Paris – Day 4

Today was “ME” day!!! I woke up to birds chirping and a beautiful warm day! My ankle seemed to be doing much better, the meds I took certainly needed to work overtime today, after all Chanel’s original boutique was waiting my visit, and that would be followed by Afternoon Tea at The Ritz!!! What more could a woman ask for?

After breakfast at the hotel, our first to do was to find a gift to take home to our doggies. We were surprised in a city that loves and welcomes doggies, we had not come across a Pet Boutique – thankfully Paris Breakfast (if you have not visited her blog - it a must visit  for all things French and she does amazing art work that can include you or your pet in Paris scenes) had been kind enough to share this location with us “Un Chien Dans Le Marais”.

The man inside was very helpful and we decided on a hoodie for little Dolce. Unfortunately everything was too small for Stella – she is a Golden Lab – we were disappointed to learn there really were no other Doggie Boutiques in the area. But don’t worry, when we returned home we went to our favorite doggie store Bark n Fitz and got Stella some of her favorite treats, she is a bit of a tomboy and prefers treats to accessories anyways.

Another taxi ride later, we were in front of the Ritz – but it was not time yet, we (well I) had to walk around and see the back door that Coco herself would have used, and of course I could hardly wait to step inside the original Chanel Boutique – I was like a little girl, grinning smile - from ear to ear, who has just been told she can have a second scoop of ice-cream.

Inside it felt like I had just stepped into a mystical place. The layout was that of other Chanel boutiques I have been in, but the energy was different. I could picture Coco making sure that everything was properly displayed – her energy has truly remained in this boutique. The sales associate was so friendly and helpful – as I sprayed practically every fragrance, for Mr. G to smell and give his opinion. By the time we were done sniffing and spraying an array of scent strips lay before us. After more discussion and process of elimination with the SA’s help – it was narrowed down to 3 – Allure Sensuelle, Coco Chanel and Chanel No. 5. – After, more discussion, spraying and sniffing the decision was unanimous – Allure for day; Coco for evening. I really liked No. 5 too, but wasn’t about to be greedy after all Mr. G was already spoiling me with 2 fragrances.

Unlike the SA lady at Hermes (a separate post to follow), the Chanel SA package my purchase with great care and added the little flower and two ribbons on the bag adding that extra special touch. With bag in hand I practically floated to the Ritz.

Wow, where to start, Afternoon Tea at the Ritz is a truly memorable experience! It was a beautiful warm day and we were seated in the garden. A pianist played softly in the background, birds chirped and you really felt like you were in a magical place. As, if this was not special enough, we were informed that the desserts were served from a “Dessert Buffet” and you could go up as often as you desired.

The staff was very attentive and when the sand glass timer released the last grain of sand, they appeared like magic to pour our tea. Cozies were placed over the tea pots to keep its delicate, precious contents warm.

Despite all the wonderment of the day, when I got up to indulge in dessert, my ankle quickly reminded me of its existence – the meds were wearing off – Mr. G caught my wince and before I knew it we were in a taxi, headed back to our hotel (but not before I had my dessert - sorry no pictures of the dessert buffet. I will need to return to Paris and the Ritz). Once I was tucked in and given another round of meds, Mr. G. decided to let me rest peacefully (no TV volume to contend with) and went off to explore the area around the hotel.

After some much needed rest I woke up feeling a bit hungry, Mr. G. had discovered a little Italian restaurant just a couple of minutes from the hotel, on his exploration mission. Ristoranti Italiano Visconti, quaint and inviting – on the first floor there are 4-5 tables; weather permitting an additional 2 tables are placed El Fresco just outside the entrance, upstairs is more seating. The wait staff is friendly and speaks French, Italian, English and Spanish.

The menu offers a great selection. Mr. G. indulged in a veal, and a pasta dish (I think he was suffering from Italian food withdrawals). I chose a Caprese salad and the tiger shrimp dish. The atmosphere is relaxed and you are able to enjoy your meal at your own pace.

If you are looking for a well priced, exceptional food quality restaurant, I suggest you give Visconti a try. Tell Enzo and Luciano Canada says hello.

Come along tomorrow as I share our visit to Versailles and the Eiffel Tower.

Paris... Day 3

Waking up in Paris has got to be one of the best things in life. There is something about the city that even with its busyness you are able to feel peaceful within. I have been getting some afternoon naps in and trying to reserve my energy as much as possible, it is hard to not overdo it in such a beautiful place. Today was a full day and by the end – I knew I had pushed myself too far. I was happy that Mr. G refrained from the “I told you to rest, I told you to slow down, I knew I should have made you take more rests” lecture and instead just asked what he could do.

I discovered today that the weakness I have been feeling in my right ankle (the one with pins and screws) is quite possibly my body telling me that it’s time to get off my feet. Despite only wearing comfortable sensible shoes - not really by choice (Mr. G – somehow managed to remove the only pair of heels - I had packed -from my suit case and replace them with more sensible shoes, before we left. It wasn’t until I was unpacking in our hotel room that I became aware of the switch.); but I can only imagine the outcome, had I been wearing heels when my ankle gave out on the stairs in the restaurant. As it was, sensible shoes and all – it was terrifying to have my ankle give out and lose my balance. Luckily only minor bruising and embarrassment resulted.

