It Really Exists!

Ok, sometimes I can be rather skeptical! I admit it, or maybe I shouldn't... Anyway, yesterday was a wonderful day full of delightful little acts of kindness by complete Parisian strangers. Is it me? Do I look angelic and they just want to be nice? No, I think it is the ever-protruding baby belly that tugs at their heartstrings a bit. Whatever it is, I am very appreciative of my new Parisian experiences! After having lived here 4 years I was beginning to wonder about the mean old lady at the boulangerie, the men who walk straight in front of you and ignore personal space, blah, blah, blah... I could go on and on. But yesterday was great! I have a renewed faith in complete strangers, and complete Parisian strangers at that! La Mom mentioned this to me a while back but I wasn't so sure... sorry for being such a skeptic!


I took a quiet moment out to wander through an expo titled "Declarations of Love" at a small church I passed in the Marais.


The interior courtyard of the charming cloister.



I love the name of this old café for many reasons!


My day started with a trip on the bus then the metro to get me into the center of Paris. I got out at Hotel de Ville and decided to have lunch at Le Pain Quotidien on rue des Archives. After lunch I stopped in at the expo (above) and then continued wandering the Marais for the next few hours. I stopped in at the Musée Carnavalet which is also known as the Museum of the History of Paris. The gardens where beautiful and this gorgeous old, hotel particulier houses some of the most fantastic art from the early days of Paris and down through the ages. After a tour around the museum, I paused to enjoy the gardens and then headed down the ancient cobblestone streets for more shopping and my gouté, or afternoon snack! I stopped in a women's clothing store to pick up a little something for myself and then crossed the street to Diptyque. After that, my tummy was rumbling and my legs were exhausted so I headed straight for Place des Vosges to find a place to rest. Once rejuvenated, I headed for rue de Rivoli to begin making my trek to BHV and then onto dinner with some old friends.


Outside the Musée Carnavalet








Inside the museum


Random acts of kindness by Parisian strangers:
- The server at lunch allowed me to change my order when I decided it wasn't quite what I needed or wanted.
- A young man in a clothing store put me ahead of others to try on the few items I had. Then he cashed me out ahead of 5 other women saying "She has a particular reason".
- The server at Ma Bourgogne, where I enjoyed my gouté, personally ushered me across the street to their sister restaurant to use the toilettes since they were much cleaner and no one was waiting!
- The gentleman at Diptyque filled my bag with a generous amount of testers, not a usual act here in France.
- The lady at the boulangerie happily accepted my 20€ bill for an éclair that cost only 2.50€. Usually exact change is MUCH preferred!
- While waiting in line at BHV, the sales lady took me ahead of a man that was waiting. She said "Vous pouvez avancer Madame". I LOVE this treatment; stick that stomach out, bébé!


One of my absolute favorite places in Paris, Place des Vosges!



This hit the spot!



Statue and beautiful tassels in window of antique store near St. Paul
Note to self: buy tassels before leaving!


Finishing a wonderful day with 2 of my favorite Parisian friends! We worked together and they were always an absolute delight!




 A RENDEZ-VOUS WITH STYLE is on vacation from 7/10-8/10



A Rendez-Vous with Style offers wardrobe styling & image consulting services for women of all ages and stages of life. 
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All photos & ideas expressed on this blog are the sole ownership of A Rendez-Vous with Style unless otherwise stated. If you would like to use a photo, please email me first at kelli@arendezvouswithstyle.com

Posted by Kelli Djulus at 7/30/2009 2:00 AM
Categories: Shopping, French Food, Friends, Paris, Simple pleasures, things I love
 

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  • 7/31/2009 11:40 AM VictorianCobweb wrote:
    The Diva and you are thinking alike this week - both are looking at the tassles. Glad you are having a wonderful holiday - you are absolutely glowing!
    Reply to this
    1. 8/1/2009 12:25 AM Kelli Djulus wrote:
      Thank you! 

      Yes, trying to snap photos without getting yelled at in Paris is quite difficult! That's why I love the beautifully decorated windows.

      Provence is fabulous and I can't wait to share pictures with everyone once I am back home!


      Reply to this
  • 8/9/2009 2:00 AM Jackie at PhamFatalecom wrote:
    I'm so happy for you. It seems like you're having a lot of fun in Paris. I miss Paris a lot. I'm surprised to read about the kindness and good manners of certain Parisians. I grew up there and we've earned our bad reputation lol the mentalities are so different in California, in the Bay are in particular!
    Reply to this
    1. 8/17/2009 11:02 AM Kelli Djulus wrote:
      Paris was absolutely wonderful! Being pregnant in France gets you 1st class treatment, one I am ashamed to say is not really a part of what I have experience in SoCal since I have been back. I am a bit ashamed of Californians and Americans in general... they aren't super nice to pregnant women.

      Reply to this

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