Pas de Fromage Aujourd'hui

Friends of Rayanne's - Karen and Delaney

I can't believe I didn't eat cheese today! The day isn't over yet...

Started the day meeting friends of a friend on the Champs d'Elysee for a cafe. It was great to compare notes with fellow Canadians (Vancouver) and share our experiences. Thanks Rayanne for setting that up! The coffee was a delight too, but that goes without saying. I did find it quite enlightening to see how much more a cafe au lait costs in a tourist zone; it was pretty much double from the local cafes I've been frequenting!

Baguette and a Bottle - no cheese though!

Spent most of the afternoon at the Musee D'Orsy which is a must for anyone coming to Paris, not only for the most wonderful collection (many of my favourites including Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh...) but for the spectacular building it is housed in. It is a converted train station and the architecture is so beautiful to see. I loved all parts of it!

 A little courtyard off what used to be a mansion on Ile-St. Louis

Kid in a Candy Shop!

Then my wandering began for the late afternoon. I had planned to do many things but ended up strolling down St. Germain de Pres, admiring cafes, stopping for a most late lunch (I've decided everything tastes better on a baguette, even eggs, tomatoes and lettuce!), and popping into the odd shop here and there. Which led me to ice cream. Imagine that! I just happened to find the ice cream shop from the other night; perhaps a mere COINCIDENCE? Salted Caramel/Banana double scoop. Well worth the stroll and maybe I'll just find it again! So this wonderful ice cream is actually found on the Ile de la Cite (Berthillon is the brand for those of you curious ice cream critics), which also has many little shops, beautiful homes and cafes and was quite calm and serene this afternoon so I spent time there wandering in and out of shops (let the shopping begin - although it is a tad overwhelming). Until I dropped and spent some time on the river bank beach reading and enjoying those around me speaking in French. Yet another great day in Paris, even without cheese (or wine)!