After leaving the Place des Vosges, I walked briskly up to the Musee Carnavalet. My combat boots thudded on the pavement for I was dressed to make the most of my very short time in Paris and not to catch the eye of Mr. Cunningham.
But, as always, when I turned into the gardens, which, kindly are available for the gander before the museum’s entry, time did what it always does in that particular spot: pirouette, curtsy, stop.
I must have had that goofy smile on my face for I could feel one of the gardner’s gaze swish across me like a shadow. She was about my age and also a redhead, just a more miniature Parisienne version of me. Yes, she even had that certain panache despite her bright green “Jardins de Paris” jumpsuit.
“You have an amazing job,” I blurted out with a vaguely show-girl arm sweep towards the topiary surrounding us.
She laughed, startled by my directness but nodded her head in agreement. “It isn’t always so glamorous though,” she added and I responded with “I am not so sure about that” head shake. We chatted a bit more and then wished each other a Bonne Journée.
As I continued towards the rue des Rosiers to sate my months-long craving for a felafel with all of the fixings (truly one of the great take-out options in Paris at only 5.50 Euros a pop), I thought, “That is why I am still mad about the Marais and always will be.”
For despite that every. single. storefront has been transformed into a clothing boutique featuring cool goods the likes of which I could never begin to afford…
…it is in this neighborhood that I feel the bonhomie that often eludes me elsewhere in the City of Light. And that makes the city not quite so big after all. I sat down on a bench in one of my favorite little squares and munched happily, shivering slightly while I did so and sighed a little valentine to the beautiful Marais.
Thank you for the vicarious field trip and the vicarious falafel…. This piece made me feel like I was sitting right on your shoulder and left me wishing that I had been by your side.
What a wonderful part of Paris. Unfortunately, we had missed it. Maybe next time …
The Musee Carnavalet is one of my favorites places in Paris, not as well known as some of the other sites but so worth a visit. Oh how I wish I could visit it with you! xxxxx
Falafel! Yay! Marais…super! Beautiful, Heather.
I made a wee mistake in my earlier post – I wish there was an "edit" button (and maybe I should think twice about posting before coffee!). But love your happiness at returning to an old friend, love that you satisfied your months-long craving for a falafel, and love that you still have your combat boots. Looks beautiful there – love the manicured hedges as well! Voila!
I felt like I was walking right beside you! I love going on excursions with you, Who can afford all those clothes, I wonder? They're pretty, but insanely priced!
Heather this is where I want to spend some time when I finally go to Paris. Taking in all of the wonder yet intimacy of the Palace Marais!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Artist Nathaniel Galka
Lovely Heather! It was just like being there with you! I love that place and that atmosphere too. Thank you for your description and photos! Wonderful!
Heather, I can always depend you to take me somewhere. Sadly I didn't get to set one toe in Marais this last trip, and missed it so. A virtual return via your lovely words and photos is the next best thing. There is a funny thing about time in that part of Paris, isn't there? I remember standing in the Place de Voges the first time I visited Paris and getting a wee chill – a sense that I'd been there before. I've never been able to shake that feeling of somehow living in all times when I wander through the Marais…
A wonderful thing to have care for the garden at the Carnavalet!
So glad you got to revisit Paris – one of these days, my friend, we must spend some time there together! XOXO
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