Lay of the land

I am staying at a hotel on the right bank sandwiched between the 1st and the 8th arrondissement (yellow dot on the screenshot below). There is a high concentration of top shopping temptations around me, but more importantly I am also just a stone through away from the gardens and sights, including the Eiffel Tower, which I see every time I go out for a walk. Having enjoyed this area as my home base this time, I can now recommend it as a wonderful place to stay for a first trip to Paris because major sites are all – Right. Here.

Two things are becoming apparent in all the people watching I have done – Parisians have taken on to running as a sport like no time before. There are spandex-ed runners every where at all hours of the day. Second, Parisians are passionate talkers. I knew that already but it’s taken on another degree of realization as I have spent a lot of my time in silence (and perhaps too many texts to Dev and my sister saying I wish they were here so that I could talk to them about the talkers around me).

All the merriment and excitement surrounding me is reminiscent of the Friday nights I have spent with friends in Raleigh eating pizza as our kids run around the house. I imagine if the setting was a bistro, guys, we’d all look the same as these happy strangers. Except, we have never done that on a Monday night I suppose and which these Parisians were happily doing (what about work? I kept mumbling under my breath. Followed quickly by, doesn’t that kid have school tomorrow?)

While hanging out in the Jardin des Tuileries yesterday, I couldn’t stop thinking about my kids. Note to self – if you are trying not to miss your kids, don’t go to a big garden that has lots of kids. Among other things here, there is a sail boat pond, an outdoor trampoline thingie, a carousel, and a really nice playground. A good snack or coffee is an easy reach away at one of the many outdoor cafes. And lot of green chairs to lounge on and people watch.

For my dinner, I had plans to eat somewhere on Rue Montorguiel. When trying to decide “where to eat in Paris”, I think it helps not just to have specific restaurant recommendations but also suggestions of some very lively streets with a bunch of eating options. This street is one of them. I had an outdoor table at Bianco and loved my pizza with pesto, fresh ricotta, roasted eggplants, and fried zucchini flowers, with a glass of red lambrusco.

Also, I have a coffee table book idea for anyone who might be looking to fund a new idea – A photo book full of uncleared Parisian Bistro chairs and tables after the guests have departed. What do you think?

I haven’t traveled alone like this before. It is strange to only have myself to think about. It is also really really hard not to consume a shit load of coffee and wine because really, what else is there to do? Let’s hope that I find that out on my second day. = )

Leaving you with a few pictures. If you see my kids, give them a squeeze for me please because I desperately miss them. Thanks D. Je t’aime.