Today was the first truly sunny day we have had in Paris. It was very cold, but the sun was great. We took advantage of this by going out and exploring. First, breakfast, and because we had run out of cereal, and the stores were all closed because it is Dimanche, we went to the cafe downstairs for a petit déjeuner anglais. I forgot to ask for David’s eggs to be scrambled, and that was a disappointment for him. Over easy isn’t what he would call a good start of the day. The coffee and croissants were good though, so not a complete loss. We hopped in a car and drove to the left bank and the Jardin du Luxembourg. A delightful, albeit cold way to start the day. We watched the children (and children at heart) sailing their boats, and then walked through the park.
After leaving the park, we headed to Boulevard St Germain, but again, because it was Dimanche, most stores were fermé. It was still a very nice stroll. We then walked the market on Boulevard Raspail, and picked up some cheese, wine, dates and a toy to bring to Alex and Claire’s. We arrived a bit after 2pm, and they were having lunch with the couple who they share a nanny with. Very nice folks, and it was great to meet them and talk. After they left, we relaxed for a bit, and then Claire Lempress came to visit for a while. She is babysitting Theo, and they wanted to give her the lay of the land. It was also a very good excuse for us to see her. She is in Paris for the semester, and from the sounds of it, is having a great time and all of us want to take the courses that she is taking. David and I also now have a date to see La Belle et La Bête with. She said she couldn’t get any of her college friends to go with her, so we will take you next week.
Then we dropped Claire off on our way back. Once home, we watched the first episode of Project Runway All-Stars, then began reading a new book – Mastering the Arts of French Eating by a friend of Alex and Claire’s. So far, it is very interesting.