Day 19: Paris

No exiting news to impart today.

Breakfast in the lobby.

I walked over to the Monoprix store, which is like a small Target. I got a few great souvenirs, French Mariniere shirts for some baby gifts.

I was getting hungry and looked at some of the cafes but really didn’t want to spend a lot of money for a sandwich or salad. (The sandwiches start at about €14, a slice of quiche and a small salad €16). I passed a boulangerie, looked in and saw sandwiches on baguettes. My favorite! The also had sandwiches to heat up, paninis, grilled cheese (but so much more than ours) even “hot dog” which I couldn’t see since it was covered in cheese, as all the best sandwiches are.

I got a cheese baguette which had a sliced cornichon in it, and a Diet Coke. There were only 3 tiny tables outside and 2 were occupied by smokers. Luckily there was a narrow bar running the length of the shop. I sat, ate and read my kindle.

I walked up to a small shop I had seen advertised, La Maison Ivre. That means drunken house. It had lovely linens, nice ones, and ceramics. I got a set of napkins which I love. I just hope they don’t shrink.

I did some more walking, passed buildings owned by the University of Paris and the faculty of political and social science. That’s called “Sciences Po” here. It’s famous for turning out French leaders.

Occasionally I got a glimpse into a courtyard. Most of the buildings are built around courtyards, some are just paved, others are like little parks. There was a plaque on one building saying that the courtyard had been a Protestant cemetery in the 17th century. I could see a bit of it. Obviously it’s no longer a cemetery but there were several beautiful columns and trees. I also passed a small chocolatier. OMG it looked like a jewelry store. I did not go in.

And that was my day today.

Love,
Lynn