OUT AND ABOUT.

It has been a few days since I have written on the Blog.  Today is a Thursday, June 6 and I have been so busy OUT and ABOUT I haven't taken time to post on the blog.  Plus, the blog spot on iPad is an awkward procedure causing some frustration.   And I had rather be out and about .

The weather in Paris has been splendid, sunny every day, with few clouds and no rain since June 1.  However that is to change this afternoon.

LUXEMBOURG GARDENS is one of my favorite places to visit.  It is a 60 acre garden, once again filled with those green chairs (also in Tuileries Gardens) where I can prop up feet and watch the boats in the pond, or people go by and "sun".  But, there are almost always people jogging, some taking in a chess game, others exploring the many historical statues, of discovering the large variety of flowers and plants, not to mention the mix of people.  However, again it is a favorite for the "locals"  Often musical concerts are held on the weekends. I spent about 2 hours that afternoon in the "Pavillon de La Fontaine" enjoying some afternoon du cafe as I wrote in my journal.  As the evening wore on, two women came to my table and asked, "Are you a writer? an author?"  I know some of you are LOL.  I was so tempted to say "yes" but then explained the journal I was using, which had photographs from a previous visit.  I explained.  The women were from TEXAS, no kidding.  We chatted for 15 minutes, as they had traveled to Rome, Prague, Belgium, and heading to Scotland next.  THAT happens in Paris often.

 The palace was created in 1615 by Marie de Medici.  Now the property of the French Senate which meets here in Luxembourg Palace.  See what I mean about relaxing in the green chairs?

I  don't know who this is, just liked his pose....HA, oh and the flowers behind him.

 Saint Genevieve, Patponne de Paris, 423-512.  It is a fascinating story of her life but that is for later.

Dessert, really!!! This is La Bastide, Odeon.  It is near Luxembourg located at 7 dur Corneille in the 6th arrondissement.

After this, I caught the Metro (Odeon) back across the Seine River to "home" in the 4th Arrondissement at 43 rue Vieille du Temple.

The next day, I took the Metro to the 1st arrondissement, on the Right Bank of the Seine as is my place. Went to the Opera M stop....headed to Garnier Opera House.

This is the view as I stepped off the M at "Opera" on avenue de L'Opera.  One guide book suggest this image says, "all power to the wealthy".  Others say it proclaims, "This is a temple of the highest arts."  The architect was Monsieur Garnier and it was built for Napoleon III, and finished in 1875.

Jerry and I attended an opera there in 2012 and I was fascinated by the interior but especially taken by the Marc Chagall colorful ceiling (1964) which seems to dance around the 8 ton chandelier.

This day, I went to purchase tickets for Gale Reeves and me to see "Giulio Cesare" on June 14.  There were only a few selections of seats left.  So, we will be in the very TOP, and I mean the top. According to the ticket agent, we can see the stage and hear the opera.  The tickets cost 25 Euros each   so I think it will be just fine.  We will wear our pearls, white lace gloves and walk the elegant halls and staircase like those who have 180 Euro seats.

THE Cafe de la Paix has a view of Garnier Opera House (Palais).  I made reservations for dinner for Gale and me for June 14 @ 11:15pm, that is right!   The Opera is 4 hours so we should be hungry by then.   After making reservations, I decided to have my first "KIR ROYALE" for this visit.  I sipped slowly, taking advantage of the sites along blvd des Capucines, a very busy intersection in Paris.

I was just fine, took the Metro back to the 4th arrondissement, walked along my street to the "less expensive" side of Paris.  How fitting I would find a real touch of home there on the side street in La Marais. Oddly enough this little food stand is busy most of the day and night.

AU REVOIR  (Good bye) for now.