We have so little time in Paris this visit, especially after travel woes robbed us of a day, that I am going to be frugal with my writing for now. But let me share several delights. Above, a statue we must have passed without noticing many times before, as it’s right at Rue Cherche-Midi. An Hommage to French poet and novelist François Mauriac by German sculptor Haim Kern, the bronze “pages” are engraved with quotations from the writer’s work, and the piece is all nestled in a quiet garden in the busy heart of St Germain. J’adore the way Paris surprises me, charms me. . .
And speaking of charming, can we dote together on this story-tale vignette, the whimsy of the felted figures surely drawing small children from all around to peer into the windows of the children’s wear store whose name I disgracefully forgot to record.
And the light. I am so enamoured of the way evening light makes Paris buildings sing out their golds. Here Pater is silhouetted as we make our way through Odéon neighbourhood back to our hotel in the 13th,where I sit now, sipping an aromatic green Chinese tea (Long Jing) thoughtfully supplied by our hotelier friend Jennifer.
Today’s pleasure also included meeting a clever and amiable Twitter friend, getting my gourmand on via a Burrata-tomato salad, walking umpteen kilometres, and listening to a sidewalk jazz trio. After the quiet hotel time we’re currently indulging in, we head back out for a jazz concert — love this city!
Given how busy the days are here, given that the technology i use en route is not as accommodating as that i use at home, and given that I am here with Pater and want to spend much of the day with him, I will have to ration my responses to your comments, but please know that I read and enjoy each and every one of them. . .
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Hello Mater, I'm sorry that you lost a precious day in Paris, but glad to see you are making the most of what time you have left there. This post brings nice memories of the weekend we stayed at that hotel – especially the lovely meal we had at the Moroccan restaurant across the road. Enjoy the rest of your time there!
We had dinner at Le Sirocco the other evening when we took comfort there after Paul got his sad news. I'm glad you also cherish memories of time there.
When you come to Bordeaux you can compare and contrast that statue with this bust flickr.com/photos/50879678@N03/8627496275
I can't figure out how to select and click on this or move it to my browser, but I am curious about it, as I said to Paul right away that the sculpture really reminded me of something and I was prodding him to remember just what. . .
Finally managed to click on the link and I see that it's the Zadkine statue!! Funny how I missed the likeness to the other Mauriac representation, 'cause they both look just like him (kidding!). . .
Bonjour, Mater. I walked past that statue every day when I was living on Cherche-Midi. There are so many statues like that scattered around Paris. Just walking in a neighbourhood is as good as any class in French civilization and culture. Your post brings the whole St. Germain time back to me. Enjoy your Paris adventures.
I did think of you and felt sure you would have spotted this. . .
I don't mind if you reply or not, just keep posting photos of beautiful Paris and the rest of the countryside. Spain, too. Passez de bons moments!
Merci et graçias!
I am glad you got there in the end! Paris looks as lovely as ever. Hope your wardrobe decisions are paying off. All looked pretty good to me!
So far so good, Elizabeth. In Barcelona now, so have switched to the lighter gear. . .
Beautiful, evocative and moving. Don't worry about responding (or even posting, if you wish). Why let anything intrude on your precious time?
Thanks! I do enjoy writing when I get a moment, but need to maximize the time with Pater
Just savour and enjoy…you can tell us more when you return.
No reply necessary – just photos and thoughts *sigh*
Beautiful. It's raining here!