Refreshed, Renewed and Rarin’ To Go
Bonjour,
It’s amazing what nine hours of sleep can do for your body and mind. With a comfortable bed, total peace and quiet, a good coffee pot, and we are happy campers this morning. We have absolutely no street noise since our apartment faces the courtyard, but I can thankfully still faintly hear the church bells from Eglise St. Paul, St. Louis.
And, it appears that we’re going to be blessed with another perfect weather day.
It was great fun to hear from so many of you on the comments section of the first blog. Check it out if you haven’t already.
We met our friend Hannah at Le Trocadéro yesterday for lunch and then a tour of a new exhibition about Notre Dame. It explained in intricate detail the meticulous efforts to clean up after the fire. The opening tableau upon entering made a drastic statement of what the nave looked like after the spire fell. The gaping hole at the top took my breath away.
The museum on architecture and patrimony housed the exhibition and offered some great views of the Eiffel Tower. 
Hello, I forgot my phone so Bernie took all the photos yesterday. Here’s the traditional view of the Tower without any construction. Yay, it’s been years since we’ve gotten this unobstructed view!
We both took little naps yesterday after our outing, sure signs of age, I believe! No dinner for us, just a slight snack in the apartment followed by our favorite pastime of people-watching at Le Bouquet St. Paul. It has to be the best corner in Paris. We saw dear friends for a visit and then home to an early-to-bed.
My foot is definitely there but holding up okay. And here is our fun joie de vivre photo taken in front of the church. These cute doggies created quite a stir!
We learned some disturbing news last night from our friends. The May 1 protest did cause damage in our area since much of it originated at La Bastille. The Monoprix windows were smashed in as well as storefronts on Beaumarchais at the motorcycle stores. Also some small fires were started in the streets. The next round of protests are not scheduled until June 6, thank goodness, and will originate from Montparnassee which is a long way from where we are. No worries about garbage pick-up in our arrondissement because it is contracted out with a private company. These are strange times in Paris!!
Hope you have a great day!
L & B
May 4, 2023 @ 10:38 am
Sounds like a very lovely day!
May 4, 2023 @ 10:39 am
Sounds like you are off to a good start. Good weather, well rested, and already connecting with friends sounds like a perfect start to your trip. Huntsville is expecting rain beginning Friday off and on for a week with temps in the 80’s. Summer’s here.
May 4, 2023 @ 10:41 am
I love your posts! I live vicariously through your travels. Today is National PrayerDay! I remember all the beautiful pics of churches. Keep them coming!!
May 4, 2023 @ 11:54 am
I am delighted you are in Paris at your favourite location .Your generous sharing provides me with a “mini moment “ in my favourite city each morning !
Prayers for safety, good health and priceless discoveries.
Jemalee
May 4, 2023 @ 2:31 pm
So Happy to see you and Bernie have returned to Paris. My heart skipped a beat when I saw your first email. I look forward to 2 months of delightful Paris doings for you two. Be careful not to overdo your foot these first days. We don’t want you laid-up. There is much to do in your neighborhood for a start. Bonne chance
Bonnie
May 4, 2023 @ 4:40 pm
Good that you are well rested and already connecting with friends. And not wasting a moment! Naps are good for all of us, especially those afternoon power naps! Those doggies may not appreciate their ensembles! However, they are quite Parisian in appearance.
May 4, 2023 @ 11:03 pm
I am so happy to see that you are back and ready for yet another fabulous Parisian escape!
What fun for us all!
May 5, 2023 @ 4:40 am
How are you doing after your broken hip? Glad you are along for the ride.
May 5, 2023 @ 11:27 am
With the exception of mild arthritis, I feel fully recovered and am grateful everyday for that!
I’m happy to hear that your broken ankle did not hindered your plans to return to Paris. I look forward to sharing your adventures:)
May 5, 2023 @ 2:06 pm
It’s a fractured right metatarsal on my right foot. Not really that bad. A broken ankle would be much worse!
May 6, 2023 @ 11:14 am
Little naps are the best! So glad you are having such good weather.
May 6, 2023 @ 3:54 pm
I am happy to see that you and Bernie have returned to Paris this year. I look forward to visiting that magical city vicariously through your adventures.