Un Homme, Une Rose pour toi

He offers us a rose. A very touching deed, indeed.
This was one of a series of photos we took at the incredible Cemeteire Pere LaChaise. I think we used up a whole chip here either because of the fame of the graves or the beauty of the statues. Many times, both....Methinks we should have made a list....prochain fois. 

Not the Moulin Rouge...but a Moulin

On Rue Lapic ..Butte Montmartre we discovered, well found, Le Moulin Galette.

It seems to be floating in air until you look more closely.

That is why I love Paris. No matter where you turn a corner, you find something fabulous.

 

Musee de L'Armee

I have always been intrigued by les marquettes.

I found a real treasure trove of same at the Musee de L'Armee.

This one of Mont-Saint-Michel looks like it has been sprinkled with fairy dust. The musee is a delight in all ways. 

Contrast Incredible!!

Now you must look closely to see the difference in the two sides of this building.

When we looked up at the building it was obvious that one side was very clean and sparkling. The other marked with dirt and other signs of neglect.

The photo doesn't show the contrast quite like we observed it.

It was if someone had drawn a line of division from top to bottom to separate the structure into two distinct buildings. 

Palais des Congres de Paris

Hotel Concorde La Fayette, Porte Maillot

We never got to explore the inside of this building but we are hoping to see "Roi du Soleil" there or somewhere, next year. The building lacks the French charm but, perhaps, the interior is nicer.

However, it might have that multi-purpose effect which is commonly found in American arenas. They remind me of a high school gym with temporary bleachers....very make-shift. 

The Dome is the thing!

It glitters and gleams and sparkles! What a glorious sight to see the L'Eglise du Dome in all its splendor as it shines in the sunlight.

It is comforting to know, as you can see by the ladder, that this building is well cared for and maintained. 

Entering Paris

You are now entering Paris at Porte Dauphine.

If you are leaving, the sign has the exit symbol. Dave and I find these enter and exit signs amusing. It's fun to be notified that you are officially leaving a town.

I know, it doesn't take much to amuse us. 

La Tour Eiffel

I never get tired of photos of the Eiffel Tower. The trees are a part of the Bois de Boulogne. It was such a memorable day.

We walked around the park, had lunch at a little stand with tables around it, and rented a rowboat. Ah, I remember it well. 

Place Vendome

There was a large group of these sculptures on the Place Vendome. I think they were temporarily there for an exhibit but I wasn't sure. They seemed of a light and frolicking nature. When we got back to Lexington, we saw a Catherine Deneuve movie called "Place Vendome". I loved the movie. It was a mystery of sorts. 

Guess What?!?

I don't know why we took this photo and I don't know anything about this street except what the sign denotes.

My memory has gone blank about it but I do love the picture. It is one of my favorites.

I will try to find something more interesting to my vast following of readers, all three of them.

Meanwhile, until tomorrow, have a lovely day wherever you may be. 

La Rue Huchette Quartier Latin

What a street! Packed with restaurants including a Greek place where a man stood outside the door breaking ceramic plates (an old Greek custom I witnessed in Zorba with Anthony Quinn. )

A million tourist junk shops and best of all, a little theatre that has been doing a traditional play for years and years that was still a sellout.

We decided this was the day to buy "souvenirs" of Paris. We bought a little remembrance for each friend and relative, not all of course...too many people. 

Great Little Boulongerie

This little bakery was just one block from our apartment so naturally it was a must for petite dejeuner. The hardest part was to find seats and the second hardest was to decide what delicacy to eat.

I loved the Marais though the street noise was overwhelming in our place.

We have finally learned to check out the place we are going to stay the next year. It cuts down on surprises although we still get bits of the unknown. 

Rendez-vous de Qui

This is ancient history to Parisians, but to us it was an exciting event of French democracy at work. It was May 26, 2005 when we attended this rally at Place du Marais ou Blancs Manteaux.

I was really impressed by the speakers.

Not too far away from there we found a little (and I mean little) theatre that presented excellent shows. Paris is so full of exciting little spots to entertain you.  

