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.
Here's a link to Patrice's rental in the Marais – the door next to the Boulangerie in your last photo:
http://www.housetrip.com/en/account/bookings/1297140 — His apartment is always in big demand and may be booked for the next couple of months, not sure! Loved staying there & the host, Patrice, is excellent – shows you all around the neighborhood, etc.
Paris in black and white is just WOW
"like my boots. I stood strong… a deep contentment welled in me… to have remembered the strength in being true.” I love it.
"like my boots. I stood strong… a deep contentment welled in me… to have remembered the strength in being true.” I love it.
As already with your "Place de Vosges-post", your black and white photography of Paris reminds me of certain books I read… 'oohhh' Maigret (uhm, Simenon) and even more 'ooohhh' Modiano, just recently.
Whats that black surface in your felafel? Aubegine? Looks delicious!
The little things-the glimpses, the taste of luxury, seems ordinary in another time. I have to imagine these things since I have never been to Paris, thank you Heather for your Marais promenade and the other places.
Inspired by your suggestion I’ll be having falafel for lunch at our local Small World Cafe.My son works today in Napa instead of SF and invited me for lunch.
I also like the Marais. We will be there next April. There is something about Paris…..a feeling that comes over me. I don't experience that same feeling anywhere else. Wish I could put it into words like you so easily do. Janey
It was SO good. 🙂
Jill, I am going to write about one other museum in the Marais but it is chock full of really good small museums…so much to see!
Merci, Lorrie!