Ten Chonies

Isn't she a beauty?

Perspective.  

Musee Rodin is a gem.  It's a place that has stuck with me since my first visit over a decade ago.  Walking around the grounds, feeling the cool plaster of the chateau walls, admiring the work within an arms reach and imagining how it must feel to have an ounce of Rodin's talent.  And today, those same warm feelings came rushing back.

Musee Rodin  |  Paris, France

Focus.  Strategy.  Precision.

In my not so humble opinion, one of the most magical places in Paris is Le Jardin du Luxembourg.  The perfectly manicured trees, the cool shade, public benches and chairs, beautiful flowers and... THE POND!  Nothing is quite as sweet as the sailboats or the children pushing them across the water.  Running from one side to another, racing each other and racing nobody but themselves.  I wonder if the mama duck guarding the boathouse, caught the little boy licking the pond water off the push stick?  I did and it will forever make me laugh.

Paris, France

The beautiful art deco, Samaritaine.

(Do you remember the Seinfeld episode?)

Invader.

Laduree is an institution.  One that commands a line clear out the door even when the weather is bad.  And the blogging community - they'll offer up their first book deal for these treats.  This is why when I stumbled across it, I just had to get some of their famous macarons.  Flavors I knew I'd love - chocolate coconut, coffee, vanilla, ice mint, raspberry and orange blossom.  I found a shaded park bench from which to enjoy them and well, I was thoroughly disappointed.  There, I said it!  I'll admit, they are very pretty with their crayon colors and the packaging was well, perfection.  However, I am not a macaron fan... even when they are the creme de la creme.  Don't hate me for the honesty.  (Although I'm sure some of you are secretly happy that somebody agrees with you.)  And for the diehards... well, more for you. 

How does it go?  "When one door closes, a window opens."

Mass at Notre Dame was beautiful.  Even though delivered in French, it's amazing how far tradition will carry a translation.  I spent a good portion of the hour focused on the architectural details rather than the words.  Special details I had missed before but are now locked in my memory.

Paris, France  |  Institut Oceanographique

Sacré-Coeur Basilica in Montmartre made of beautiful tavertine.  I like to think it isn't coincidence that it is both the perfect place to look up and look down.

Paris Plages, a summer transformation.  With man-made beaches throughout the city... my favorite being those along the Seine.  Beach chairs, umbrellas, music and ice cream vendors.  What's not to love about Paris in the summer? I mean, besides everything being closed for the month of August.  ;)

A peculiar white box lifted on skis sat beside the Seine.  What in the world?  With a sign that pointed down, directing people to crawl under it.  So I did... of course.  Curiosity killed the kk...  And looky what I found!  A portable greenhouse.