We’re Back for Another Soirée in Paris!
Bonjour mes amis,
If you followed us last year, you know what a horrible entry day we had and how frustrated we were with our location. This year has brought the opposite situation. We are back on rue St. Paul in the Marais at the very end on the Quai Celestin near the river. It’s a building we have stayed in before with a lift and a lovely courtyard. In one word, it is TINY. But very efficient. We checked in around 10am yesterday and have found a place for everything. The size and grandeur of last year’s apartment doesn’t begin to outpace this location. We’ve already connected with two of our friends. If we sit at a cafe long enough, we’ll most likely see folks we know! How wonderful.
The city greeted us with gorgeous weather, a bit chilly in the 50’s but a lovely blue-sky day! There was no evidence of the “manifestations” from yesterday’s holiday, and hallelujah, no garbage on the streets. Don’t worry about us: we are fine, just very tired after a long, hard travel day.
Here’s a quick look at our little pied-à-terre. I love how the sun dances through the three big windows all during the day. It is promised to be very quiet which is music to our ears.
As to our photo theme, I’ve entertained ideas from many of you from crosses to flowers, light fixtures to the Dish of the Day, fashion to statues. Last night at dinner, we were talking about the recent protests over the change in the retirement system in France. It is partly a statement about the French way of life, a focus on le joie de vivre or joy of living and of course partly about poor communication and obstinance from the government. We decided to select daily examples of folks epitomizing that pleasure of life. Here’s a couple from last night’s stroll along the river. 
To close, here’s a surprise for many of you. I have come to Paris with a fractured right foot. I’m walking in a boot, but so far have done just fine. It happened a week ago while I was walking into Rotary at the VBC. You would think that I could find a better story than that! Hardships are about attitude, and I’m trying to have a good one so as not to spoil our cherished time here.
So glad you’re along for the ride!!
À bientôt
L & B
P.S. Since it’s springtime in Paris, we’ll also capture the beautiful flowers.
May 3, 2023 @ 6:55 am
Hi Linda and Bernie, great to hear that you are back in Paris and enjoying your location and accommodation. Wishing you a great stay! We have been in Madrid for a few days and head back home to London today. It has been glorious to feel warm again! It has been so cold in the UK. Hope your foot recovers soon Linda. Love to you both, Malcolm and Antonia X
May 3, 2023 @ 8:21 am
Lovely flowers! So glad you’ve found a nice spot to land and that it was an easy landing. Looks like this apartment isn’t as high up as the one you had before in this building. Rest up and have a wonderful time!
May 3, 2023 @ 10:01 am
So happy you were able to return and to find a flat on Rue St. Paul! I applaud your intrepid spirit to travel with a broken foot! Thank goodness the building has a lift. The courtyard looks lovely and it will be wonderful for you and Bernie (and us through your photos!) to see the flowers of Spring in Paris.
May 3, 2023 @ 10:58 am
So glad you’re back! I’m looking forward to many Parisian days with you and Bernie!
May 3, 2023 @ 11:12 am
We were both surprised that it was already time for you to be back in Paris! But how wonderful it is that another Paris adventure has begun. The photo theme is a great idea. Good luck with that foot– been there, done that. Nothing will keep you young folks down.
May 3, 2023 @ 11:24 am
so glad to see this and to know you have arrived safely and nestled in.
Great theme, and love the flowers shared!!
Enjoy!
May 3, 2023 @ 11:34 am
Linda,
I’m thrilled you are back in the saddle in a place both you and Bernie love. Looking forward to reading your posts and enjoying your photos!
Cindi
May 3, 2023 @ 11:35 am
Glad to know you reached safely. Sorry about the fracture. Your attitude is a good example of how to handle hardships. Look forward to more photos and adventures. Take care.
Shobha
May 3, 2023 @ 12:04 pm
I was just going to email you, getting concerned because we had not heard from you. Great news! Have a blast! Love the theme!
May 3, 2023 @ 12:21 pm
It all sounds wonderful! Your location is sure to make a huge difference from last year’s experience. I’m happy for you both. Sorry to hear about your fracture. I hope it continues to do well.
