Les Vacances: Day 24 - Just Another Saturday in Paris

We're becoming so blasé about Paris...NOT! Today was a picture perfect day in Paris. Spectacular in all ways. The temperature was upper 60's and the sky was full of white, puffy clouds which seem to be de rigueur for this area. The sky was azure blue. The day was a perfect canvas for any aspiring impressionist painters or photographers.

We headed out mid-morning to La Cafèothèque to replenish the coffee supply which I have been enjoying the last three weeks. The coffee roasting shop was near Notre Dame and had great ambiance. I enjoyed the café du jour and Gail had a thé noir before heading out to BHV, the "quaint little general store" that occupies seven floors. It's not Harrods but it has everything a respectable Parisian could ever want or need from hardware (floor -1) to linens & appliances & clothing & you name it. We enjoyed looking (Je regarde, merci.)

After BHV, we grabbed some lunch in the Latin Quarter. I had a nice omelette and Gail had an oh-la-la. We also stopped by Shakespeare & Company bookstore, a place we're fond of because of its history as a haven for ex-pat writers that were supported by Sylvia Beach, an American woman who was editor, publisher, and friend of many great 20th century writers including Hemmingway, Joyce, and Fitzgerald. (Side note: We stayed in the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Cannon Beach, Oregon, last year. This delightful hotel features rooms decorated in the style of famous writers. More info at www.sylviabeachhotel.com)

Later we revisited Luxembourg Gardens (could never tire of that place) before heading to the discount stores on Rue d'Alesia (why am I writing about shopping again?).

Went back home for a short rest and a quick dinner before heading out to a show entitled "How to Become a Parisian in One Hour." It was a one-man show done mostly in English by a talented stand up French comedian. He was hilarious and even the Parisians in the audience were laughing. Great end to a great day.