This morning
it’s all about the Blue Jay’s win over the Orioles last night. Billie and I
went out in the early evening to take a bus down through the city. Once down in
the Latin Quarter, however, we opted to get off and stroll along St Germain des Pres,
looking at the multitudes who brave the cool night air to sit in three-deep
rows outside the famous Parisian cafes. Down St Michel and a stop at the Hagen
Daz shop close to the river for a chat with the friendly and not-too-busy
server. We indulged, possibly the main reason neither of us was able to go to
sleep until long after midnight. I would try but shortly would hop up to see if
the Jays game was on yet – it started close to 2:30 AM our time. I went to
sleep for about four hours when it was 1-0 for the Jays and arose close to 6:30
for the glorious news of their win!
But back to
yesterday. The beautiful fall weather is holding for our visit. In the late
morning we went via our local Metro to the Galeries Lafayette. I especially
wanted to show Billie the spectacular dome at its center, stained glass a des
Artes Nouveaux. She was so distracted by the chi-chi counter displays (not her
favorite) that she paid little attention to the upper scenery. She did enjoy,
however, the seventh floor terrace where we sat for some time in the bright
sunlight with other happy tourists, taking in an overview of the Opera and
other nearby gems. One mammoth outer wall of the Galerie is a hanging garden of over
a hundred different species of plants, all edible, some important medically. Small
photos in a display show about ten of these, explaining the nature and usage of
each. It was all quite cheerful. The leader of some students engaged a German
couple to take a succession of photos of their group. We retreated to the sixth
floor which is dedicated to good food and expensive gifts to carry home. I had
some salad while Billie enjoyed the wifi; the costly presents were eschewed.
I had
thought of walking about that area but a last second decision put us onto a bus
up toward Sacre Coeur. Thinking of the state of feet and legs after days of 10
plus K walks, I opted for the funicular to gain a closer proximity to the
church. As we were about to enter, we heard some lively African music just off
to the left. We paused to take it in, staying close to a half hour as part of a
growing gaggle of passers-by, enchanted by the power and beauty of the music as
well as the showmanship of the musicians. They were three – later I found that
they were from different countries: Senegal, the Ivory Coast, and a third that
I don’t recall. Each could sing and play either their only guitar or the over
turned box that they used as a drum. One could make the sound of a horn just
with his mouth, moving his fingers the while, as though truly playing that
instrument. They went into a lengthy rendition of Stand By Me, in their own
languages, French, and English, encouraging us to join in with singing and
clapping. Two spectators, a man and a woman, who spoke the African language
they were using, joined in with them most beautifully, delighting the musicians
and the rest of us. This sequence continued for at least 20 minutes, the crowd
continuing to gather and to participate. It was really fun; their musicianship
and singing were superb. I purchased their CD to bring them home.
Sacre Coeur
was anti-climactic after that display but we walked about and reflected on the significant
difference between this church and Billie’s Gothic fav, Notre Dame. From the
heights we descended into the streets below, walking that area of artistic
days-of-yore, hopped on the Metro and returned chez nous for some supper. I had
no trouble getting Billie up yesterday, I’m happy to report. She was getting
ready to roll after the first quarter-hour call. We will soon go out to explore
the area of the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. Tomorrow will be a full
day of travel by train to Venice via Milan.
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