Strolling Around Notre Dame
Bonjour,
It doesn’t seem possible that we’ve been here for 17 days already! And we’re still waiting on Spring, at least by our Alabama definition! It was a national holiday yesterday, Ascension Day, or as some referred to it, the bank holiday.
The first part of our day was changing our bed, washing and then drying the sheets at the Lavomatic. Sounds quite ordinary, oui? But in Paris, it’s a laughable challenge. They don’t use a fitted bottom sheet and refitting the duvet cover is a monster endeavor unto itself. I am pleased to say that I have mastered the washing machine…only 3 hours instead of five to do two loads. We took a risk, left our clothes drying and ran to eat lunch, relieved that everything was still there when we returned. Years ago, we left a load overnight in the dryer only to find certain articles missing the next morning. Remember our lavomatic is right across from Les Temps des Cerises. Their window boxes are lovely.
In short order, we remade the bed with little profanity or argument and were off to the Shakespeare bookstore. I like to find a 5-euro book to read from their outdoor kiosks. So we walked the 3/4 of a mile there only to find it closed…due to the holiday. Who knew? It’s an English bookstore. The area was absolutely mobbed to the point of not being very pleasant.
However, we enjoyed the sun on our faces and captured some interesting photos for you in the area.
It was a lovely afternoon. We close with this adorable subway shot of school children. Oh, what it would be like to keep them all in tow. Can’t take facial shots of children in France but this one should be okay!
Here’s to a great weekend for all of you!
L & B
May 19, 2023 @ 8:57 am
What a lovely day to be out! The plan was to have Notre Dame open (but maybe not finished) by the summer Olympics in 2024. Looks like that could be a challenge. Thanks for sharing your day with us!
May 19, 2023 @ 9:50 am
The newest date is December 8 so not finished for the Olympics. We’re considering coming for Christmas and that might just be it! Depends on health.
May 19, 2023 @ 11:01 am
Very nice shots of your surroundings! Happy to hear that laundry day is not so challenging. Hope the weather warms up for you soon.
May 19, 2023 @ 2:01 pm
Today has been quite warm. I had to duck into a restroom and shed a sweater turtleneck and my scarf. Sat with sun on my back at lunch. Wonderful!
May 19, 2023 @ 2:04 pm
Did we take you all to Le Village for lunch? That’s where we ate today.
May 19, 2023 @ 11:50 am
Loved the shot of the Dixieland Band. I still have the video recording of them we took several years ago. The trumpet player reminds me of an old frat brother. Hope you have a good weekend.
May 19, 2023 @ 2:03 pm
I took a video with sound and then accidentally deleted it!
May 19, 2023 @ 1:01 pm
Another great blog. Always did (and still do) love Notre Dame.
May 19, 2023 @ 2:02 pm
Thanks for your always encouraging comments.
May 19, 2023 @ 1:15 pm
Love the lemon tree and the children! Yes, they plan to open Norte Dame on December 8 for services. There will still be work to finish, but it will be open for the Olympics. We have always visited Paris at Christmas, but of course this year, our schedule changed and we are going on November and will miss Notre Dame!
Did you know that they plan to use the Seine for the triathlon and two open water swimming events? Rad a fascinating article about that in the NYT recently. It is a costly project to clean up the Seine, but one that will hopefully have long-term benefits.
Thanks, again, for the photos and sharing your journey with us!
May 19, 2023 @ 1:59 pm
We have talked about this and a local disputed that they will actually be in the Seine. They said just a swimming pool inserted into the river. So don’t know which is correct.
May 19, 2023 @ 2:02 pm
I thought the lemon tree was exquisite…out of no where!
May 19, 2023 @ 4:11 pm
I really look forward to your adventures every day in the most beautiful city, Paris!
Your tussle with the laundry is familiar and brings back fond memories really. You have a photographer‘a eye and show the charming and tasteful side of life in Paris which I enjoy seeing once more. Thanks so much for sharing💓.
May 19, 2023 @ 4:49 pm
Merci! Are you new to the blog?
May 19, 2023 @ 4:58 pm
No, you kindly added me last year I think. I go to Nativity. I worked in London for 18 years and had a dear friend in Paris who we exchanged apartments with often! I often enjoyed a scout around Clingencourt Market for art deco bits & pieces! I’m grateful you take the time to blog for I really enjoy and look forward to whatever you do each day! Thanks💓
May 19, 2023 @ 5:18 pm
Ah, forgive me for not remembering! We too love La Marche des Puces and will try to go at least once this year. It always makes for a great post…so iconic!
May 19, 2023 @ 7:19 pm
So happy to see two days’ posts sans the boot! Having “lived” in one thrice I always worry about people’s hips and knees when walking a great deal during the confinement. Love viewing Paris through your lens. Our daughter and her family will be there in June and I have shared ideas from your blogs since I began following you a number of years ago. You are a wonderful ambassador for visitors to Paris!
May 20, 2023 @ 4:21 am
Merci for your kind comments!
May 20, 2023 @ 6:31 pm
All lovely scenes! Thanks for sharing,
May 20, 2023 @ 6:41 pm
So glad to hear from you!! Miss you.