Pleasure in the Ordinary in Paris
Bonjour mes amis,
People often ask me what we do every day in Paris for three months. The simple answer is always, “We just live!” Groceries have to be bought, laundry has to be done, some days a little cleaning is demanded, and always meal preparation and cooking. Yesterday was one of these ordinary days.
A trip to the Monoprix was first on the agenda for groceries, and then a walk through one of the great fruit stands near us deserved a closer look. They are works of art in a way.
Bernie tracks every penny we spend and given the increase in food prices, we have spent a bundle on restaurant dining. So our commitment is to be a little more frugal and to eat at the lesser expensive spots in Le Marais for lunch which is always cheaper than eating dinner out. There are literally dozens of cafés we’ve never visited. We began yesterday for lunch at a small Chinese restaurant called Noodle Corner. We walked out with only a 30–euro tab after two cups of espresso and great service. I yearned for a fortune cookie but none was offered. They take only cash, a secret to keeping the prices low!
We are on a mission to find some original artwork of Le Sacre Coeur for a friend. Thus far our efforts have been unsuccessful. We decided to go to the d’Orsay museum because sometimes artists are gathered in the immediate area selling their works. BUT IT WAS MONDAY and the museum was closed. I forgot to check so we got no farther than the pedestrian bridge across the Seine where I could see no one standing in line. I’m usually super good about checking on things like this but just forgot yesterday. Much of the city is closed on Mondays! That would drive me a bit crazy if I lived here all the time. Anyway, we had a very nice stroll through the Tuileries, the garden adjacent to Le Louvre.
We rode the bus up to Hotel de Ville in preparation for a little shopping. I found our first set of lovers, the fantastic front door to the massive City Hall of Paris, and a hint to the Olympics in 2024.
I’ve been looking for a red winter purse because mine is showing its wear. There is a great shopping alley behind the BHV, the big department store. It sits beside one of the ancient churches in Paris, L’Eglise Saint—Merry which has been significantly cleaned. It’s worth a look.
And yes, I did find a new purse, ladies…a more subtle red for winter. Only 35 euros.
We almost feel guilty enjoying our days here when the rest of the world seems to have gone off the rails. Hope it brings some glimmer of enjoyment to these stressful days.
À bientôt
L & B
August 31, 2021 @ 9:50 am
Your photos and travelogue are a joy and a needed break from the heartbreaking headlines of the world. Thank you!
August 31, 2021 @ 11:18 am
Merci Beaucoup
August 31, 2021 @ 12:21 pm
Even the ordinary is extraordinary in Paris. Colorful outdoor markets for produce is one of my favorite things. The churches are all interesting in their architectural and stained glass features. You are the queen of bargain shopping and you always select beautiful pieces.
August 31, 2021 @ 2:45 pm
Merci, Cindi! Shopping is so difficult for me here. You’d think after all these years, it would get easier and less intimidating but it doesn’t. I have no closed toed shoes except tennis shoes so guess I will have to make those work except for dress up. Wish you guys were here! We’d go shoe shopping together.
August 31, 2021 @ 12:32 pm
Yes, they are, Linda. I agree with Judy. And don’t bother to explain what you do all day in Paris! We know. You are “being there.”
This weekend was especially difficult but luckily Montgomery received very little damaging rain from Ida. Pictures from Louisiana are heart-breaking. Parts of the barrier islands are completely cut off. New Orleans is totally dark.
Thank you again for showing us so many aspects of the city you love. I really think you should stay as long as you can, my friends. This place is going to be a big shock when you get back. 🙂 I know you are keeping up. So happy for your trip this time, and the memories that will sustain. I hope Europe is open to USA travelers next summer.
August 31, 2021 @ 12:57 pm
How lovely to read and see this on this crazy rainy morning! Gorgeous photos – I particularly love the amazing panoply of tomatoes. Keep well and know how very much joy you bring with your posts. You brighten every day. Best to you both!
August 31, 2021 @ 2:42 pm
Merci, Beth!
August 31, 2021 @ 1:31 pm
Such a welcomed break for us with all the stresses experiencing. Looking forward to when we begin to feel fall temps. Love the purse. Just the right size. Do you try those exotic fruits? Tomatoes look amazing. And so far, surgery is still a go. We pray each day they don’t call to cancel.
August 31, 2021 @ 2:42 pm
Prayers for the surgery! I like the regular figues and the papaya but haven’t tried the other, but may give the little green Prunes a try.
August 31, 2021 @ 3:10 pm
What a breath of fresh air your posts bring! Your glimpses into daily Paris life bring vicarious joy and are a welcome distraction. Thanks for the time you spend in putting them together.
August 31, 2021 @ 6:44 pm
Merci, Liz! So glad you are enjoying the blog!
August 31, 2021 @ 4:59 pm
I really love the photos of fruit and veggies- food as art. I also enjoy the lovers you manage to find each day. Remember that tee shirt that read “Paris is for Lovers” ? It really is.
Thanks for your posts!
August 31, 2021 @ 6:44 pm
Merci, Beth! I’ve gotten many dirty looks and was yelled at once taking these lover photos. Yikes!
August 31, 2021 @ 7:25 pm
I enjoyed your stroll around the area, including the fruiterie and the City Hall doors. Beautiful! We do miss it!
September 1, 2021 @ 4:26 am
We totally miss you guys!
August 31, 2021 @ 9:44 pm
Your blog continues to be a pleasure to enjoy and an escape from the chaotic world we live in during these difficult days surrounding us.
September 1, 2021 @ 4:25 am
Merci, Mary Jane!