So before all the drama of my ankle we started our day at the Louvre. They say “A picture is worth a 1,000 words” so here goes;

We were surprised to see someone duplicating a painting in the Louvre. What we discovered is that the Louvre will permit amateur painters (someone how does not make a living from painting) to come and paint – the painting has to be a different size from the original and they only have 3 months to complete it. There is an application process, but how wonderful would it be for someone who enjoys painting as a hobby to have this opportunity!

With the number of people, we were happy to have booked a guided tour that by-passed the lines and took you to key art – such as the Mona Lisa. The actual painting is quite small – and yes, it does seem like her eyes are following you in the room. Do take the time to admire this master piece, something about it is very energizing and peaceful (at least to me).

After taking some much needed rest in the afternoon, we were ready for our Seine River Cruise, Paris lights by night and dinner on the Champs-Elysees.

Sorry dear friends, after the ankle incident my thoughts of taking pictures of the food and restaurant were quickly replaced with “I need to get through this meal, I need to make it look like it wasn’t all that bad, or else Mr. G’s lecture will surely come”. I also wanted to walk along Champs-Elysees at night, so I had to keep smiling, if Mr. G. was to see any sign of pain he would have whisked me into a taxi and back to the hotel before I could take another bite of my food – and I would have missed dessert too!

Tomorrow our trip will take you to a cute doggie store and Afternoon Tea at the Ritz!!!!



Images: Falling Off a High Heeled Life

Paris - Day 2

Our second day in Paris was dedicated to Mr. G. First stop on the list was Photographer’s Walking Tour of Paris – The Latin Quarter. We were greeted by our host Mr. Kevin Hayden – a professional photographer for more than 30 years. Usually the tour has about 8 people – but again the universe had other plans for us – and Mr. G and I were fortunate to have Kevin all to ourselves.


As we walked along I was captivated by Kevin’s knowledge of the city and his intuitive nature. He explained photographic techniques in terms which I was even able to understand and he also provided great insider tips to getting that perfect shot. Kevin’s enthusiasm and direction was so inspiring - I had to keep reminding myself that this was for Mr. G. and I was just tagging along.

In the heart of Paris on the Left Bank across from Notre Dame, we stumbled (more accurately – Kevin directed us in its direction) across Shakespeare and Company. For centuries the Latin Quarter has been the centre of Parisian creativity and intelligentsia, so it is only fitting that one of the oldest book stores is located here.

Like I mentioned, Kevin was very intuitive and listened carefully when we spoke about interests. As we walked through the doorway – the air was filled with history, excitement, and shelves upon shelves of old books – really old books! What a privilege, as an aspiring writer, to explore.

As Kevin and Mr. G. discussed taking shots from the upstairs windows in the shop and other photography related topics, I took the time to check out the books downstairs. The books upstairs are not for sale. By the time the photographers were ready to move to the next photogenic place I had managed to find 3 books of interest; The New Royal Readers, (Adapted to the latest requirements of the education department NO. 11) printed in 1891; The Vicar of Wakefield (Oliver Goldsmith), printed 1901; The Rights of Woman (Mary Wollstonecraft) – The Subjection of Women (John Stuart Mill), printed 1929. Be sure to ask the shop clerk to stamp the inside of your book with the store’s coveted logo stamp.

Some other pictures I captured, while following Kevin and Mr. G.

Whether you live in Paris or are on vacation a tour with Kevin is something that should make your must do list. Take a visit to Kevin’s website to learn about his photography work or to schedule your own private walking tour – with the added benefit of being with someone who is knowledgeable on the history of Paris and is also able to take you to some of the best spots for capturing that perfect shot.

Next on the list walking tour of Paris's 3 best food groups - pasteries, chocolates & bread

 Jennifer, our tour guide, greeted us at La Maison du Chocolate, 19 rue de Sevres - from that point it was a whirlwind of mouth watering delights! Among some of the places Jennifer introduced us to were: Jean-Charles Rochox Chocolatier; Cacao et Chocolate;Pierre Herme; Maison-Kayser and Marcolini.

Our group consisted of Mr. G. and myself along with two wonderful women from Spicer, MN United States. One of whom is also a Professional Photographer (Carlson Studio Inc.) - for our Blogger Friends in Spicer, MN you may want to check their Carlson Studio Blog to see the amazing pet portraits they have done. It was truly a pleasure to have the company of these two lovely ladies - not to mention that they are chocoholics too!

Along the way Jennifer's knowledge of Paris history kept us so entertained that the walk from one venue to the next seemed liked seconds. Perhaps the the quick passing of time may also have been a result of the sugar induced energy - did I mention that at each stop we were treated to 2  complimentary samples of the shops delights. Mr. G. became a fan of Ganache. Did you know that in Paris a baker must get permission from the city before he can close his Boulanger or vacation? Did you know that May 1st is a very important date and that people give each other Lilly of the Valley? (a chocolate version is pictured under the Macs in the above shot). These are the tid bits of knowledge you may not learn about if you just venture out in the unknown. For first time visitors to Paris or even for those who want to explore a different section of the city, having a knowledgeable local Parisian will let enlight you as well as possibly saving you some sole on your shoes.

You can email Jennifer to schedule a personal/group tour customized to your needs.

Below are some shots I took along our adventure, among them Jardin du Luxemburg - it was just as beautiful as my NYC living - Paris friend had promised it to be.

                         

I hope you are enjoying Paris!

I invite you along on our visit to the Louvre, Cruise the Seine , see Paris by night and enjoy dinner on the Champs-Élysées - on tomorrow's post.

images: Falling off a High Heeled Life