Relishing a Slower Day in Paris
Bonjour,
Yesterday, the skies tried to squeeze out a little rain but it was precious little. Just a few raindrops as I introduced Sharon to riding the bus. Of course, in the mornings, there are fewer people so we found a seat and rode to l’Hotel de Ville for some shopping in the BHV, the Bazaar of the Hotel de Ville. The store in 2022 is nothing like it was 18 years ago, much improved, much more upscale but still beloved by the people in the area. You can find anything there and it’s a great resource, especially the basement which is like a Home Depot.
Sharon found a few gifts for friends back home, but we didn’t break the bank. She was looking for a “Paris” tee shirt which we never found. The weather overall was 4-5 degrees cooler with a nice breeze. Lunch was at Eataly and disappointing. They promote that they open at noon on the terrace but it was about 12:16 before they started seating folks. Sharon was irritated and found it rude. She would do things differently if up to her, and of course, she’s correct. My response was, “C’est Paris!” (That’s Paris!)
We walked through the Marais over to Franc Bourgeois, the best shopping street and just meandered. I found some shampoo and cream that I needed so all in all a good day for me. Back at Hotel Caron where the Tysons are staying, the concierge greeted us with, ”The guys are already upstairs.” So we sneaked across the street to a café for Sharon’s Coke and cognac! I said to the concierge, “You never saw us!” 
A bit later, we found the guys both asleep in Sharon’s room and discovered that they didn’t even go to Les Invalides but rather just talked, ate lunch on Rue Cler, and relaxed.
We all needed a slow day like this one. Dinner (if you want to call it that) was just snacks in our apartment over good conversation and some time on the internet booking reservations for next week! It’s such a chore sometimes.
Lovely day with few pictures but I think we deserve one of those!!!
L & B
August 5, 2022 @ 10:58 am
Even a slow day in Paris looks like great fun!
August 5, 2022 @ 11:38 am
Creepy car. Some Saudi whackadoo?
August 5, 2022 @ 1:06 pm
Sounds like a perfect day for all of you! Some of you sitting, talking, napping. And some of you meandering, shopping and dining.
August 5, 2022 @ 1:09 pm
Seems like you’re enjoying your friends. Very good.
August 5, 2022 @ 4:31 pm
I miss the old BHV, it’s gone so upscale now. I also miss Samaritaine. We could always find something good and would always end the visit on the roof top viewing area. Have you been since the remodel and reopening? I guess nothing stays the same.
August 6, 2022 @ 4:33 am
Oh, yes, we have been to the new Samaritaine last year. It’s for the rich and famous now. It’s lovely but there’s nothing in the store that I could afford, not even the food!
August 6, 2022 @ 8:10 pm
Great relaxing day; good to have a slower day at times. Funny car, and lovely store display!