french are in love with their bread; the bakeries in france smell different from anywhere else in the world – i always thought that the butter is the reason but i am learning that it is actually the flour – heaven must smell like french “p
there was a big “messe/mass ” in Notre Dame cathedral last sunday; i was lucky to see it – beautiful music and a great show for the faithful and the tourists…
this medieval giant of a building remains spellbinding after 800 years; the other churches seem like little dwarves compared to it. 
caf
this was an interesting museum because you could see where the artist lived – his work has never seemed very interesting to me but i thought a lot about my dear professor Ungvari when i was looking at Moreau’s study: there were many beautiful books and various collections of small drawings; the whole room was bathing in a quiet amber light.
nothing beats a nightcap at café de flore…
things just aren’t the same after claude terrail’s death last year; the owner of La Tour d’Argent, (established in 1582) was a great host; i noticed yesterday that there were more waiters than guests in this great restaurant with still the most beautiful view of Notre Dame. the food was its usual “starry” delicious and delicate of course.
the cheese cart and the wine stay the best in grand restaurants but you to leave your arm and one leg to pay for it!
i am in paris since may 10th in a rather unusal neighborhood (for me): 100 meters from the eiffel tower! call me a snob but i like to see the tower from afar; i see much to my surprise that i like it upclose too.
i went to musée du quai branly on friday – the maven of “cultural diversity” – the collections were not to my taste but jean nouvel‘s architecture was sublime.
saturday was spent on my first visit to fontainebleau; coming from southern california, i always forget how densely green western europe is; i love the myriad shades of green – much to my delight, i discovered a poppy field and got a bit nostlagique (i haven’t seen a red poppy since i left my country in 79).
the château itself was very impressive but i still prefer the one in chantilly.
paris is a great walking city, day or night…