May 3, 2023 @ 12:24 pm
Despite your injury, you’re conveying a colorful and upbeat beginning to your trip. Sounds like a great location. Good planning finding a place with a lift. How long are you staying?
Have a nice trip.
May 3, 2023 @ 2:09 pm
We are staying for two months!
May 3, 2023 @ 12:37 pm
Yeah for good starts!
May 3, 2023 @ 12:59 pm
Good to know y’all arrived safely and love your location! I look forward to sharing your journey and “ pleasures of life!”
May 3, 2023 @ 1:03 pm
I look forward to reading your blog this summer!
May 3, 2023 @ 1:09 pm
Welcome back to your home away from home. Yes, the apt does look cozy, demanding economical organization. PTL for the lift. Will anxiously anticipate Parisian pleasantries of life. The mountains up here are REALLY chilly. Downright cold in evening and mornings. We’ll be off to Maryville and a packing routine Saturday. Be safe and nurse that foot.
May 3, 2023 @ 1:12 pm
Bravo Linda for making the trip despite your injured foot!!
May 3, 2023 @ 1:26 pm
Your Pied a Terre looks beautiful!
Looking forward to enjoying yours and Bernie’s stay until I get back.
I’ve only been home for less than a month and I’m ready to return!
Bonne journe’
May 3, 2023 @ 3:52 pm
So happy you’re back! I love your posts!
May 3, 2023 @ 3:56 pm
Looks wonderful! We are in Nice and enjoying fabulous weather. Headed to Provence villages soon. Maybe we will see you when we get to Paris in a couple of weeks.
May 3, 2023 @ 4:25 pm
Hi Linda and Bernie! So glad you have such a lovely location to stay this year! You are the creator of great stories and I think you could embellished that foot story a bit. Hoping healing happens quickly! I look forward to reading about all your adventures. Be safe and have fun!
May 3, 2023 @ 5:24 pm
Hope you and Bernie have a wonderful time in your favorite place. A little extra time sitting at the cafe, for your foot of course, sounds divine. Enjoy!
May 3, 2023 @ 8:22 pm
Love, love, love the flowers! Have a blessed time!!
May 3, 2023 @ 11:24 pm
I cannot believe you have an injury from Rotary! So glad you are back in lovely Paris and am so grateful to join you virtually through your adventures! Love the pictures of Paris life! (And flowers!)
May 4, 2023 @ 12:59 am
I was so excited to see you and Bernie are back in Paris! Looking forward to coffee with your blog each morning! Love that you are happy with your new place and location! Enjoy!
May 4, 2023 @ 4:00 am
Enjoy! Sorry about the foot. Love your attitude. Blessings
May 4, 2023 @ 1:01 pm
Positive attitude about your injured foot, and as you know, that will go a long way for y’all to enjoy every day of this fabulous city. The flowers are beautiful and the sites from your stroll on the river last night are relaxing and enjoyable!!
May 4, 2023 @ 4:34 pm
What a joy to spend the next two months with you and Bernie in Paris! I am so happy for you that you are in a lovely spot this year, and have not lost le joie de vivre! You are off to a beautiful start. Have a wonderful time, and thank you for sharing it so well with all of us!
May 4, 2023 @ 4:49 pm
Loved the flower pictures! Glad to hear you are settled in your new place. Enjoy!
May 4, 2023 @ 8:56 pm
The flowers always get me – so beautiful! I’m excited to see your new apartment in person soon!! Something addicting about Parisian life is exactly what you mentioned: the joy of living. In watching “Emily in Paris” I completely grabbed onto a few things that make me love Paris even more…”You Americans live to work, but we (Parisians) work to live!” Also, “Don’t be early!” – I love this one, of course! But, work to LIVE – YES!! Enjoy LIFE 🙂
May 5, 2023 @ 12:47 am
I love the beautiful photos of flowers. I hope this year’s visit is bright and happy, despite the fractured foot 🌺
May 6, 2023 @ 5:40 pm
Flowers, perfect! Enjoy these 2 months!!!
May 8, 2023 @ 2:21 am
So happy that it’s time to enjoy Paris again with you!
The flowers are stunning!
So sorry about your injured foot, but betting you won’t let it slow you down!
Looking forward to each days posts!
Blessings to both of you!