Paris in Black and White---More from the Show

Still dwelling on the large textile arts show we visited in Paris, here are some images from a cross-stitch sampler. One of a dozen displayed, it dates from a 1996 project of a cross stitch society in which each stitcher selected a color and then created a Paris themed sampler completely in that color. My favorite was the one in black in white. The overall piece was difficult to photograph because of its position in the hall, but details of the individual squares were easier.

Needle Arts Show in Paris

On our last day in Paris we went to an exhibition hall in La Villette to an enormous needle arts show and exhibition. Primarily focused on quilting, lace making, and cross stitch, there were so many people there it was impossible to move or see too far into the exhibits. By 4PM things had thinned out enough to take a few photos, but by that time I was too tired to care. There were vendors from many countries in the EU and the US.

The cross stitch took my breath away. I especially liked the traditional red and white work. Along with vendors who sold all things textile, there were demonstrations and competitions (shown here is the fastest knitter contest), and exhibits of samplers, quilts, needlework tools, etc.

The show lasted for 3 days, but on day 2 there were already stands that were out or low on stock. The only thing I wanted was a tote bag from the magazine company Marie Claire but zip were available. We ate sushi at lunch, a food we love but do not get in the Southwest easily. It was a nice last day to our trip.

What No Ruby Slippers?

The trip home from Paris went without a hitch, except for Calypso refusing to take her motion sickness pill. She gets extremely sick while in travel status and drools constantly. She began the waterworks as soon as the Sherpa bag came out of the closet and continued for an hour after she got back to the house. The top photo shows drooly cat home on her sofa, hopefully to stay. Little does she know............

The List and Le Train Bleu

We came to Paris with a long list of places to visit, meals to eat, people to see, and generally to have a good time. Naturally the list was longer than the time we allotted, so that means there are still plenty of things to do and a reason to come back.

I have always wanted to go to Le Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon. It is an elegant restaurant from the belle epoque that is known more for its decor than its food. Sunday we walked from our apartment to Le Train Bleu (about 3 hours). We wound up there near 5PM. What better time to have a drink, people watch, and enjoy the scenery.

Some things on our list that we did:

Visit the boat basin at Arsenal

Have tea a Laduree

Walk around our old neighborhood "Convention"

Visit Pere Lachaise Cemetery

Have an ice cream cone at Berthillon

Walk on a Sunday afternoon though le Jardin de Luxembourg

Eat aligot one Thursday at La Lozere

Restaurants we went for a meal or a drink:

L'ami Louis

La Coupole

Le Train Bleu

Spend an hour at FNAC (book store)

Have meals with:

Isabelle and Eric

Celine

Sophie and Giles

Valerie

Attend Le Cenerentola by Rossini (the high point of the trip) at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees

Attend the Royal Scottish National Orchestra also at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees

There were many long walks looking at architecture, visiting sites noted in A Moveable Feast, enjoying the cafes, markets, and keeping the cats company.

L'amie Celine chez l'ami Louis

L'ami Louis is a bistro that is most noted for its roasted chicken. Even since Patricia Wells published their recipe in Bistro Cooking and we adopted it to be our standard method of cooking chicken, we have wanted to taste the "real thing". Reservations are difficult to come by. We got Parisian Celine to make the reservations thinking that her frenchness might be an advantage. Well we finally experienced their chicken and it was indeed very good. Portions were over the top however. Here Celine is dressed in her business best and enjoying the chicken.

Calypso's Paris

Although the apartment is small Calypso and Dante have a lot of visual stimulants. Calypso in particular will sit in the window by the hour. Dogs, children, birds, and people all pass through the courtyard day and night. She does not seem to tire of the view.