The first thing I did this morning is look outside. Call me boring, but I have to say it -- it's a warm and beautiful day in Paris!
The next thing I did was respond to a text from my younger girl -- "we landed!" she wrote. Yay! I wrote back. I am looking forward to adjusting my pace to that of little Juniper (who is three). My step counter yesterday went nuts. Days like that are fine, but they require rest after. Without that, I'm antsy. (So tired was I last night that at 12:30 a.m., when I tried to unwind and go to sleep, I failed. Lesson learned: I need to slow down.)
And then? Breakfast!
But I don't linger. I have a task for the morning -- I'm off to find croissants for the arrival of the young family.
I walk over to La Boulangerie La Parisienne. These guys were baguette winners some time back so I figure their croissants must also be up there. It's a nice 15 minute walk past, past the Boulevard St Germain...
... and the church, St Germain des Pres, which gives its name to the entire neighborhood, the Left Bank main drag, and even my hotel. .
(a grandma showing her little guy a map and explaining, for some reason, where he can find Venice...)
(the bakery)
(the awesome cakes and tarts highlight the fact that we are in the berry season here already)
(Walking back, I almost turn right to head to my hotel le Baume... not today though. Next time, but not today...)
And the final important thing I did this morning is greet the new arrivals, who arrived just as I was walking up to the entrance of the hotel!
("I think I'm going to like it here...")
(the croissants)
(checking out the ins and outs of the hotel)
They don't pause: they leave their bags, pick up some jackets (it's cool here in the mornings) and we head out.
I have handed over the reigns to the parents, who are excellent planners and organizers. I'm here for the ride!
Our first destination is the market on the Boulevard Raspail. It's maybe a fifteen minute walk at a brisk pace, but it's their first walk and there are distractions. For example -- the dog cafe just up the block. Really, it appears to be for dogs. This one comes out to greet us and seems not inclined to return to the cafe.
(Dancing on the Boulevard...)
(At the market, looking for good stuff...)
(I find these lilacs. So fragrant! I must bring some back to my room!)
(what else?)
(strawberries and tomatoes...)
From here, we go to the food halls at the Bon Marche. I admire the tomatoes, but we're not here for those...
(Yes, macarons can be added to our loot.)
What we really need is sandwiches. We pick up a couple to share in the small next door park.
This particular park has the world's crummiest merry-go-round in that it has maybe 4 or 5 vehicles that go round and round in a very small circle. Nonetheless, any grandchild I have brought here has loved it. These two are no exception.
The park also has a playground that really is age appropriate for Juniper. And just barely Primrose (who turned 7 last month).
(macaron time...)
We walk back to the hotel so that Juniper can nap. They all need naps, I'm sure, but the older bunch (and Primrose) are powering through so that they readjust their internal clocks. I feel lucky to be beyond that first tired day.
(the hotel has sweetly provided kid slippers...)
I return to my room and do some photo work. Eventually Primrose joins me...
By 4:30, Juniper definitely was not ready to wake up, but one had to insist, otherwise the night would have been a headache for her and for the parents.
Where to now? To the Jardin Luxembourg!
(If Juniper is not yet cheered up, she will be soon! The park on a Sunday and a sunny one at that, is magical for kids!)
First stop -- the old fashioned merry-go-round. This guy has been helping kids "catch the ring" for years! Always ready to help the littlest ones, always energetically encouraging them all to do their best.
(she got a few rings!)
(on the second ride, Juniper wants to try... and she succeeds!)
There is a superb playground, but it being Sunday, it's crowded and we are running low on time. The girls settle for swings, and eventually we go down the steps to the big pond, just to watch the boats being pushed forward by kids with sticks.
Dinner is at Breizh Cafe. Definitely the city's best creperie, where the galettes are made with buckwheat flour. Last time they tried this food, neither girl liked it much. Today, they are more open minded.
And of course, there are the dessert crepes...
We walk back to our hotel satisfied and happy.
Hmmm... I'm still counting 40 photos here on Ocean. But of course, it's their arrival that upped the numbers! It was celebratory! It was momentous! It was lovely.
Tomorrow I'll slow down. Maybe.
with so much love...
