So as I board for England

Paris is full of beautiful elements, the architecture, design, food, fashion, vibrancy, it was electric, but all that said couldn't easily live there and my beautiful country Hamlet in South Africa will be admired with rose tinted spectacles again on my return.

Our apartment was wonderful and functional and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient place to stay (details to follow).

The landscape as I flew between France and England was almost identical with glorious rolling fields of yellow rapeseed that look like magical masses of a mustard coloured painting. Contrasted with the typical hints of grey cloud synonymous with England, and rays of sunshine peaking through , it was at its prettiest.

It's Summer time here, but I have to say that our Winter in the Natal Midlands is warmer than it's been here so far, it's been seriously chilly.

Stranded at Charlie in Paris

I thought it quite appropriate that as I'm leaving Paris for England I receive an email thanking me for the message I sent to the Queen congratulating her on her Diamond Jubilee which, I'm told, "We will ensure it is added to our manuscript and presented to Her Majesty to celebrate this very special occasion".

Life throws its curve balls and today it was my turn when I missed my flight to the UK by minutes. Rules are rules it seems, and there was no budging. It gets worse ... I was then told to issue another ticket (for 8 hours later) will cost the same price as the ticket from South Africa. My husband looked decidedly frantic, as his plane was about to leave. Eh bien, telle est la vie.

My only consolation is that I am in the business lounge with a full buffet at my disposal, because at this stage the only thing I have eaten is a Laduree Macaroon - the rest of which are, by now, all squashed.

Well what a funny end to a perfectly wonderful trip to Paris.

Brocantes and more Brocantes ...

We were virtually the last to leave the early morning Brocante with some vendors packing away even as early as 12.30. A pair of wooden shoe lasts were still waiting for me right at the end, and were acquired for a couple of Euros less. There was stunning embroidered, monochrome, linen but the costs were exorbitant by South African standards. I found some dainty tea serviettes and embroidered overlays. Luckily, because the bug had now bitten, the market we had started first thing in the morning at St Pauls, ended only at 7pm, so we decided to go back en route to the Eiffel Tower. We'd bought a days worth of Metro tickets, which turned out to be a blessing, getting us to the various places that much quicker.

The sun shone on our last day in Paris. Sitting in the park at the Eiffel Tower, with this world renowned icon in front of us, was a momentous end to what has been an amazing trip. Surprising there are only approximately 2.million people living permanently in Paris, but this number is doubled monthly by the number of international visitors.

Modigliani, Catacombs and walking in the rain

It poured down today, our first day where we were out in the rain, so we put off the Brocante until later, in favour of a Modigliani exhibit at Pinacothèque de Paris. I have an original copy of a Modigliani done by Paula who lives in Nottingham Road. It is oil on canvas and my favourite painting.
I was in awe standing in front of original Modigliani art and even Maurice Utrillo. I have a beautiful chromolithograph at Simply Sam of a Utrillo, and I've always loved both artists.

We waltzed through the Parisian rues visiting antique shop after antique shop, on our way to the Catacombs, obviously in one of the most upmarket areas of Paris judging by the prices. Baroque, Retro, designer - all stunningly beautiful shops that put some of our best South African shops to shame. Though when you think most of the items originate from Europe, you would expect nothing less. Who can afford to purchase in this area is another story, the prices were exhorbitant
Walking back from the Catacombs, we stumbled upon a Monastary shop, more so because we are Catholic, else we may never have found it. There was an unbelievable choice of beautiful linen, but even the Nuns know their stuff, and the prices were not cheap. I managed to find a beautiful square table cloth with twelve matching serviettes, so dainty, perfect for a tea party.

Next we found a vintage book shop and I was thrilled to find three Retro titles that are quite rare to find - this was a good end to a day of shopping before the big Brocantes tomorrow.

The Catacombs were something else, reputedly the largest in the world. Millions of bodies were exhumed and moved here, to their final resting place. To see hundreds of bones and skulls, stacked neatly, and some even displayed in 'designed' arches and semi circles is wierd, if not a little disconcerting. It took me a while to get used to the idea that I would be stuck thirty metres underground for the two hours that it takes to walk to the exit, but it was well worth the experience. One comes out of there realising how insignificant we really are.

In Paris space is at a premium and this we realised as we exited ghe Catacombs, and spotted a car in the street, literally packed to the rafters with 'stuff'. Probably the cheapest storage you'll find in this costly city.

