If you’ve been peeking at my Instagram posts, you’ll know that while my flight went well, and I was smoothly processed through Charles De Gaulle (quietest I’ve ever seen it!), the pre-arranged car ride from the airport to the hotel took over three hours (usually 40 minutes, an hour max.). Still, while I arrived exhausted, an afternoon nap revived me, and I met friends for apéritifs that evening, a sweet start to my visit.
You might also have heard that my carefully planned train trip to Rome to visit my daughter’s family (including a very cute little Italian Girl) was canceled due to the strike. Despair set in. Jet lag and bad news don’t work well together, and I didn’t sleep well at all. By morning, I’d resigned myself and I resolved to make the most of the solo time in Paris, assuming that because Air France flights were reduced as well during this National General Strike, particularly on the days of big organized marches, flying wouldn’t work either. Luckily, my hotel had room for me for the extra days, and knowing I had a place to stay, I decided to get out in the sunshine and start enjoying this beautiful city.
To make a long story short (because it’s almost 10:30 pm here and I’ve walked over 12 kilometres today and the jetlag from a nine-hour time difference doesn’t disappear in two days), I came back after lunch restored by the city. Did a bit of research, both online and with the hotel staff, and I’ve booked a flight for the weekend. Cross your fingers for me that I can get to the airport through whatever traffic there is, that the flight goes ahead as scheduled, and after that, maybe cross them for me once more when it’s time for me to get back to Paris, because that’s where my return flight home leaves from. . .
For now, while I’m brushing my teeth and getting ready to fall asleep in a sweet little hotel room in Paris, perhaps you’ll like to stroll some streets and gaze at some magical window dressing. . . . I have so many photos to share later as well. Just a few for now, to whet your appetite. . .
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| I still remember clearly the first time Pater and I saw this sculpture, probably back in 2005. . . . I cherish the familiarity I have with some areas of the city; the memories of what has changed, as well, over the years we’ve been visiting. |
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| Do check my Instagram feed where I’ve already posted one video of these animated windows at Le Bon Marché and where I’ll be posting more soon. This little fellow was so impressed — and I would so love to have mine here, watch their faces open wide in astonishment and pleasure. |
These windows in the Paul and Joe store on Rue des Saints-Pères! Such a gift, really. . . .The flowers framing each vignette are painted on the glass. . .
I enlarged that chair of swans for you. . . . I mean, really. . .
I’d love to know more about these cat-dolls, which almost look taxidermied. . . Creepy-cute, right?
Another vignette, another charmingly costumed cat. . .
I crouched down to get a better shot of this one, so that you’d be able to see the doll or stuffy she carries, confirming my creepy-cute assessment. . . .
And yours truly, caught in the vignette. . .
One last window, and then I really have to get to bed. . .
Her coat, right?! That fur collar? Are you dying? We should stop at the next café, order an espresso, and talk about how cute it all was and which dress we want from the collection (or forget the dresses and just order up a few of the kitties, costumes at all).
More soon,
bon nuit,
Frances. . . . from Paris
What gorgeous windows. I'll cross my fingers for you.
My fingers are crossed! You are an adventurer!!
I love those cats. Does each one have a doudou?
I hope it all works out, with just the right amount of drama to make a good story 🙂
Lovely vignettes of Paris windows. Glad you'll be able to get to Rome on the weekend. Some solo time in Paris isn't a bad thing, once one's head gets adjusted to the change. Enjoy! (I know you will)
Gorgeous window displays!!
I actually and very drawn to the cat dolls…
Good luck with the flight.
Fingers crossed for sure! Meanwhile, continue to make the most of what must be a rather frustrating situation. Certainly these windows in Paris are worth the delay – I too am somewhat drawn to the cat dolls and I'll have to head over to your Instagram to check out the animated display!
Good luck!
Frances in Sidney
My goodness… I am in awe. Travel to Paris alone at any time is brave, to me anyway. Let alone during a strike. I’ve never travelled alone except in Canada. Now, about those cats. Creepy cute is a good way to describe them. And I will take you up on the offer of that coffee and the chat … about les chats. Ha.
