Friday flânerie

Today I really didn't have a plan in mind, but that's part of the appeal of my Fridays in Paris. It makes me feel like anything can happen.

I took a bus to the Bon Marché, because I wanted to check out their mercerie/droguerie (buttons, fabrics, yarns, needlwork, etc.) Marc informed me that true flâneurs would never consider shopping during their strolls, but I am just going to have to break with tradition on that one!

As soon as I got off the bus, I encountered all of these nuns. I certainly never see a sight like this in Utah...

The Bon Marché definitely did not disappoint. I can't believe I've never been to the top floor before! A very pleasing array of so many of the things that I love. They have about 5 walls of yarn. I bought some cashmere/alpaca in a bright pink.

I wandered through housewares as well and saw this clever chandelier made out of whisks (also one made of corkscrews).

I also wandered through accessories, admiring gloves, hats, and scarves that I can't imagine wearing right now. But I found muffatees!! I found a pattern for muffatees awhile back that I was really excited about, and I can't believe I saw several pairs in Paris! (Muffatees are long fingerless gloves/handwarmers that end in a big ruffle that pokes out from underneath your jacket or coat.) I really wanted to take a picture, but there was a very stern-looking employee hovering nearby that made it clear I should not do so. I also saw a knitted ruffled stole I would love to recreate.

Then I crossed the street to find something for lunch at La Grande Epicerie, which must be the largest gourmet food store ever. I really wanted to take some pictures in there, but since it was lunchtime, the crowds were staggering. I took my purchases to the park next door to eat:

A pear gorgonzola tart with walnuts. I also had fresh-pressed orange/grapefruit/raspberry juice, which was amazing.

A pistachio madeleine the size of my hand for dessert! I stayed in the park and read for over an hour, and the temperature was so pleasantly cool. I wasn't even hot and sweaty (as long as I stayed still, that is).

I then wandered on some of my favorite streets from our old neighborhood -- where we lived the first time we lived in Paris (Rue de Cherche-Midi, Boulevard Raspail, etc.).

I came across this wonderful brocante store (don't really know the translation for that, but it is kind of like flea market?). I lingered there for quite awhile, eventually buying some vintage tea towels and buttons.

I found another music rental store, quite apart from the music district, and went in to ask about cellos. They have full-size cellos for rent, and the deposit is considerably smaller than the other stores I checked with, so I may have found the place for Max. We won't be renting, however, until we get back from London.

Some other things that caught my eye:



The entrance to our former apartment. I was catching a return bus right in front of it, when who should walk out, but...

Madame Thébert, the lovely French grandmother who took such a liking to Max when he was just a toddler. She lived across the hall from us, and would invite us over often (such a rarity). She would give Max treats and let him splash in her bathroom sink, tying a towel around him so he wouldn't get all wet. She would bring me cherries because she knew I loved them. Her husband died during the time we lived there, which was over 12 years ago.

I was so surprised when she stepped out of the door and turned past me, I didn't have time to get my camera out until she was almost out of view (she's the woman walking with the cane). I never thought I would see her again. I wonder if she would remember us? She made our first Paris stay so much more pleasant.