Au bord de la Seine - les amis

Friends gathering after work

for a casual rendez-vous

baguettes, fromage, saucisson-sec...

et beaucoup de vin

bon weekend

La Seine
Quai du Louvre
75001, Paris
Métro Louvre-Rivoli ou Pont Neuf

Buying appliances?

I am not sure why this scene captured my attention, but I think that it is tied to just how different this collection of appliances looks to me. There were families out shopping on this street in the 12ième, with one couple particularly interested in these refrigerators.

For all the romantic ideals of Paris with lingering café scenes and lovers on the Seine bridges, it appears that they still have to consider the mundane chores of daily living.

Sorry that I had to burst your dream bubble today...

La Centrale des Affaires

8, rue d'Aligre

Procession aux flambeaux -- 8 decembre

The churches of Paris gather for the Fête de l'Immaculée Conception every December 8th at Saint-Nicolas du Chardonnet. Each of the participating churches brings its banner to be carried by its members. After Mass the families and persons of all ages light the candles and sing while walking through the streets of the 5ième, traffic stopped.



What an amazing experience...

Bon dimanche, mes amis.

Rue Cler -- an array of trees

Paris streets are full of les sapins de noël... in the street markets such as this one on Rue Cler, à la marché alimentaire, and in front of the many florist shops.

As we took a moment to look at these petite trees, some actually resembling a "Charlie Brown Christmas tree," we marveled at the "stands" made of half-logs drilled with a hole to fit the trunk of the tree.
This smaller version of a tree seems to work quite nicely for the Parisians selecting le sapin de noël for the family.

Saturday market

The usual crowd shopping in Place Maubert includes pets and acquaintances, exchanging pleasantries. This pup and his family are regulars in the neighborhood. May you enjoy your weekend comme ce monsieur et son chien.

Hung out to dry

Le cinquième étage, window with a view of Paris rooftops, purring appartement chat, quiet locked courtyard, a gentle breeze....

I play an imaginary role as I fashion myself a Parisian, shopping in the market, having "un noisette" in the corner café at "sept heures et demie" each day, greeting the young couple from le deuxième étage as we pass in the courtyard....

It just does not get any better than this! Yet, when the time comes I am ready to return to my regular life, my everyday existence, le quotidien.....

To dream of the next trip to Paris...