Strolling Aimlessly Around Paris

 I finally found the word that best describes my 

relationship with Paris.

"flaneur"

When I tell my friends I am heading off to Paris once again,

they ask me, "What do you do when you go to Paris each year?"

This is exactly what I do ... 

I am an aimless wanderer.

Wall Street Journal

A good portion of the time, I must admit, is spent sitting in

various outside cafés drinking wine and watching the 

Parisian world pass by.  It is the most relaxing (I am on vacation)

and entertaining activity when in Paris.  Every arrondissement

produces it's own particular show.

 mydrolet.tumbler.com

 I love to read a latest book while sitting in a cafe but most of all,

I enjoy writing my thoughts and observations

in my journal.  The quiet time gives me

a chance to dream again.

  I took this photo a couple of years ago

while sitting near Pont Alma having breakfast.

Be still my heart...

This was at 8:30 in the morning!!!!!

What is wrong with North American men?

Now we know why they call Paris

the "City of Love."

 This is a famous photograph of Marguerite Duras

taken by Robert Doisneau.

See the happy expression on her face?

See the empty carafe of wine in front of her?

This will be me.

 afar.com

This handsome young chef is Pierre Jaucon and like many

brilliant young chefs in Paris these days, he has chosen to

open his own small casual restaurant to

showcase his culinary skill.  They have bypassed

acquiring the Michelin stars to having the freedom

to cook as they please without all the pressure.

Pierre's restaurant is Vivant which is located in the 10th 

arrondissement on 43 rue des Petites Ecuries.

It is a walk-in wine bar where you can sample foods like charcuterie

and daily specials such as rabbit and andouillette and

natural wines.

 I just love to wander down all the small streets anywhere in

Paris.  The colors and textures along with all the delicious

windows in the shops are eye candy.  And because I am going to

Paris this time on my own, it will force me to practice and use my

French for two weeks. 

 This is what wandering off the main tourist route

will get you.  There are artful surprises around

every corner.  And this arty display is oh so French,

n'est-ce pas?

priscilla mae et al

I love visiting all the little neighborhood parks in Paris.

I remember taking this photo last year of a group of men waiting their turn

at playing boules.  Boules is serious business for retired men

in the middle of a slow afternoon.

Just find a bench somewhere in any park or a

seat in any outside cafe and enjoy the flavor

of this beautiful city.  It's the people.  

Forget about the tourist attractions ... 

you just see other tourists.  

My best advice for seeing Paris is...

Slowdown, Stroll and Sit.