A weekend in Paris

We arrived in Paris yesterday.  Travel from the Jutland Peninsula to our flat in Saint Mande, France was flawless... kudos to Air France for a smooth flight and early arrival in a downpour at Charles De Galle, and to Blacklane for a super driver who whisked us from baggage claim and avoided nightmare traffic jams on the highways by taking local roads into town.  In the U.S., light rain seems to cause multi-hour delays; European airlines seem to get the job done without excuses.

Sunshine has followed us throughout the trip, but alas, not in Paris.  We are enjoying long, hot showers knowing that we have severe water restrictions when we get home to the Bay Area.  Even so, a little rain can't stop the Parisians from getting out and about.

Today is May Day, and everyone is buying lily of the valley flowers to celebrate. 

There are also of course a the usual public demonstrations about Labor and laws and government... There was a large rally at the Replublique Square north of the Marais, and I think it was more than just labor, but support for the Ukraine.... We've been hearing so much about human rights issues throughout the world, that it's a bit overwhelming to see so much suffering... makes me want to watch more funny animal videos on YouTube.   

We took the Metro north, and just walked through the Marais towards the Seine... Shop windows alone are worth walks through the neighborhoods... Too much to photo and share, but this one reminded me of my Mom so I had to post... 

Paris is all about markets and food, like any good city... We happened on a little passage way that opened up into this amazing market with row after row of proprietors and restaurateurs.... The Moroccan stall was the best... spices and sweets and sauces and cous cous that I just haven't found back home.

When I was four years old, my Uncle Len told me a story that he had seen a street sign with my name on it... I was so thrilled that there was a Bill Street, and he said no, the sign said "one way."  Well, I've never forgotten that and I deny to this day having any obstinate only-child syndrome behaviors!!!  I'm just particular....

And then to hear that the UK may leave the European Union... Oy!  What a blessing the Euro is... We haven't had to change money once in four weeks.  The Euro popped up over 1.10 yesterday, so again, we've been really lucky this trip to have the U.S. Dollar nearly equal to the Euro.

While I love to walk the streets and dream of a bon-vivant life , the locals here find living in Paris a challenge.  It's prohibitively expensive, commutes are long and crowded, and it's always full of tourists... I am grateful for my modest house in a quiet neighborhood on the Bay in sunny Cali...

The BEST falafel is found in the Marais... of course you always have to stand in line, and then wander through the quarter eating this overflowing pita sandwich like everyone else... and the new normal is to find plenty of heavily armed military anywhere there are Jewish monuments, synagogues, and the like... Je Suis Charlie... In the Marais, the Jewish shops are next to the Arab shops and everyone seems content... 

Another favorite is Pierre Herme at St Sulpice with the most sublime macaroons you could ever enjoy...

Buying macaroons at Pierre Herme is like shopping for jewelry... so precious... I said I was going to eat them in the park across the street, but no sir, we can only put 5 in a bag so they do not crush or damage until they are savored!  At €60 per kilo, I suppose they are precious...