OK - so Paris post number 2 - sorry if it doesn't make sense (I've started the blurb on the 5th!). We had a text from Jill saying that Monty was going to be OK with them and I could finally get excited. We were up in the middle of the night seeing Adam off on his school trip to Barcelona (meet at 3am - what sort of time is that?!) and of course Nigel and I were awake waiting for the alarm clock etc and then I ate a scone which was a very bad idea as my digestive system had been fast asleep. But luckily I had booked the train late enough to allow a kennel drop off and, as that had gone out of the window, we didn't have to move too fast. It was late afternoon when we arrived in Paris and we headed straight out to admire Notre Dame in all of her illuminated glory. On the way there we passed Shakespeare and Co - a famous book shop which sells English books, has its own library and a long history of supporting writers. The original owner (mother of the current very elderly one I think) published James Joyce's Ulysses when nobody else would. That seems like a good decision even though I've never read it! Anyway I was accosted by an elderly chap who wanted to know the correct English pronunciation of 'owl'. He was a retired translator (German and English to/from French) and sat down for a chat. I can't repeat what he had to say about the government - fair to say that he and many like him are finding finances tough. While he was chatting a younger Frenchman joined in - he was/is a bo'sun on container ships and also had excellent English. I think you could chat there all night - the days when you had to speak perfect French in Paris to make the waiter understand and then you'd get a cup of coffee practically thrown at you are well and truly over. We couldn't get over how very friendly everybody was and struggled to get any schoolboy/girl French out before whoever we were speaking with switched to English.
Three GT:
1. The number of independent & specialist shops that survive in Paris.
2. Adam has been having a great time in Barcelona and we've been able to touch base by WhatsApp.
3. Very mild weather permitting lovely evening strolls and managing to dodge the showers.
Love your commentary, so glad you got away, sounds wonderful. Really like the ghostly reflections in this shot, love the paper decorations, very fitting.
Fabulous shot of the iconic book store! And I LOVED your wonderful narrative. I feel like I was vicariously in a Parisian book shop. What great experiences you had...so fun!!
A very Judith shot...you have your own style.....must not have been paying attention as I forgot or didn't realise you were away...thought you were AWOL with too much celebrating!
How lovely to chat to all these different French people & hear their views & opinions....an essential part of travel I do believe!! Never been to Paris but I get a distinct French feel from this photo.
What a wonderful shop - love that page thingy they've got hanging from the ceiling. Thought Monty must have been OK when you didn't update for a few days so glad you did. Sounds like a great visit - I lived in Paris for a while but haven't been back for years. Good to hear it still has loads of small shops
Hello! I to had assumed all must be well (or at least ok enough) with Monty for you to be away. Sounds like you had a perfect NY jolly! Love Paris - although my lamentable franglais is an enduring regret.
January 7th, 2014
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How lovely to chat to all these different French people & hear their views & opinions....an essential part of travel I do believe!! Never been to Paris but I get a distinct French feel from this photo.