Day 3 - Settling In

We took Kat's advice and took things at a Parisian Sunday pace today starting with fresh coffee brewed at "home" and a light breakfast. Afterwards we headed out the back way and up l'Amiral Mouchez in search of the Glaciére metro station to purchase our monthly Navigo pass that's good for unlimited bus, metro, fenicular and RER rides. That should enable us to get around quite freely and save wear and tear on the legs and feet. Completed our transaction with the assistance of two helpful female station agents -- they didn't speak English and we didn't speak French. Nevertheless, we managed to understand each other enough to get our passes issued. Had no problem with the new Chase chip and signature card which was a relief.

With shiny new Navigo passes in hand, we hopped on the Metro and headed to the Boulevard Auguste Blanqui street market one stop away. Let me see: that's 144 euro for a 45 second ride on the Metro. Of course that assumes we don't use the Navigo any more in the next 25 days.  Doubtful at best.

The market ran about 5-6 blocks along the boulevard and had dozens and dozens of vendor selling fresh seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables, olives, pasta, clothing, suitcases, mushrooms, poultry and breads.  It's hard to describe the sights, sounds, smells as we walked the length of the market and back.  As one might imagine, the market was jammed with local folks doing their marketing for the day:week;  vendors were often like barkers at the carnival trying to attract attention to their offerings and offering free samples of items such as fresh cut melon and offering it on the end of the sharp knife used to cut it.  We bought peaches (yum) and a bouquet of carrots -- a modest purchase but I know we'll be back since it is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

On the way back from the market, we explored some petit passages - small streets - with charming little gardens in front of houses that sit behind gated stone walls.  Very picturesque.  Also had our first cat encounter and so did Flat Stanley.

Made it back to our apartement mid-afternoon just in time for a late lunch and a short nap;  not feeling guilty about napping -- after all it's Sunday in Paris and we're no doubt suffering from jet lag.  I intend to use that rationalization liberally.

To top things off tonight, we had a nice downpour, one that California can only be envious of.

Enjoy the pics.

-- John

Cat count to today: 3 --2 tabbies and 1 calico.

-Gail

Looked as good as ours

Fresh Palmiers

Parisian clouds

Carrot bouquet

Olive banquet

Villa Daviel

Charming House

Secret Garden

Mom meets un chat

Le chat meets Flat Stanley

Le chat plays with Flat Stanley

Chez le chat

Paris charm