Sylvia Monfort Theatre

We attended several plays and musicales at this municipal theatre. They were all excellent.

It is located in the 17th at 106 Rue Brancion. It had a very casual atmosphere and was always packed out.

There is a little coffee stand in the lobby and a few tables and chairs. The employees were helpful and pleasant.

I highly recommend it for a pleasurable evening. 

Our Place for Lunch

This seems like a strange name for a cafe but that is it, "Open Cafe". It is right on a corner in the Marais. The food is excellent and the prices are fair.

The waiters are efficient and pleasant.

Inside or Outside, we enjoyed many lunches there. I can't wait for our return engagement to this busy little place. 

Art in the Great Outdoors!

How Clever! This art was created by Gil Bensmana. "Abres Genealogigues" was painted right on the trees in the Jardin du Luxembourg. I can imagine the difficulty of completing this fascinating masterpiece.

I've never seen anything like this. I was really impressed.

Un Atelier du Louvre

This is where much of "it" happens. I guess we stumbled across this area when the workmen were at lunch. I don't know what the qualifications are for the people who make the Louvre the showcase for such exquisite masterpieces but I am sure they are under expert supervision. Fascinating as is the whole Louvre. 

Sketches by an Artist of Montmartre

This old gal was one of many artists who were sketching the tourists on the square.










We chose her because we found her work very interesting. The sketch was of the two of us. She wouldn't give us a better price so we paid her the 100 Euros. I don't know if that was a bargain or a rip-off but we liked the results and had the work of art framed as soon as we returned home. She told us that her "permit" only allows her to work 2 days a week. A clown that does not-so-amazing tricks sold us a hand decorated tube for carrying the sketch. His antics were funny, I must admit. 

Relic dedans Notre Dame de Paris





This chandelier was on the floor and the display was roped off. It was a privilege to be able to see this relic "up close" and "personal" Like so many things, Chandeliers fascinate me. 

Montmartre Coin de la Rue

You must be in the mood to enjoy the sights & sounds of Montmartre.

Why? Because it so crowded. One can almost stand still and let the crowd jostle you around the whole area. But, it's worth it. The excitement is very contagious.

We had a wonderful time in the magical kingdom and plan to return when given the opportunity. You'll find hundreds of restaurants, many of which have a gimmick to lure you into them. The food varies, so all you can do is give it a try.

Fleur de Lys in Marble

I find a "fleur de lys" to be one of the most elegant symbols created by man. I collect them. They are in every room in our home. This particular one is a marble inlay on the floor of L'eglise du Dome in Paris, of course. It was too beautiful to traverse so I walked around it. Not superstitious, just respectful. 

Le Plus Grand Leaf?

Well, not really! My research resulted in a few even larger but this is big enough for me.

I found it at the Musee de la Decouverte in a special tribute to Brazil exhibition. Since we are from Kentucky, naturally it reminded us of a huge tobacco leaf. I could wander around the museums of Paris for the rest of my life and be quite content.

Row, Row, Row your Boat Wouldn't you love to take a ride on this beautiful boat called "Le Canot de Napoleon I"? I was thrilled just to see the magnificent thing in such excellent repair. I wandered through the Musee de la Marine like a kid of ten.....just in amazement of all the wondrous nautical sights to see.  

Musee de l'Homme, Again I just couldn't resist posting this shot because grids and boxes always fascinate me. The kayak was labeled "Kayak de Groenland" (cote de l'est) There is a snack bar toward the entrance of the museum that we found relaxing as we drank our cafe noir. We are already counting the days until we return to Paris. 

Dietrich, La Dietrich What has Marlene Dietrich have to do with Paris? Everything! She loved Paris, died in Paris, was Jean Gabin's lover for years, and she was best friends with Edith Piaf. I just saw "Marlene Dietrich, Her own Song", her biography, that I ordered from NETFLIX. It has footage of Paris of old that I found intriguing. The film was directed by her grandson and her daughter, Maria Riva, narrates segments. Jamie Lee Curtis does most of the narration. (If you live in the States, check out Netflix. I love it. They have a very large selection of films in French many of which are the fabulous French classics).