Saturday, November 26, 2016

Jardin by day, Jazz by night

It's Friday and we have a first signs of Paris weather.  Although it is 50, there's that unmistakeable dampness that chills you outright. No complaints though, as this is the first time this trip that Paris has shown her true weather.

What better day to head to an amusement park right?! We unintentionally go about reliving Pierce's 3rd birthday at the Jardin d'Acclimitation. Our first plan to rent bikes at the Bois de Boulogne, but we were sidetracked at Porte Maillot where Le Petite Train takes you to the amusement park. And, once Pierce eyed that train, we were off on a visit to yesteryear when he was just barely old enough to ride some of the attractions.

This go around lots is closed, but lucky for Mitch not the 'river cruise'. He loves it more than he's willing to admit. Just about the only other ride actually open is a roller coaster, so Pierce has many go arounds and we do a few too. There's a small bumper car ride that Pierce manages to make a friend with the only other kid around and they have a few plays.  Bumper car fun can transcend any language barrier. There's still a sense of pure joy for Pierce on these rides and we can only cherish that now before the tween thing sets in.

We stroll ever to the Foundation Louis Vuitton adjacent to the park, but just take a gander at the outside, as the exhibit is a popular one now and more line waiting is not our thing on this day.

The grounds are really beautiful and with fall colors still hanging on, there is a zen feeling to it.  Hunger prevails and we trek (and trek) to find a restaurant that is not too crowded and is not fast food. Apparently everyone had the same idea to eat lunch at 3:00 pm on Friday. Finally, we find the perfect spot and the food and warmth nourish us forward.

It's back to our hood and our daily visit to BHV, I just love this department store. It's got a great vibe and the basement sells everything from leather hides to toilet brushes and safes. Always a bit of a trip.

Back at the apartment and it's nearly time for date night part deux.  We have no plans, except for the vague idea that we'd like to see some more live music.  We eventually head to the Latin Quarter and find Le Petite Journal Saint Michele. It's an old and well respected Jazz club that has a band called High Society de Paris on this night.

The basement venue is tiny and the 7 piece band is clustered in a corner. It feels like watching the band in a cave, a cozy one.  The band is fantastic and with wine and a cheese plate and a French Jazz band, it feels authentic and a perfect date.

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