old family blog

Paris – Day 2 “Mimes Who Speak “

Well I had a rough night sleeping; I went to bed around 130am and woke up around 4am from a nightmare. Sadly this was one of my intense bad dreams, I tried to fall back to sleep for a good hour. Finally I got up and worked on the computer a little while. Finally around 530-45 I went back to bed and fell asleep. Oh, I also popped a Tylenol PM at that point…..not a good idea. Clem woke up and I got in the shower. After he finished I got up and he said good morning, and I told him about the horrible sleep I had. He proceeded to say he slept rather well and felt great for 10 in the morning – I immediately looked at the clock and said “no it’s 230pm” he said no, and looked again and freaked – so needless to say our second day in Paris was a late start.

We made it out and headed over to a small café and at some lunch. As we sat eating our Baguette and Quiche we watched everyone come up and down the main street Eric’s apartment sits off of. For anyone who loves to travel and avoid all the touristy areas, the La Halles district is perfect. Most of the streets are pedestrian only and they crammed with several places to eat and shop. After eating we walk towards the Siene and ran across the corporate headquarters for Louis Vuitton. A line of chauffeur driven cars sat at the front entrance. This was a total find, it wasn’t even on my list of Ateliers to hit. Although this building houses corporate rather than the individual designers they own.

After lunch we meet up with our friends Chrystelle and Eric to go explore the area. Chrystelle had her sisters car for the weekend and we drove up the Canal St. Martin to walk along and look at the dykes and shops. Just some advice, driving on Saturday in Paris is not a good idea. We spent more time in the car than walking around. But Eric and Chrystelle made it pleasurable. We several cute shops and Eric took us too an Anarchist Bookstore……which was interesting but saw several familiar books and magazines. We took many pictures of the dykes and the surrounding architecture.

I want to back peddle a little bit and just comment on our findings last night while walking around the Marias district and boys town. First it was interesting to see so many people out on the streets and drinking. At several Cafés there were so many people on the sidewalk that they were standing in the gutter or street. Chrystelle commented that they were more than likely celebrating something. Next since last night I have done a double take on several young gents walking by. Every time I could have swarn I saw our friend Brian DG, so many guys look similar to him. Sorry Brian, but it’s a compliment.

After we left the Canal area, Eric drove us up to Montmarte – we got stuck in every kind of traffic possible. But the parking Gods were on Eric’s side, he was able to find a spot right in front of the Funicular (Hillside Tram). We made our way to the top and I forgot that this weekend the Montmarte district was holding its annual Vine Festival. So we wandered the streets and checked out a few of the vendors. The architecture is amazing up on the hill and the surrounding village. Montmarte is most certainly a village; it has the feel and character to go with it.

We arrived there right at sunset so I got some amazing evening shots. If I had to move to Paris this village would be my number on pick. But that’s not happening anytime soon, we have a new home back in the states. LOL At one point we came across a Louis XVII mime that I proceeded to take a picture of. After I took the picture, he pushed his way through the crowd and grabbed my camera and said “Picture Cost Money!!!” – I was shocked, I turned to Clem and said “I though Mimes were not supposed to talk”. If you look at the pictures I posted, I got a snap of him getting in my face, it’s the blurry picture. I did give him money.

I got many great shots in Montmarte, one of some huge meringues, which my mom loves….that’s for you mom! And many pictures of buildings and streets dimly light. Also I did get a picture of the local grocer who shop was in the movie Amelie…..he kept the remodel the film company did of his store so he can now make himself a tourist stop. I did love the movie and remembered the store in the movie.

We strolled till the witching hour and finally got dinner at a Moroccan restaurant. The food was delicious but the waitress was hard to stomach, not very nice. She could not understand Clem and got all pissy. Chrystelle said he said his order right. So I suggested we hunt for dessert. We made our way back onto the streets and took more pictures of some amazing buildings.

We had dessert at a cute Creperie close to the fenicular. I had a crepe flambé with marmalade, chocolate and grand marnie. Clem had a chocolate and banana crepe. It was delicious. So that brings us back home for a good night sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for me; so far I am seeing 4 shows. I never got my invite from Carla Otto for the Berardi show but I hope to swing by and see if I can get in anyway.

Here are pictures from today

Canal St. Martin Photo’s #1
Canal St. Martin Photo’s #2
Montmarte Photo’s #1
Montmarte Photo’s #2

posted by turlie @ 5:11 PM