It is definitely spring in Paris with sunny days, cool breezes and comfortable nights. The good news is that we’ve put our umbrella away and are enjoying the outdoors. Lots has happened in these past few days — so much so that it will probably take me two blogs to get it all in. I’ll start with today and work backwards. We’ve been having trouble opening our apartment door such that I was sure one of these days we wouldn’t be able to open the door and would be locked out. George oiled the lock but it didn’t seem to make much difference. This is where friends come in. We mentioned it to friends at lunch two days ago and they assured us that it was no problem. On the spot they called a locksmith they know and confirmed that he would visit us early first thing this morning. And he did – and he fixed the locking mechanism. There was nothing wrong with the lock itself. The mechanism, which consists of a long metal bar which moves up and down when the lock is turned was out of alignment. Just old age — we understand that! He got out a drill, we gave him a ladder, and in 20 minutes and 90 euros later, our door was fixed.

With the door fixed and that worry eliminated we headed out for the afternoon. For the first time since we arrived we took a bus. It isn’t that we didn’t want to take a bus — we couldn’t find the buses running from any of the stops we’ve been using for the last 15 years. We went to one of our usual stops , but no bus came and I couldn’t quite figure out that the notice posted meant. Well — when I finally did figure it out (thanks to Google translate) it wasn’t good news: This stop is not in service. It seems none of our stops will be operational until Oct. 2023 because of major road work being done along the routes. The buses have been rerouted. To where I have no idea. There is no information anywhere. We did find another bus not too far from us thanks to Bonjour RATP app (don’t leave home without it) Bus #86 — took us exactly to where we were headed –the Bon Marche and La Grand Épicerie (The Great Grocery!)

As a reward for his being willing to take the bus (which I love) as opposed to an Uber, I suggested we have lunch at one of our favorite restaurants — Le Récamier — which I have written about before. Soufflés are the specialty – but even more than that, all of the food is good and the service is impeccable and friendly.

Just above is the entrance to the restaurant. Since we didn’t have a reservation we were seated inside which was just as well as it was a bit breeze in what is essentially an ally way. We started with a green bean salad with very thin slices of raw white mushrooms, a main course of fish, and of course, souflé — mine with the dark chocolate and George had a grand marnier soufflé that was highly recommended by the waiter. We come here at least once every trip – so you’ve all read about this one before.

After a very big lunch we walked to La Grand Épicerie which is just a couple of streets away . We didn’t need much, but bought a few specialty cakes to have on hand when we have company next week. Photos are not allowed and so I can’t show you the inside — but it is truly spectacular. This no ordinary grocery store and not the place you go to buy soap powder! (Although they have it hidden somewhere in a corner). It must be on your To Do list if and when you visit Paris and if you haven’t been before.

Thursday night we had a super spectacular treat – went to the ballet at the Bastille. It was amazing. Friends had asked us months ago if we wanted to go – and we said yes without a second’s pause. They had purchased their tickets and so purchased two more for us, but told us we wouldn’t be sitting together. When we got there we were seated together, orchestra, row 9, center. How come? When our friend purchased our tickets he asked they call him if 4 seats together came up. a Week later the box office staff called — they had four tickets. Did we want them?

The Ballet Corps of the Paris Opera performed, two nights only, the work of choreographer Maurice Béjart who died in 2007. The performances were sold out. This is the inside of the Opera Bastille from our vantage point.

We saw three pieces by Béjart – two of them are on You Tube, and although they don’t have the impact of seeing them live, I’d recommend you watch them nonetheless. They were truly amazing works of art – both the mastery of choreography and of dance. The both leading male dancers were beyond belief. George said he had never seen anything like it – massive bodies dancing with such grace and beauty you just wanted to cry. The first ballet was The FireBird by Stravinsky (the first time I’ve seen a live performance of this famous work) and Bolero by Ravel. Hope the link works. If not, just Google it – Béjart L’oiseau de feu. Ravel comes right up next.

ENJOY !!