Not As Easy Un, Deux, Trois

Greetings from me, the slightly older and more easily tuckered out Unseasoned Traveler. I have to admit, the suitcase is harder to manage, and the overhead airplane bin is somewhat more difficult to reach, but, nonetheless, with much appreciated help, I managed. So, even though it was not as easy as un, deux, trois, I am happily writing this blog from France…YUPPERS…I made it here.

First stop…. Paris is a city that doesn’t disappoint. It is also a city where something old, no matter how many times you’ve seen it, may become new again. Take, for instance, the little street where I have found a hotel. Rue Cler is located in the seventh arrondissement of Paris and is full of hidden gems. The general area is quite old, and indeed, some of the businesses have been around a long time…like this little shop!

Time has only made this beloved area more vibrant. The flower shops are alive with color.

The cafes are welcoming.

The fast food establishments are anything but “fast” food.

And….fresh fruit and veggies abound.

There are a small number of fashionable shops, and everyone gets mail delivered by a post person on a bicycle.

The Eiffel Tower is within walking distance…doable even for my challenged knees.

Of course, if one is patient, a bride and groom can be seen…this time in front of a cute cafe.

The entire neighborhood is so adorably Parisian that the temptation to just stay put is very strong.

BUT giving in to Rue Cler would mean missing a glorious sunset catching the Grand Palais and a pair of lovers.

Who would miss seeing the full of wonder, if not miraculous, rebirth of Notre Dame…bright, white and soaring as it must have been when newly constructed….

In addition, the contemporary Matisse tapestry in the first North Chapel is (along with six other artists’ tapestries also located on the north side) an amazing complement to Notre Dame’s new liturgical furniture.

Lots to see at the Muse d’Orsay that’s already been seen, but new for me was a totally empty space with tall, walk-in windows offering some great Paris views.

The Pont Neuf public work art installation was on my list to see, but the new giant, inflatable piece was damaged during a storm. High winds caused the unfortunate damage and delay of the opening, but I still found the effort to cover an entire bridge in a canvas cave totally thrilling.

Bumping into Thomas Jefferson so far away from Virginia was a surprise…and yet, there he was…standing on the bank of the River Seine. The ten foot statue was dedicated on July4,2006 and is currently poised to celebrate the big 250!

Michelangelo and Rodin share the stage in a new exhibit at the Louvre. Many of the pieces in the exhibit already “live” at the Louvre, but are currently curated in new and interesting ways that illustrate the commonalities of the two artists. It is fascinating to put these two venerables together and come up with something new and meaningful.

Paris twinkles; and it twinkles even more when the Eiffel Tower puts on its evening show. This show of lights is not new, but the, “Ohhhhhhsss,” and “Ahhhhhhssss,” of those watching make it so every night.

Well, if you are wondering about these….

Aha…Yes…I ate them!

I wise person put this graffiti on a Parisian street corner for all to see and agree with. I am leaving it here.

Look for me in a few weeks. I am going to explore Bordeaux. I’ve never been there.

Love, the Unseasoned Traveler