Paris, Je T'aime. {Day One}

“Had you but seen it, I promise you…never would you have wished such beauty away.” 

― Jennifer Donnelly, Revolution

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been in awe (and love) of France- Paris specifically. Then, I associated lace, tea-cups, curly hair, and countless, almost breathless layers of pale pinks with the city. Later, I associated it with the Eiffel Tower, those delicious buttery chocolate croissants, and the dozens of precocious little corner cafés you spy in the pages of my favorite travel magazines, and Kinfolk. 

Over the past few years, as we have planned this trip, I have paired France with farmer’s markets, clouded skies, and visions of me walking around, boots and chunky sweater, hair tossed up in a messy top-knot- and my camera slung round my neck, fingers poised to click.

And so, to put it bluntly (and simply), yesterday we embarked on a plane to Paris. After dreaming of France for so many years, examining all the traveling manuals and itineraries I could lay my hands on, I can scarcely believe that we’re actually here.

After landing at about eleven in the morning, we took a fairly long taxi to our appartement, which we’re staying at for the next week.  We unpacked what needed to be hung, and took a few moments to breathe and admire the view (see above). I actually fell asleep at one point, while reading a French guide, on the sofa- we were that exhausted. During that impromptu catnap, my dad and my sister Alexandrea took  a quick stroll down to a pastry shop, located across the street, bringing back a "traditional baguette (so exclaimed my impressed father). 

If you know my family (especially my little sisters), it's no surprise to find that we were soon on our way, walking up and down the streets of the Marais Quarter in Paris. We had plans to find a place for an early dinner, but the original first choice was not opened as early as we'd walked. However, we had just spied Café Hugo, and, if only for the name, changed plans to sit there for a bit...

This little corner place was adorable. Looking around at Parisian shops, markets, and cafes, I am in awe of how they squeeze such a little space together without making it feel too cramped. I love the indoor-outdoor combination that attains the standard. 

After partaking of some fairly crisped bread (good), some mushrooms (better), and a fresh tomato and mozerella salad (best of the three), we stepped out and crossed the street to take a shortcut through the park, which had grown much louder as the shade grew more plentiful. 

Through trying to cut out a little (alright, a lot) of foot traffic, we came across this duet of flutists: 

This may well have been my favorite part of the day (with the exception of my nap, of course ;)..the two played a Vivaldi duet- oh, such beautiful music, just echoing some of the halls of the old Hôtel de Sully. 

We accidentally-on-purpose ran into a market stand..knowing we had purposed to take advantage of the nearly always fresh ingredients. Hence, the "Primur du Marais!" 

We walked/trudged/pretended we didn't actually lose direction/ home through the bustling streets as it was nearing six o' clock. No one had really declared themselves hungry, so we had originally planned a salad. But by the time we reached the apartment, all of us were perfectly satisfied by a piece of just-browned toast and jam, and a cup of hot tea as an end to the day. 

..........