Badaboum and back to the Marais

Last night we saw British singer Bishop Briggs at a tiny club in the 11th - Badaboum.  We discovered her music when it was featured in a series we were watching - Good Behaviour - and she released her first album this year.  Despite having to queue with a line of Parisien 20-somethings, the sound in the venue was great and her show was non-stop energetic - really glad to have seen her perform (and there were a few other oldies in the audience too!).  If anyone is off to the Falls Festival this year, she will be performing there.

Today ... morning coffee with Martin, the broker who arranged the financing for our Paris apartment.  One of the joys of returning to Paris regularly is catching up with the people who have inspired and supported our ongoing connection with Paris.  Martin's office is close to Bastille, on the edge of the Marais ... so perfect opportunity to spend a few happy hours wandering around a part of Paris we know and love ... and perhaps a little shopping!

Stopped for lunch at a tiny bistro - Page 35 - in a gorgeous corner of the Marais near the Musée Picasso.  Special guest ... a grey poodle at the adjoining table, sitting on the banquette seat and looking as much a part of the conversation as his owners!

Highlight of the day was a visit to parfumerie Marie Antoinette in Rue d'Ormesson on Place du marché Sainte Catherine.  The shop featured as one of the works in our Criss Crossing Paris book and I took a copy as a gift for the proprietor, Antonio.  His reaction was heartwarming!  So not only did I leave with my favourite scent, but with a big smile from having shared the wonderful experience of our book!

Wandered over to rue Saint-Louis en l'Ile ... sighed a little outside No. 10 ... and admired the neighbouring Hôtel Lambert, which is now complete after seven years of renovation and reconstruction, including recovering from a fire part way through the work.

Last stop of the day ... Amorino Gelato ... a fraise sorbet for Brent and an affogato for moi, sitting in the late afternoon sun, on a wall overlooking the Seine.  Now, that's Paris!