Hope the rest of your trip is wonderful… quirky and memorable without being too stressful.
Xo
The cat dolls are very creepy/cute….you expect them to move, now that is creepy. You are one resourceful lady.
It is stressful, but what a wonderful place to be stranded. Another chapter for your book.
Next stop Rome.
Ali
Very brave of you, a trip to Paris with the strike in motion. You are making the best of this added complication. Regardless, Paris streets are always wonderful. Sorry about not getting to see your family in Italy. There is always a "next time." Susan
Love the window displays. Part of every childhood Christmas for me was being taken to Regents Street and Oxford Street in London to see the window displays which were always extravagant.
As for the kitties in the Paris windows, their staring eyes make for quite a juxtaposition to the pretty, magical outfits they are wearing.
Also, did you notice that in the photo of yourself, below you under the vanity there are some disembodied legs turned the wrong way? Made me laugh considering the slightly creepy cats in the windows. Tim Burton Christmas? 🙂
Ahhh, there's nothing like Paris Christmas windows…thanks for sharing those details with us!
Fingers crossed that your flight stays scheduled and you get to Rome without a hitch!
Thanks, Jen, Kristin. . .
Georgia, Yes, each cat has a doudou. . .
Lorrie: It's true! And luckily, I'm a pretty good walker. Hard for anyone who isn't right now as Metro and buses are very limited (and very full!)
Thanks, Hostess, Frances. . . the dolls are captivating, aren't they?!
Sue B: I don't usually need to muster much bravery to be here as I know the city well by now and it really helps that the hotel knows me and is very welcoming and supportive. But I'm not looking forward to the back-and-forth stresses of more flights with so much more out of my control. I could walk to the train station on my own and it's such a pleasant, slow day. . . . ah well. . .
Ali: Thanks, I do think I'm rolling with the punches pretty well. . . 😉
Susan: I think I will see them this weekend after all. . . . hoping. . .
Mary: I have yet to be in London around Christmas, and I'd love to do that someday. . . Yes! I wondered if anyone else would spot that — makes for a funny photo op, doesn't it? wonder how deliberate it was — and I definitely see Tim Burton's influence.
Susan B: Thanks! And then cross them again that I can get back to Paris! 😉
Oh my but you are intrepid. I too have all my fingers and toes crossed for your safe passage to and from la Bella Roma. Overseas travel during such an extensive strike is not for the faint of heart. Off topic, warmest thanks to you and all the others who responded to my cry for help regarding planning for my daughter’s upcoming trip. Enjoy your adventure and may the travel gods be with you 🙂
Thanks for sharing those interesting window displays. And I have my fingers crossed for your successful journeys south and back again. I admire you for traveling on your own to Paris. I haven’t done that and I think I might be a little apprehensive…..
Suz from Vancouver
The painted flowers are amazing and the window settings… such a lovely tea party! Very creative are the minds that dreamed of well dressed kitties, teddies with ribbons, make up and tea. So adult and yet so little girl. You look very stylish with your beret and wool coat. Hope your trip to Italy goes without a hitch!
Gorgeous photos. Makes me want to run back to Paris. It has to wait. Sigh.
Those roses painted on glass are gorgeous. Creepy cats not so!
Always happy to see your Christmas Windows Collection! Next stop-Rome! Fingers crossed for the flight
Dottoressa
We had the same airport-city highway delay, seems to be a tactic. The driver was beside himself and at a flat rate the manif was essentially wrecking his day's income, but we did tip him extra. Would have missed our fight if it had not been delayed. Paris Christmas windows are delightful, though I am less apt to pause for cute than for some of the other stylish genres, especially at patisseries. Hope you are partaking!
So glad to see that you made it to Rome after all. Seeing your granddaughter was the main purpose of this trip, after all, wasn't it? Hope you meet lots of nice sardines in Italy, not only on your plate.