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.
Yes, I know exactly which building you are talking about! I LOVE that little square and it is such a fantastic location. Feel free to put a link to Patrice's ad here – it is always good to know of a rental that has been Judi-approved. 🙂 Especially in the Marais…
I can not BEGIN to imagine you working at a snack shack! I just can't!
"Muddling along the best I can on Kauai…" Bill Facker! Don't make me angry! 😉
We would have had fun Judith!
Ah, there is always too much to see in Paris, Loree!
Yum, is all; just yum.
Oh my! We would have had to have passed at least a day together talking beforehand so that I would be able to divert my attention to the visit. But yes, that would be wonderful indeed…it too is one of my favorites.
Gros Bisous,
H
Of course you would understand. 🙂
Heehee. I liked your first comment Sister!! We went to the Marais with Mom and Dad for brunch at a really funky restaurant all those years ago. Wow has it changed since then!
Jennifer, it is kind of crazy. Especially as it isn't the Avenue Montaigne we are talking about. These are all hipster boutiques. Who are all these really wealthy young, hip people that are buying these clothes? There was a lot that looked amazing though, I have to admit…