“Bon dimanche,” as one sometimes hears in France. Or, “happy Sunday”, as one never hears at home. My Sunday began gray and cold, but I was determined to take a long walk and the dreary weather did not deter me. As it turned out, a puffy coat, warm scarf, hat, gloves, and a brisk pace kept me perfectly comfortable. The sun surprised me along the way, (of course it did, seeing as how I hadn’t brought my sunglasses) and the morning developed into a lovely day. I enjoyed my outing so much that I found myself wishing for a walking companion with whom to share my joy. Being solo, I opted to take a lot of pictures, and I hope they will communicate some of the contentment I felt along the way.
These red cranes were lined up on the Champs-Elysées near the Grand Palais. I loved the way they looked through the bare trees
I think I might have gotten cold if I had been waiting in this looooong line at the Grand Palais. All these folks had waited until the final day of the Hokusai exhibit and were paying the price for their procrastination.
Um, no thanks I”ll pass.
It was a tad chilly for the upper deck of the tourist tour bus.
After crossing the river, I began walking with my eyes looking up at the elegant buildings lining Blvd. Saint-Germain.
Also along this street are several sad signs honoring soldiers who died there in World War II.
Many pastry shops still feature the lovely “galettes du roi”, which are made of puff pastry and almond paste and eaten in December and January in observance of Epiphany. Each contains a darling little “feve” which one hopes to get in his or her piece but also hopes not to break a tooth on. He who gets the prize gets to wear the crown! Need I mention that these taste infinitely better than American king cakes? I didn’t think so.
I walked a bit longer than I needed to behind this mom and daughter because she was so darned cute.
Hellooooo? Does anyone up there want to go on a walk with me?
My destination was the Sunday organic market at Avenue Raspail. I didn’t need to buy produce, but it’s always entertaining. And beautiful. Oh my.
Busy market but so much nicer than Sunday in HEB.
Eating local is pretty easy to do in France.
Bonjour Madame!
These people, and many others, were happy to wait in line for these eggs.
I think these lovely products were made from olive wood, although I did not confirm.
Winter produce is so photogenic!
I wandered around a bit after leaving the market, because it was just too pretty to hop on the bus for home.
The Grande Dame of department stores was looking stunning in the sunshine.
Cuteness abounds.
When at last I got on the 83, I sat in the very back of the bus, which is an elevated row of seats. I pretty much felt like the Boss of the Bus.
Home, James.
Never forget to look out the window when you are riding the 83 back home.
Instead of my usual bounty of produce, today I have only some delicious baked items from my trip to the market.
This gorgeous English muffin was delicious with a cup of tea when I got home. Of course, it was really just another vehicle for salted butter, but whatever.
And what do you think these are?
If you said “tomato and onion and cheese tartlet to go with your lentil soup tonight”, you are correct. If you said they look like boobies, you are just nasty.
Because they clearly look like eyes. And the nose and mouth are “chaussons aux pommes”. Apple turnovers to you. Dessert to me. Yum!
I really loved my Sunday morning. I hope that you found some joy in yours, too. Thanks for letting me be part of it!
Mais Oui Paris 