I don't know when I last had such a full Saturday!
On Friday evening, my host family invited me to join them for a cultural tour of the Montrouge area of the 14th arrondisement for the following afternoon. I'm always interested in such visits and I was pleased to learn that my host "father" is responsible for arranging these sorts of activities for his company. We had a group of about 25 walking together through numerous streets and alleys and it was such a nice way to spend a beautiful afternoon in Paris!
The theme of the tour was discovering the quartier of the French singer-songwriter George Brassens (1921-1981). He was a popular singer (accompanied by his guitar) in his day and his lyrics were often a little controversial, so many assume (incorrectly) that he was an anarchist. His neighborhood was brimming with artistic creativity, and as we walked around we saw many old buildings with large windows for letting in plenty of light. Once upon a time, many well-known artists had their workshops, atéliers, in this neighborhood. It was lovely to see many Art Nouveau touches (my favorite design period) here and there, as well.
After the tour, I continued on my own and made my way back to the Luxembourg Gardens...quelle surprise! (Honestly, I could spend all day just people-watching in that spot!) I had a rendez-vous with my friend Susy in the Odéon area (another favorite) and we ate at a delicious Japanese restaurant. She shared with me a special event that was happening at La Défense later in the evening and we decided that we'd walk around a little and then jump on the metro and head that way. The special event was truly spectacular - a musical/light show/firework re-enactment of Antoine de Saint Exupéry's Le Petit Prince. I've never seen anything like it! There were images projected onto the arch of La Défense, classical music interludes, strobe lights, light-emitting balloons that changed color depending on the storyline, bursts of fire, and best of all, fireworks! I don't know exactly how many people were there - there certainly was a crush of humanity - I don't think I would be exaggerating if I guessed that there were close to 5,000 people (or more) in that spot! What a special experience!
I can't believe the weather that I've been treated to since my arrival. It has really been gorgeous - I'd say mid- to upper-70s all week. And it might get up to the 80s on Tuesday! Tant mieux! We've eaten many meals on the little patio in full sunlight - it's been heavenly! I even did a load of laundry and hung my things up to dry outside. Don't laugh - that's the first time I've dried things on a true clothesline. Americans are so used to having a washer/dryer combo, but many French households have only a (tiny) washer. I'm feeling like a true française! I know my days won't always be so relaxed in the weeks ahead, but I am trying to soak all of this up for as long as I can! Il faut profiter! (You have to take advantage of it!)
Check out my photos from the weekend after the jump...
One of those highly-desired former atéliers...
I loved seeing this lady tend to her geraniums, right next door to...
One of Matisse's former atéliers!!!! (now a ceramics workshop)
The perfect light at the very top...
Art Nouveau building decoration...
More former atéliers...
I've never seen this flower before (It looks like the one in the crazy jungle Coca-Cola advertisement before movies begin in the US?)
Most homes are protected by gates on the street (grilles)...this is the sweetest one I've seen thus far...
Many examples of old art in this neighborhood, but also a few new ones...
Stencil and spray paint...
Spray paint...
Chalk...
Mural up the side of a wall...
Plaque marking George Brassens' home for a time...
George Brassens, lui-même...
Cat sculptures above his home!
My French family!
Outside the Louvre...
With Susy!
I couldn't get enough of the fireworks! The entire show took place in front of the Grande Arche de La Défense...
Really spectacular!
Laundry day!
The patio for outdoor meals (en plein air)...
View of the back of the house from the backyard (le jardin) - my room is on the left!
Today (Sunday) held a culinary first for me...I had my first taste of le viande du cheval...that's right, horse meat. It was very tender and the taste was not bad at all - if I had not been told that's what it was, I would have never known otherwise. Perhaps a little difficult to conceive of given my love of horses...but, I figure, when in France...
Nay, you say?
No, that's what the horse said... ♥
4 comments:
red Toms! striped shirt! you are tres chic! I also tried cheval steak in france, not terrible tasting at all, but i did feel a bit bad about it!
I love the fireworks! Any musical spots of note yet?
@kaypea - yes, those Toms are going to be worn into the ground...I've worn them 4 out of 5 days! I'm proud of you for having tried the cheval - il faut goûter, mais quand même (one should try, but still...) sad face :(
@Daddio - the fireworks were the BEST! no musical spots yet...but I'm on the look-out!
If you wear a white shirt and black slacks and one red Tom's and one blue Tom's then you will be a walking French flag!!! It was so fun to Skype this morning.---we need to try to set a schedule to connect. did you buy a phone yet?
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