We’re been here just under a week and we finally got on a bus for the first time. We took the #70 to St. Germain. Surprisingly in the middle of the day (well — almost — it was 2:00 pm) the bus was packed probably because it is Friday and the start of spring break for school kids. We edged our way to the middle of the bus toward the seats reserved for ‘old folks’. A young gal got up and I took her seat. With that, when I heard English being spoken among her friends, I asked where she was from. “Australia,” she said with a smile indicating she was open to starting a conversation. “And the others?” I asked. As it turned out the others were all from Paris and taking part in an exchange program. She is here for one month and the others will be going to Australia at some point. She loves the program and was clearly quite excited. She is graduating from high school this year. In response to my asking what she planned to do next, she said (to my surprise), “Join the army. I want to give back to my country.” She told me it was not compulsory. After that she will figure out what to do. They got off at the Bon Marche stop — giddy and clearly having a great time together.
We almost missed our stop as I was still thinking about her response, when George noted that we were approaching the Seine . If we had crossed over we’d have been on the Right Bank (and clearly, for our purposes today, the Wrong Bank!) We got off on Rue Dauphine just in time. I’ve attached a map here so that you can see the maze of streets in the 6th, bordered by the 1er to the north, the 7er on the west and the 5er arrondissemont on the east
A road map of St. Germain area, We got off on Rue Douphine and walked away from the Seine. From there we crossed over rue de Buci, to rue de Seine, Walked up and down both sides window gazing. Eventually we made our way through the indoor market near St. Sulpice and caught the #70 in front of the church back home. The market place which used to be all food and restaurants now has a huge Apple store and a Uniqlo clothing store (started in Japan and now word-wide. We love their stuff especially for kids.
Rue Dauphine — the traffic light are at the bridge crossing over the Seine.
By this time we thought we deserved an ice cream so we ordered two very small cups at Amorino. They also serve hot chocolate and crepes with ice cream or whipped cream. Across the street was a cafe with, I am sure, fake flowers decorating the canopy. (photo below)
I couldn’t resist taking a shot of this waiter leaning up against one of the posts along the street (to prevent people from parking there.) He looks so happy and relaxed. Why not — everyone is in good spirits.
We are very happy eating our first Amorino here. Though good, it is not the best. We prefer Grom Gelato on rue de Seine, but the service there is slow and there is always a line.
Most of the fun is in window shopping. These are two of several primitive monsters which are decorating this shops’ windows. Humorous and creative! I think they are selling shoes and handbags. The theme ‘primitive’ comes from the theme in the area for these months: Paris Tribal
Gotta’ take a break now and then …..
Another cutie — !! (not the lady in the reflection)
Mulot is a wonderful bakery a couple of blocks away, close to the St. Sulpice. But here they have a small shop selling specialties. Wow — were we tempted. These tartes are as good as they look. I learned today that if a pastry shop is selling pastries made off-premises they must write that on the card describing the pastry. Otherwise, everything is made right where you buy it.
One of the goodies in the window of Mulot’s which we passed on our way home. Two young women were seated in the window next to this tower eating a cream filled something with berries and cake. Each was holding one and biting into it. As we walked by George started scratching at the window…. they began to laugh hard, as we were, because they suddenly realized what a picture they made. (but I didn’t take one.)
At about 4 pm we decided to have a kir (cassis and white wine) at a cafe on the corner of rue de Buci and Blvd. St. Germain. We were just going to have a kir, but then decided it would be good to eat something. We ordered the cheese plate. It was double what we expected — and served with huge chunks of great bread. So we sat and ate, and ate, and ate. The people-watching was terrific. Two women sat next to us. We struck up a conversation as they were Americans (very few have we seen up to now) The younger woman’s daughter has been here for a year studying in NYU’s Paris program. She loved it and now is going to NYU in NY. We helped them out with some directions and made our way home but not before one more stop.
As we turned a corner onto rue St. Sulpice we happened on this tiny chocolate shop with chocolate from all over the world. They don’t sell candy, but fudge and chocolate in the form as you see above. But we also spied a small freezer which was in the front with ice cream in the small containers as you can see below. We bought this one — pistachio ice cream from Iran. We couldn’t resist. It cost a small fortune (17 euros)… which almost made me turn it down, but we went for it. We’ll let you know how it is — it is still in our freezer.
pianomd 
Love traveling vicariously with you. Super photos! Hope you are having good weather. This next week here looks miserable. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading and traveling with us. The weather is perfect… and next week is going to be warmer.
Love seeing at all the beautiful pastries. I think I gained ten pounds just looking at them!Have fun. 🙂
You can imagine our situation… there is no getting away from these delights. We limit them, however, and still haven’t had a croissant!
Enjoyed reading both your posts as well as the photographs. When I saw George taking a respite on the street by the store, my first thought was 3 more, and he could be playing dominoes. I notice you are dressed lightly. It is cold and raw here– 38 degrees outside today with a light rain – am so ready for Spring, which continues to remain hidden. Enjoy your warmer weather, your friends, the fabulous food, your gallery hopping, museums, and architecture. Look forward to your next post. Love, Jeanne
Hi Carolann,
Thanks for the glimpse of SPRING! We have to believe it will visit us one day but not in time for today’s marathon runners! I love the photos and was also happy to read posts from your November trip. What a great way to follow your adventures! Aideen
Thanks, Aideen. So happy you are enjoying these posts. C.
Did you receive my response to your Paris in April? My computer says no. Hassie
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No I didn’t. C