It's catch up time on the blog. Here's an entry I neglected to post about a visit to Paris back in January.
The background and reason for the trip all started when our dear friends, Aia and Stephen, moved to Paris from Aix last fall. Let me explain... They moved into a darling, but tiny, apartment suitable for only the two of them so having overnight visitors is not possible, no matter how much we missed each other. However, when Stephen announced he was going out of town on business for a few days, Aia rang me and asked if I'd like to come up for a few days. Mais oui! Bien sur! Get to see Aia, get to see Paris!! Despite living in France for nearly three years now we hadn't visited Paris once so this was a treat. We hadn't been in the 'City of Lights' since we came en famille in the summer of 2001. I'm sure it won't surprise you to learn that 8 years later....Paris hasn't changed!
I took the TGV from Aix and spent three blissful hours reading and sleeping during the 3 hour ride to Gare de Lyon in Paris. What a fabulous, relaxed way to travel! I love the Gare de Lyon, in fact I love cool train stations, there's something really exciting, energizing about them....
As the cab drove up the left bank on the way to Aia's, we passed Notre Dame, I had to pinch myself, I was really here!
Aia and I spent the next three days together in constant chatter, happily walking MOST of the streets of Paris. Their apartment is located the 6th arrondissment right next to the Theatre de L'Odeon and just a few steps from Paris' most popular park, the Jardin du Luxembourg. Despite the chilly, winter weather, we LOVE to walk so just bundled up and headed outside everyday and enjoyed every minute of it. We spent most of our time walking with a bit of shopping, window gazing and eating along the way. We crisscrossed our way back and forth over the Seine staying primarlity in the 1er, 2me, 5me and 6me arrondissements. There was something about this grey Paris, without leafy, green trees and colorful gardens, minus tourists that was quite intriguing and allowed me to see it in a different way. The architecture seemed more prominent and even the trees had an architectural look to them.
crossing the Pont des Arts...
A break for chocolate at L'Aduree, one of Paris' finest....
Fancy a cafe or cup of tea along Rue St. Germain?
Not much of the Eiffel Tower to be seen on this visit....
One day, we enjoyed a fabulous Japonese lunch at Yen. Earlier that morning, Aia and I went by the restaurant on our walk. We stayed for quite some time watching through the window the owner/chef making fresh soba noodles which he does everyday. By the time we moved on, quite a crowd had assembled to watch this true artist at work. Later we tasted not only the soba, but delicious tempura, tofu and tea as well.
If you're interested in seeing more photos go to: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=107400&id=522967027&l=efdcbc1003
If you'd like to have some great Japonese food in Paris go to:
Yen- 22,rue Saint-Benoit, Paris 75007, France
Tel: 01 45 44 11 18
