A Visit to Pere Lachaise

Headed to the cemetery around midday yesterday, in between bursts of heavy rain. It was worth the trip. I just don't get tired of seeing the beautiful tombstones and statues there.

A recent burial. I'm told you have to live or die in the 12th arrondissement in order to be buried here and there is quite a waiting list. 

Afterwards, lunch at the sidewalk cafe across the street. 

Here's Susan, hamming it up for the camera. 

A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon in a Paris!

Saturday in Paris

A taste of a flea market in the morning, including a fabulous bookshop, some vintage lace and paper finds. 

Getting possession of the quaint little apartment that will be my home for the rest of my stay in Paris. 

Proof that the sun does shine occasionally in Paris!

Our last dinner together with our fearless leader Jane Davenport and her ever so helpful husband Gus. 

An evening walk on top of an aqueduct, with amazing views of building rooftops. 

Haiku My Heart: Paris

The City of Light
calls to me and I answer,
eager to explore.

Haiku My Heart Fridays are hosted by Rebecca at corazon.typepad.com.  

Thursday in Paris

Another busy, wonderful day in Paris. The cool, grey and often rainy weather means we have to be a little fluid with our plans (pardon the pun) but still, it doesn't matter, we are in Paris!!

Visited the art supply section of the BHV department store and had lunch in their 5th floor cafeteria, overlooking the Paris rooftops. 

Then a walk along the Seine and across one of the "love lock" bridges

for a visit to the famous Sennelier art store, where we got to meet Mr. Sennelier himself, who graciously welcomed us and told us a bit of history about the store. 

After that, a guided tour of the Musee D'Orsay. I'd never been inside before, what a fabulous building and collection of artwork!

On the way to the Metro, we came up right beside the large Ferris wheel that has been installed (I'm told) as part of the Tour de France celebrations. It was after 9 pm, we were tired after a 2 hour museum visit and we hadn't had dinner yet but of course, we had to ride it!! 

Back to our accommodations for dinner at a nearby restaurant but it all seemed anti-climatic after that ferris wheel experience!!

Wednesday in Paris

Didn't have time to post yesterday morning as we headed off to the Louvre at 8 am to get there before the crowds got too big.  We split into 3 groups of 5 and had private guided tours, quite the best way to get a quick look at some of the fabulous contents of the museum. 

Afterwards, we did a bit of walking and shopping. Found a couple of little antique shops, lots of fabulous contents, wayyyy out of price range!!

Then a few hours in our common room, making art together. I started a mermaid (one of Jane's specialties). 

It's raining this morning, so we're have a slower start. Enjoying another breakfast croissant, extra large size this morning.

Things Happen

I find myself unexpectedly alone this morning, having stayed behind while the rest of the group headed off to Monet's Garden in Giverny. I took a hard fall off a bicycle yesterday as we were touring Paris, resulting in a ride in an ambulance and a visit to the emergency room. Luckily, nothing broken, no stitches required and no concussion (thankfully I was wearing a helmet as that bounce on the pavement would have surely done more damage without it!) - just a few bruises and a scratch near my left eyebrow.

As a result, I find myself enjoying the peace and quiet of this garden this morning:

This garden is just outside my front door and doesn't involve a train ride and/or more bicycling to reach it.  I'm going to take my bruised knee for a short walk now and a longer walk later and see how that goes.  I need to find an optician and see what can be done for my glasses, which are bent out of shape on the left side from the fall.  Perhaps enjoy a nap or two in between journaling sessions.

Not quite how I expected to spend this particular day but things happen, plans change. Still, I am in Paris, life is good!

Another Paris Breakfast

I foolishly forgot to take any pictures on my cell phone about our three hour Segway tour around Paris last night (that post will have to wait until I get home and can download my camera photos). In the meantime, you can check out Jane Davenport's Facebook page for a taste of our adventure. 

I shall instead share a photo of the sweet little basket of my breakfast. It  was delivered to my room this morning. 

The little pot of vanilla yogurt is too adorable!!