie!
July 29, 2021 @ 9:15 am
We always end up going to the window at the subway and getting the attendant to update our Navigo cards. The kiosk never works for us though not for trying. We’ve never tried on line before. The fountain is completely torn up and the pool is empty. Everything in Paris is under renovation for the Olympics.
July 29, 2021 @ 11:37 am
You will love “All the Devils are Here.” We thought if you often when reading it, and Louise Penny is a favorite. Send us a rainy day; we’d love to have one.
July 29, 2021 @ 11:49 am
Love to see my Huntsville friends communicating with each other via Paris blog while in Paris. And loving the blog! Your new book is riveting, esp since you are there.
July 29, 2021 @ 3:02 pm
I’m finishing another one but will start this one soon!
July 29, 2021 @ 12:09 pm
Great pictures! Weather looks great as well.
July 29, 2021 @ 3:01 pm
Thanks, son!
July 29, 2021 @ 1:19 pm
When there was news that ranitidine (since taken off the market), then the related famotidine (Pepcid) was helpful for a COVID infection, Europe promptly sold out. My daughter has to take it twice daily, so we’ve been sending her care packages now for over a year…
July 29, 2021 @ 1:43 pm
Thank you so much for all the images of Paris taken on your daily adventures. I’m sure we are seeing a Paris the average tourist does not. So enchanting in an old world way. I regret not visiting Paris when I lived in Germany so many years ago. The European flavor is delicious!!!
July 29, 2021 @ 3:00 pm
Yes, too bad you didn’t visit Paris. It’s really great right now as there are so few people.
July 29, 2021 @ 2:48 pm
Linda, I just finished reading “The Bookseller” by Mark Pryor, murder mystery fiction that takes place in Paris (one of a series that takes place in Paris). I think you might enjoy.
July 29, 2021 @ 2:59 pm
Thanks!
July 29, 2021 @ 2:48 pm
Really joyed these lovely rooftop scenes. Am sure y’all and the Bilbao’s will again have a delightful time. We begin our journey home tomorrow. Will be back Monday. Will let you know how the appointment goes Wednesday.
July 29, 2021 @ 3:02 pm
Linda, thank you again for taking me to Paris for a few minutes this morning. It certainly gives me a fresh perspective to forget this place for a while.
But I have to say that when I went to he Pompidou with you and the visitor from Huntsville who was going to Spalding that time, I was stunned and thrilled to see the Gerhard Richter retrospective. I love modern art (though not exclusively) so next time I’m in Paris, I’m headed back there and will also try the rooftop cafe. That food looked divine!
Have you thought of downloading a cross word book from an online provider? There must be hundreds out there!
Love you and Bernie!
Jeanie
July 30, 2021 @ 5:30 am
Jeanie, you’re going to love my answer about the crosswords. Remember the Red Wheelbarrow bookstore just down from our apartment on rue St. Paul? You and I went to a book signing there once. The same owner moved over across from Luxembourg Gardens. I emailed her and she’s ordered some for me! I have done them on line and it’s about the same for me as reading a book on line.
July 29, 2021 @ 9:35 pm
I so enjoyed photos of Restaurant George! It is a welcome contrast to “Old Paris” photos. Hope the cool temperatures continue minus the rain so you are not hold up in your apartment.
July 31, 2021 @ 7:01 pm
Linda, I remember the Red Wheelbarrow very well. So glad she is still open and in such a great location!
August 1, 2021 @ 4:10 am
That would have been an awesome spot for the fireworks! And I can’t believe Bernie could see all of that from the top. That’s pretty impressive. Those are probably my favorite café chairs yet! The design and the color.