Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Lost in Paris - Part I ( of a series)


Le Mouffetard Café and Brasserie
We enjoyed a glass of wine and Cokes here today



Eglise Saint- Médard


Davis makes a friend at the Eglise Saint-Médard playground

Better than eating out


Peonies for the apartment


Number 5 - 100 French Strangers Challenge ( I got a big hug from this nice gentleman before I took his photo. Why doesn't this happen at home????)

Number 6 -100 French Strangers Challenge
The Roasted Chicken Guy

Oh you knew it was bound to happen, but probably not this soon. This morning we set off in the rain ( but cooler temps) to shop at the rue Mouffetard street market. We were feeling a little cocky because we'd been there before. No problem finding it and the shopping experience was grand. As we were almost finished, we decided that Melissa would walk back to the apartment with the children and I would finish up with a few items. Long story short, I thought I'd cut across to the main street near our apartment and got L.O.S.T.! I asked some nice strangers but since I didn't have the good sense to know the name of the main street , there were unable to help. FINALLY, I stumbled on a police sub station. Well now that was some fun. There must have been 7-8 police men and women in there. They were so very helpful and I was getting them together for a group "strangers" photo when one asked if they were going on the internet.
I said yes and that was that ( against the rules) . One of the officers , who they referred to as the "human map" knew right where our apartment street was and you won't believe this..... it was one block away. Meanwhile back at the Pantheon, Melissa and her chicks were wandering as well. She had a map and they arrived at the apartment about 15 minutes before I did( So much for being worried sick about Mumsie's whereabouts). I'd like to think this was our first "Lost in Paris" episode, but you and I both know it won't be.

Tonight we had our best meal in Paris, cooked by Chef Melissa. Magnifique!!! The menu: Roasted chicken and potatoes from the market, haricot verts with butter and shallots, cherry tomatoes and goat cheese with lime olive oil and basil, and a baguette of course. We've lost count of how many baguettes and bottles of wine we've bought. We going through them like Grant through Richmond!

Tomorrow we have to buy Metro passes and navigate the Metro to FNAC, the big electronics store. Guess who left their extra battery AND the charger at home?? Have mercy!

OUR TOP 6 THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT PARIS
1. French Boomerang & Cartoon Network
2. Shopping the street market
3. Riding on the carrousel
4. French baguettes et vin blanc
5. Making unexpected friends
6. The French classical radio station

24 comments:

Jill said...

Oh V. Getting lost makes for the best stories! I can just see you trying to explain to the police! Love the strangers photos and commentary. I am so enjoying your trip. And roasted chicken is my very favorite food of all time! Thanks for another great post

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

a superb collage that evokes the flavor and essence of France.

Nathalie H.D. said...

Virginia reading you is a joy and your photos are a delight. I can see that your top banner must be the view from your window at sunset. How grand!

I laughed at your getting lost experience and loved thinking of your at the rue Mouffetard market. The fresh produce there is just exceptional in choice and quality!

Babzy.B said...

Don't worry i often get lost in Paris too ;)

Jane Hards Photography said...

Hugging already. It is because it is France and woman are adored. Smile sweetly a get a discount on those cherries. I did this a lot in Nice. To be lost in Paris would be wonderful. This is a real lift to the day.

Unknown said...

Hi, Virginia! I'm so glad you are updating this bolg! I thought you would do it back home... Gorgeous photos! And the room with a view... Wow! :-)

Laurent said...

I love to read your day in Paris. People usually complain about French and above all Parisians rudness. I'm so happy to see you have a totally different experience. Enjoy !

Ken Mac said...

a lovely set. You bring the country your charm

Harriet said...

Beautiful photos again today.

Who needs a map when getting lost is so much fun?

There is also a Market Day on Blvd St. Germain near the Maubart-Mutualité metro, but I don't remember the day -- drats.

My airline flight is now booked. I'll be in Paris the end of June.

Anonymous said...

gorgeous, lush (no, not that kind)photos.

I remember once in Paris I was so proud because I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich. And that's what I got: One ham sandwich and one cheese sandwich.

MadAboutParis said...

Such a delightful post and not surprised at all that you are getting hugged. By the end of this trip you'll have several copains...;-)
When I get there I'll be coaching you from the sidelines!!!
Bonne chance sure le metro!
xx,
M

Marie-Noyale said...

Can I have some of those fresh spring radishes!!! with a piece of baguette and a sprinkle of salt....

Daryl said...

Oh getting lost is both terrifying and invigorating .. I got lost my last morning in Venice ... thankfully my plaintive LOST to a nice policeman got me back on track... these pix are perfection and I am now thinking a series of 'stranger' photos would be fun to do too!

Anne said...

Enjoying your enthusiasm despite the rotten weather.

Virginia said...

Thanks Anne, I look forward to your Just Another AMerican in Paris blog. Hey, that's me now! HA

You are all correct. Getting lost in Paris is fun but it was mixed with a little bit of angst (because I was trés stupide to forget the street) and a bit of exhaustion. I have a map that will never leave the camera bag and the camera bag never leaves moi!

Metro went pretty well. Melissa has it down better than I . I"ll get there surely. We are counting on Peter to teach us the way to use the bus. It stops at our front door!

AH,
We ordered two glasses of vin blanc the last time and got two BOTTLES! C'est la vie!

B, Glad you are enjoying the ride! ha

Harriet said...

2 bottles of wine: Gee, Virginia, if you keep up that pace of drinking, your slides may take on a new focus!

Un verre.....s'il vous plait, so that you'll be alert enough to send us more beautiful photos! Hehehe :)

Virginia said...

Harriet,
No that was our trip in 2007. Actually Melissa ordered correctly in French but our waitress didn't understand. French drawl perhaps?

Starman said...

If you go to Italie2 (a huge indoor shopping mall on Place d'Italie - Métro 6) there is not only an FNAC, but also a Darty and another electronics place, the name of which I can't remember right off hand.

Harriet said...

A similar thing happened to me at Creperie des Cannettes. I ordered and the French family sitting next to me heard my order. When the wrong thing arrived, this very kind gentleman interceded on my behalf and all ended well. I don't know if the waitress would have believed "moi."

Maya said...

Wow, lost in Paris? Life could be worse I suppose! Too bad you couldn't post a shot of the friendly officers. I would have liked to have seen that!

Sue said...

Fabulous pictures...so glad that Daryl sent me your link...

Sue @ Rue Mouffetard....

Virginia said...

Sue, You really live there? Watch out, I might take your photo next!
V

Laurent said...

What a nice healthy meal !

Kim said...

V, I hope I can convince you to continue to take only males' photos for your 100 strangers project :-).
The fruits and veggies (and your description of Melissa's cooking) are very appealing. What a hoot about getting turned about! This happened to me in that neighborhood one evening and I still can't figure out how as we'd walked Rue Mouffetard and Rue Monge several times. I think it is that narrow lanes with multi-story buildings block taller landmarks from view. I'm glad you were so well received at the police station and not far from home base after all!
Now, about all that wine. . .
-Kim