Paris is always a good idea

“Paris is always a good idea.”

 – Audrey Hepburn

Excited to start our journey!

Getting into character...
 I will have complete assimilation
once I get a baguette under my arm

I've successfully
used this disguise before

E wanted to borrow the poodle in a bag
to complete the look.
We got a firm NON!

Les Amies

My love affair and obsession with Paris is directly a result of my beautiful-hearted and gracious friend Sylvie.  

I first visited Paris solo in 1996, as a post-Haiti deployment treat.  Sylvie's extended family welcomed me giving me the inside scoop on all things Paris, making it still, the most remarkable holiday I've had.  A lot had to do with my mind set after being in one of the world's poorest countries where human misery, yet boundless hope and faith were the fabric of its citizens.  It made me grateful for all things beautiful and just.  

Sylvie, E, Anne-Marie and me!
3 generations of friends

Our friendship is also a beautiful story started by my Aunt Mercedes.  She became friends in the '60s, with Sylvie's grandmother, Pierrette Sartin, a scholar, author and feminist pioneer.  My aunt also became friend's with Pierrette's daughter, Anne-Marie.  You guessed it, Anne-Marie is Sylvie's mother.  My cousins, Jean-Francois and Valerie became friends with Sylvie and introduced me to her.  Since then, I have introduced Sylvie to my Aunt Pam, Chantal and Catherine.  I think Pierrette and Mercedes would be very happy to see what they started.  Le monde est petit.

  

Art deco metro station, Blvd Haussman

Eiffel tower from Trocadero

Les beau arts

My favourite museums happen to be housed in Paris.  The Louvre, as the world's largest museum is overwhelming with its master works.  It is a victim of its success, with hoards of crowds elbowing their way through.  There is no longer any open or quiet space to contemplate the tableaus unobstructed.  I am so happy I had the chance many years ago to just gaze and reflect.  It is amazing how looking at the paintings can summon that feeling again, amidst the cacophony.

The glass pyramid inside the Louvre

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Liberty Leading the People
Marianne, Delacroix's feminine 
representation of the Republic,
breaking with the old monarchy of kings

There area a lot of naked bums
in the Louvre

The Mona Lisa is said to be an optical illusion...
This is yours... see? no people?

Somehow, Sylvie and E got in front
of the velvet ropes
 and got a good pic of her!
Way out in front of the crowds!

The Louvre Pyramid in the background

Les Tuileries

Monet's Nympheas at the Orangeries.
The beauty of the paintings 
transport you to another world

Le Musee d'Orsay is my FAVOURITE museum in the world.  I could set up camp there and live amongst the Impressionist paintings.  The ethereal technique makes you see each work differently every time you change your angle, and magically, every time you get to visit!

Monet's Parliament buildings

L'Absinthe by Degas
Captures the heavy fatigue of life's load

Dejeuner sur l'herbe
Scandalous for its time!

Clock peering out to Les Invalides

I LOVE this picture!

 Doors

To be greeted by such a beautiful woman
at the entrance can only suggest
at what elegance is beyond the doors

Door number 1 or door number 2 behind?

A giant must have 
lived at the Rodin museum

 Shopping a la Parisienne

The beautiful stained glass dome
 of Les Galleries Lafayette
A suspended trampoline 
for a little kid fun!

Totally buying into the French lingerie cliché...

I see London, I see France...

...Pam is getting new underpants

This is an actual queue 
to get into
Louis Vuitton for the privilege
of buying a $2000 handbag.
Insanity

A DIY demo for a new Dyson air wand....

Do not attempt this at home.
Obviously I'm not 
an endorsement for the product.

A favourite French brand

Spices at Galeries Lafayette

All things truffle!!

  

Les patisseries!

In French, window shopping is "leche vitrine",
literally meaning lick the window.
I think it is apt here

Millefeuille is the pick!

The most custardy rhubarb tart and
"you-never-go-wrong-with-a-lemon-dessert"
(advice from Karen-Anne we live by)

Who wins the macarons taste test?
The overly famous Laduree?

Or old school 1802 Dalloyau?

Street food crepes with creme de marons

Treated at Le Berthillon

Luxurious crepes
with pistachio gelato, 
chocolate sauce, Chantilly

Strawberry season starts early!

 

Can't stop with all the flower pictures!

Street scapes in the Marais
Yes, that is a beret on her head

Is this you, Delisa?

Look carefully,
this is the bread delivery guy

Opera Garnier

Place des Vosges

Notre Dame

We were in Paris the week after the Notre Dame fire.  The mood was still somber and reverent.  The atmosphere was hushed and reflective.

Might as well end the trip 
with the Eiffel tower 
sprouting out of my head

Paris is for love!

A retrospective of Paris through E!

Just 8 months old, 
and already enjoying the Parisienne life

A little bigger for Dad's shoulders

Next time, 
I'm on her shoulders

Must be time to go home...

 A bit of parting wisdom...

Advice to live by

A breath of Paris preserves the soul -  Victor Hugo