The summer solstice. To celebrate, the city of Paris has La Fete de Musique. Music all over the city, for free, all through the night. I received an email newsletter with links to popular sites, etc, but thought that it would be too crowded. Plus, I heard that even though the metro will run all night long, that it's a bit of a nightmare trying to get anywhere hear Notre Dame.
After class (during which I was able to tell Christine that I tried and loved the creme du marronne; she offered to get me more, but I said that I had found it at the Monoprix), I finally screwed up my courage and went to the Patrick Roger store to buy some chocolates. It seemed indeed a formal affair. Or maybe it was because there was only one other person in there, and it was very quiet. The aroma was intoxicating. The carved hippopotamus was quite impressive. And the chocolates were lovingly encased in turquoise boxes that made on think of Tiffany's with a kick. I thought to buy a box of chocolate covered almonds, then worried that someone in Christine's family would be allergic to nuts. It's horrible that there are so many food allergies, especially the ones that can be deadly. Anyway, I ended up buying the arrangement right next to the almonds. Same size box. But 40€ ... !
Returned home to deposit the chocolates (in the pretty bag, Yoko would be so proud), and couldn't get up the energy to get up and go. Plus, it started to rain. Hard. So, I scrapped my plan to return to the Carnavelet, and took a nap. When I woke up an hour later, the sun was shining. It was too late to visit the museum, but thought I'd check out the necklaces in the shop on Rue de Pont Louis Phillipe. This street leads north from the Ile St. Louis into the Marais, and has a plethora of charming shops. There's that word again. Charming. I seem to be using it a lot these days. But it's quite apt. Anyway, I remember walking along this street four years ago, as I walked to Mimi's apartment for our potluck dinner. I found the shop, and actually bought a necklace. Not the one I'd been eyeing before. Really, it was too busy. But another one that was a little simpler, and more "me." Then, as I continued north, I found a store with some felted wool floral scarves. They reminded me so much of the felted wool shop in Kathmandu that I had to stop and take a look. Charming! Or, charmonte! I bought two!
Continued north, and finally arrived at the Place des Vosges. The wind made the park feel a tad bit chilly, but it the shaded areas were peaceful enough, and benches were available, so that I made myself at home and wrote a bit. Then, I heard a choral group warming up. Not the best I've ever heard, but enough the piqué my interest. Then they started singing, and I made my way to the center of the garden to hear them sing. A college group, from what I understood. The director was a youngish, earnest-looking guy. He only sang enough to give the group their pitches, but his voice seemed clear and true. Quite enjoyed the group , and was sad when the music was over.
Words cannot express my general contentment at being in this garden. The sun is shining (intermittently, as the clouds are pushed this way and that by the wind), and the leaves of the trees, newly washed by the earlier rain, filter the light delightfully. All this contentedness makes me wonder why I don't do this while back home in LA. No wireless in the park? Too involved in trying to get good grades? Too tired from a rough combination of work and school? Just too lazy? The next few months are going to be rough, but the end is in sight. If all goes according to plan, I will finish school in February.
Of course, one could argue that I spent most of my 20's and 30's just enjoying myself, and that if I had applied myself back then, I wouldn't feel so pressured now. Ah well, I'm getting to where I should be.
Returned to the apartment to drop things off. On the way, saw a large crowd listening to a jazzy band at the national archives. Saw an even large group listening to a rock band playing at the Arab Institute. My plan was to drop things off, the head over to the Louvre, and see of any musicians or singers were performing in the courtyard hallways to the east of the pyramids. At least that was my plan. But it was late, and I was tired. So, I stayed in and put my feet up. Ahhhhhh ...
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