Food, Friends, and Fun in a Full Paris Sunday
Bonjour,
Good news, I think, to report on my iPad situation. After a trip to the Apple store on Les Champs Elysées, I am able to continue to use my iPad. They installed a magical, superimposed home button at no charge that I can use since mine is not working. It’s a tad cumbersome, but I’ve mostly gotten the hang of it. In late August, they will have inventory arriving whereby I can trade-in my current device with a credit towards a new device with twice as much gig space for around 300 euros. It has a two—year warranty. That’s what I will probably do since mine is 5 years old. Apple service yesterday was impressive. There are so few people in Paris that the store wasn’t jammed with customers waiting at the Genius Bar. So good timing for me. We were in and out in about 30 minutes which gave Bernie time for a little nap in the waiting area.
We had a lovely day with the Bilbros beginning mid-morning with a trip to the famous open market at La Place de la Bastille, the largest in Paris. BUT, we were shocked at how few stalls were occupied and how few people were around. This place is usually a bee-hive of activity. Vendors come from surrounding areas around France to set up their wares, food products, etc. Those were the folks who were noticeably absent. We took a few photos, and I have included some from previous years to provide the usual ambiance of this experience.
The smaller market didn’t deter us from some purchases. Bernie and Peggy bought new scarves and I snared a cute reversible, wrap—around dress for 25 euros. That’s my kind of shopping.
Of course, lunch was next on our agenda and we ate at Café Francais right at La Bastille. Great lunch and Bernie’s was the most photogenic so here’s an artistic presentation of his escargots.
Next was the Apple Store jaunt, and we totally forgot to check out the progress on the wrapping of l’Arc de Triomphe. There will be plenty of opportunities. Always in search of a good bathroom, we went to the new Galeries Lafayette just down the street, took a few cute photos, and the Bilbros decided to take a rest break back at their apartment. 
Dinner had been arranged by our dear friend Richard Nahem, former New Yorker, our neighbor and Paris tour guide, photographer and travel writer…AND who is always so very punctual. We had arranged a meeting time in front of our apartment. We waited 15 minutes and finally started texting him. He had given two involved tours and laid down to take a quick nap. You know the rest of that story. We ate at a quaint spot in Le Village St. Paul called Pinot Grigio. Festive, great food, very Italian. Richard was full of questions about Peggy and Jim’s new apartment so we enjoyed hearing about their adventures. 
A dinner out in Paris is at least two hours; this one was three so we crashed into our apartment about 10pm, very tired but loving our day.
Thanks to Peggy again for getting the lovers for the day. Cute photo in the Métro.
We are so very distressed to hear about the Delta variant in the States. Please stay safe, wear masks, and get vaccinated! We’re being very careful here. Paris has never been so clean and oh, the hand washing is impressive. I’ve never seen such here…ha!
À bientôt
L & B
August 2, 2021 @ 11:31 am
The Bastille Market was one of our favorite places even though when we went it was pouring! I have a beautiful purse from there. Happy to hear Apple could help you; I enjoy reading your blog each morning. Your fashion photos were fun to see and I covet your dining experiences.
August 2, 2021 @ 2:14 pm
I remember our rainy soiree at the market. As you said, it was still fun!
August 2, 2021 @ 12:39 pm
Linda, what a fabulous post — I felt I was with you, Bernie, and the Bilbo’s so thanks for letting me tag along! Unfortunately, at the same time I was reading your post — Monday, 8/2, at 7:30 a.m. — I was watching footage of rioting in Paris about the Vaccine Passport issue. Ugh. I hope it wasn’t a big as it appeared on screen just now.
The news from Alabama and Florida is tragic, as you know. But new vaccination rates are up, so that is some hope. Right now my arts and arts/education colleagues and I are scrambling to undo in-person events, etc. The schools are all over the place about masks. Your photos from Paris are a respite, for sure!
Jeanie
August 2, 2021 @ 2:12 pm
No riots around us, thank goodness! We rarely have the TV on which is such a nice break so we haven’t seen much about the rioting though I know it has become pretty bad. They have moved the start of the vaccine pass now to August 9, from August 1. Who knows? It may get moved again.
August 2, 2021 @ 12:51 pm
Bring some of those classy masks back! We’re fully remasking. Found out last night our Amy has COVID. And their schools start back tomorrow with no system mask mandates. Thank the Lord Huntsville city is requiring. So scary here. I’m even having groceries delivered again. So glad you all are having such a wonderful time. Saw pics on the news of protests there.
August 2, 2021 @ 2:10 pm
So sorry to hear about Amy. Was she vaccinated? Hopefully, it won’t spread to the rest of the family. There are protests here but we have managed to avoid them. We’re being very careful as well. I presume you are home?
August 2, 2021 @ 1:15 pm
Remember, it is August. Those folks are all en vacance!
August 2, 2021 @ 2:13 pm
Yes, perhaps. We’ll go back in September and note the difference.
August 3, 2021 @ 8:26 pm
I enjoyed your blog. Please add me to your followers.
August 4, 2021 @ 8:12 am
Pat,
Welcome. Just go to my blog at lindaspalla.com and you’ll immediately see a place to subscribe by entering your email. You will get an email back asking you to confirm. Sometimes that one goes into your spam so be sure to check it. Merci!