Paris: Part 1

Apéritifs, kir, and the fresh scent of Marseille soap. Wrought iron, vine-laden windows, and walk-ups with rickety wooden stairs. Ballet flats and berets. Je ne sais quoi and joie de vivre. Unimaginably long lunches and even longer dinners. Et, naturellement, laughter and beaucoup des bissous.

Instead of “conquering,” like the French writer Victor Hugo I’ve come, I’m seeing, and I’m living. My plan, especially in Paris, is to be a part of the action and not simply a spectator of it.

Here’s a brief recap of what I’ve been up to my first few days here:

*I awoke from a fitful slumber on Sunday morning as my plane touched down onto rugged, lush terrain. Grey and dreary, but exciting nonetheless. Marie picked me up from Charles de Gaulle airport and from there we traveled to my apartment in Le Marais (3e arrondissement).

*My studio apartment is petite but in my opinion, parfait. Outfitted with simple sconces, 2 windows overlooking the street, and a kitchenette (more of a closet, really) that I can conveniently tuck away, I couldn’t be happier. The location is also ideal. I’m right at the corner of Rue du Temple and Rue de Bretagne, just a short distance from the Quartier (charming), Châtelet (convenient), and so much more.

*After getting settled, we went out to eat at a little café close to station République. Our fresh summer salads with couscous, accompanied by the most delectable baguette, was exactly what we needed.

*Next, we attended a fabulous little party in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee hosted by Marie’s English friend Claire. That was really fun, although more an introduction to British culture than French. The girls there were the picture of London lovely – all freckles, red hair, chiffon, and stockings. We noshed on cucumber sandwiches, cupcakes, mini pastries, and Pimms (a popular summertime gin-based British beverage, sangria-like in nature). The great company and fine food (and the Marks & Spencer napkins and tablecloth!) made for a very fine festivity.

*Yesterday Marie and I met up with her friend Stephen, who she used to work with several years back. We went to a fantastic creperie on a small cobblestone street overlooking a church. He turned out to be an interesting character who’s opening a spatter of high-end jam boutiques, La Chambre aux Confitures, around the city. If I’m here for the opening of the new location he promised to invite us. I’m crossing my fingers and toes that I am, as taste testing their delectable offerings  would surely be heaven on earth.

*Other than that, I’ve been settling in, getting over my jetlag and insomnia, and familiarizing myself with my new surroundings. Lots of walking and consequent blisters, but it’s all been well worth it. I look forward to venturing out a little more and hope it stops raining so I can spend some more time outside.

À bientôt j'espère,
E