A Marais Day in Paris

Bonjour,

We are just steps away from the bustling Sunday market at the Bastille in the Marais.  This morning, we thought it would make for great free entertainment for James and Stephen.  They showed up at our door around 10am and we spent almost two hours meandering through the stalls of the various goods for sale.  There is a verbal cadence to the market as the venders have their own style of luring customers.  We bought fruit, nuts, olives, scarves, tablecloths and some unique vinyl plastic containers that can be used as flower vases or for chilling wine. Tres chic!   The weather was slightly overcast and cool, a sharp comparison to yesterday; still the market was jammed.  We had a difficult time finding the knack to getting noticed and placing an order with the venders.  Perhaps our American look hindered us somewhat.  FINALLY, we got all that we needed and just enjoyed the ambiance.  The pics will tell the story.

Then we walked to the Jewish district just blocks away and showed James and Stephen the rue des Rosiers, or street of the rosebushes.  We gave serious thought to trying the Falafel off the street but decided on a nice spot where we could sit, relax and have a leisurely lunch.  The Tresor was our selection.

Then we wisked them down to L’Orangerie at the base of  the Tuileries Gardens.  This small but exquisite museum houses the large waterlily murals of Monet.  We left them to fend for themselves and do the subway jog back home.  It was free today because it is the first Sunday of the month!

These guys are swept away by Paris which is a thrill for Bernie.  They are trying to establish an orientation which is very difficult at first.  They are definitely beginning to appreciate the liveliness of the Marais and its youthful vibs.  They are also realizing how expensive everything is and having to learn the hard lesson of restraint.  I have that one perfected!

Tonight we will eat in the area and then early to bed in preparation for a bleary-eyed wake-up tomorrow.  Bernie’s American cousins will arrive at Charles de Gaule airport at 6am.  We are off to the races, as they say!

Hope you enjoy the pics and are staying warm by a toasty fireplace.  We understand it is very cold in Huntsville.

L&B