Last night we ate, and drank, at Chez Chatelier as promised. At 9.45pm, people were still queuing and we managed to get in just before closing. It was a hive of activity as waiters and Garçons buzzed busily around more than a hundred patrons.
At 50 Euros for a four course a la carte menu with a bottle of house wine for two people, this was extremely reasonable by Parisians standards and a must do for anyone visiting Paris on a budget.

Churches and Cathedrals

There is simply no such thing as an ordinary church in Paris. Every one is exquisite. From the huge domed architecture to the magnificent biblical oil paintings and stained glass windows - one could spend a month touring these magnificant monuments and still not see them all. One cannot help but be in awe as you wander around and gaze the ornate chandeliers, candelabras, cherubs and gargoyles. The statuettes of saints and carved crucifix of Christ. Huge carved ornamental doors and entrances, pulpits and confessionals. The beauty of these buildings is quite astounding.
Being Catholic, these churches hold specific significance and that was why this evening, having Mass at St Paul's Cathedral, in French, was just wonderful. Significant even more ax this was our last evening in Paris and what better way to end our trip, than with thanks.

Eiffel Tower - oui merci

Paris - the romantic city and could it get more romantic than this. It's our last day and were sitting in the sun with the majestic icon before us, anticipating a walk to the top. We've just met a beautiful young lady, who was woken in Holland by her friends at 6am this morning, only to discover, four hours later, she is to celebrate her 'kitchen tea' (hen party) in Paris, starting with a picnic at the Eiffel tower. She has to approach men and ask them to write their phone number on her apron - just in case her marriage doesn't work out. Here she is photographed with my husband.

Another day in Paris

In the street below our apartment a Madame is serenading the patrons at the street cafes, with the lilt that is so very French, to the applause of the Parisians.

We're sitting with all the windows open, with temperatures soaring. It's been a stunning, 'summers' day and it seems everyone is outside at street cafes & restaurants. When we arrived in Paris everyone was still dressed in Winter apparel and it seems over night the next season is upon us. Jasmine is in the air and the mood is exhilarating.

So what to russle up for supper when your ingredients consist of pesto, olives, creme fraiche, rice and tomatoes? Pesto Rissotto with creamy tomato & olive sauce. Perfectly accompanied by chicory salad, grated Compote cheese, fresh baguette (which I stupidly bought and carried for an hour, then passed at least a zillion Boulangeries on the way), and a good glass of red - but of course.

Another stunning day with perfect weather and a whole range of Ateliers with wares to blow your mind. I hope the photos I've taken will give you some idea. Paris is so full of creativity and customary skills that have been pasted down through families. To give you an idea, we went to see a leather book binder, a restorer of vintage maps & posters, a maker of musical trinket boxes (some of which take one year to complete and 3000 Euros to purchase), a Milliner with hats that would put the Queen Mother's to shame, hand-made Ostrich lamp shades etc etc. All wonderfully inspiring and amazing.

Many of the Brocante shops we visited late afternoon as some only open after lunch and close after seven. Very convenient for a bit of late night shopping. I came across more lovely linen, beautiful vintage clothing and bags, but very little furniture.

We still didn't get to the Musee D'orsay or the Catacombs, but we'll try tomorrow in between the Brocantes. There is just so much to see and I want to take in as much as possible before we leave and all the best Brocante are at the weekend.

The only thing I would have liked on this trip, which seems like its not yet available, is a Google Map App, that allows you to plot multiple places which would send out a reminder as you walk. I had to revert to the old method of paging through a map and brochure which means, more often than not, putting your feet up at a street cafe, and at five Euros a beer or cafe creme, can be lovely, but all adds up. In fact as we sat sipping our little Espresso today a couple of Gypsy children put a piece of dirty old newspaper right over my breakfast to try and take the 50 Euros I'd put down to pay the bill. One just has to be vigilant as the poverty is quite horrendous.

I'm sure the App will be available soon, but try as we may, we found nothing that worked.

The 15 Euros we spent on an 'un-limited' data card was money well spent, as this allowed us to switch on Google Maps, once we knew where we wanted to go, and to 'whatsapp' our children as we went. We could even send them pics as as when they were taken, all for free.

Eating has been mainly 'on the go' at Bolangeries and Patisseries, and fresh fruit from the local grocer. Its 'Printemps' and the strawberries are irrestistible. Tomorrow we'll try 'Restaurant chez Chartier' just down the road from Rue Montmartre, where we are staying. It is, we're told, an unpretentious French Brasserie dating from 1890 ( just my kinda place) and has reputedly only had four owners since 1896.

It's 10pm, just getting dark, and the night is still young, but my poor feet can't walk another step. So until tomorrow Bonne Nuit ...