Au revoir Paris...

Our final night in Paris.  Tears came early today, over breakfast café et croissant...it's always difficult to say goodbye.  But how lucky we are. 

We have loved sharing the rue du Cherche Midi neighbourhood and I will miss the floral beauty of L'Arbre as I draw back the curtains each morning.  We will both miss the friendly barista at Comptoir Richards, and the wonderful proprietor at the Italien traiteur Gouts, who always converses with me in French, even though I know he can speak English!  The Poilâne brioche was a new discovery this year, as was their café La Cuisine de Bar...and we'll be back for more.  For a month of not really ever cooking a meal, merci to La Grande Épicerie...which seems to stock whatever you fancy, and already prepared!  On Sunday, when all favourites are closed, the bio marché around the corner delivers the goods, and the cutest dogs.

A highlight for me this year was dropping Brent's jacket into the drycleaner...handling the transaction - spelling names, confirming address, when do you want to pick it up - all in French, and Brent saying to me as we left, "Mama, that was awesome!"  Renews my enthusiasm to continue my Saturday morning French lessons!

Of course it is always a joy to return to the Marais, where I first fell in love with Paris.  Although we may miss the Parisien monuments on some visits, we never miss Place des Vosges, rue des Francs Bourgeois, rue Vieille du Temple, and the area around Saint-Paul...and parfumerie Marie Antoinette.  The Bastille area, too, is always on our agenda - for vinyl, for cross-stitch, for burgers, for local designers.

For wine, for cheese, for every "bonjour", and for making sure lunch is an occasion each day...merci Paris!  Au revoir...