Essentiel essentials

So David was walking with his new friend from a french class in St Germain des Pres the other day and saw a shop which he thought I'd like. Incidentally, I did.

It's called Essential Antwerp, is based in Belgium however has some boutiques across Europe. The use of colour and texture is what sets this label apart, as well as the remarkably reasonable price point. As you've heard when I purchased my Dirk Van Saane cape, Antwerp is where it's at, producing designers like Anne Demeulemeester and Dries Van Noten.

So here's some pics of the jacket - which is called summer weight here but will probably only be useful in Sydney winter - courtesy of David, and the shoes courtesy of my new job.









I especially love the lining of the coat, the detailed work such as the internal seams are what make such habillements such a pleasure. Then there was the glorious happenstance that I could buy shoes in Paris, they were made in Italy of course since I cannot fit my fat Australian foot into slender French shoes.

The Louvre (in the art, not slatted window sense)

Well, it only took four months but we finally went to the Louvre. On a Wednesday evening one can buy a ticket for six euros and I must say that wandering the halls in the glow of extended summer evening was rather lovely.

Here are some pictorial highlights.



Good ceiling work



18th Century meta-painting



Bernie and David resting feet.









The apartments of Napoleon the third (was a little less impressive and didn't rely on a three cornered hat).



But of course, one of the main reasons for visiting the Louvre is to see Mona Lisa or La Joconde. The painting, which is housed in a different room than when I was last here, is more a cultural object than anything to do with art. I find Da Vinci's other paintings just as interesting but one needs to visit this part of the gallery if only to watch the effect of the painting on fellow patrons. Mostly disappointment, I have to say, some excitement, and much taking of pictures.



The sun was setting as we left at 10pm and I think it will not be long before I return.

Hot and sweaty

Did anyone know that Paris is hot and humid in summer? And unlike Sydney a storm can build all day, the sky can grey and then... nothing.

Fete de la Musique

Especially for French Wench, whoever you are...

Here's the pics from my first fete de la musique. It's the night when the whole of France takes to the streets for music and fun, Paris is the pinnacle of course.



Our street early in the evening.



Hermes at the Bastille



Some Salsa music on Saint Antoine



Outside the Scottish pub in the Marais, this tiny woman was making some impressive noises.



The sky, did I mention the sun didn't set until 10pm?



Some preppy teenagers, dancing to drumming by the Seine



Bastille, or in other words, just at the end of our street



Our street

Incidentally I had to work a full day at the cafe the following morning. I was not particularly well rested but after having heard it normally rains for fete de la musique I was rather pleased at the previous evening's treat.

What I did last night...

Just for those of you playing along vicariously at home...
Last night I went to my writer's class at Shakespeare and Co before heading down to Ile St Louis where a group of artists (only one of whom I knew) were having a picnic. The lights didn't come on until 10.30 because the sunset was so lasting. We ate cheese, drank wine and talked art.

Best tea in Paris (or aix)

So The des Ecrivains is my favourite place for tea in Paris, though the real connoisseurs would recommend Mariage Freres or some other rubbish. The shop sells stationery and teas named after respective literary traditions. There's German romance or Chinese (since they're all the same) or French (same too).



(Photo includes tea, notebook and complimentary postcards which came enclosed in a purple organza pouch)

The "English writers" blend is China tea with hints of vanilla and caramel which I drank at an English language bookshop/cafe in Aix recently - thereby prompting my return The des Ecrivains. I visited the shop last time I was in Paris (i.e. four years ago). The web address lists the shop as being at 38 Rue Turenne in the 3ieme. This is a lie since the entrance is actually on rue des Minimes.

Anyways, the tea is delicious, the stationery exquisite and if you're lucky you'll get a free tasting.