Good morning! It’s so cold here this morning! I had to run an errand yesterday and I noticed that the last time I was in the car before leaving on our trip, I had the A/C on. What a change in a little over two weeks!
We’re still coping with jet lag. Yesterday we fell asleep on the sofa at about 5:30 and slept as if we were drugged. We had to force ourselves awake to eat dinner, as well as not succumbing to sleep until at least 10 pm. Woke up at 5 am, just like yesterday.
I feel as if I am half in this world here at the cottage and half in the world we just left behind. I miss our trip. I miss the luxury of spending all day with my husband; exploring, learning, being. I miss seeing new places, chatting with those we met along the way, marveling at the beauty I saw everywhere. I’ll freely admit that I wish I was back there, much as I love our little cottage.
We’ve each said at different times that we feel transformed. We’re not the same.
Some more of Paris for you. (I have at least one more Paris post after this one.)
I’m in love with the Seine. Completely and utterly in love.
On the Right Bank.
The Place des Vosges. Gorgeous, with a little park in the center of the Place.
Notre Dame and the tip of the Ile de là Cité.
I think someone was moving, but I briefly considered stealing this table.
We went to Montmartre on our anniversary (more on that tomorrow) and the first place we sought out was this café, the Café des 2 Moulins. (Moulin means windmill and Montmartre is known for windmills.) This is the place where Amelie was filmed, her place of work. They now pay homage to their appearance in the movie, but it’s not over-the-top. We had lunch there. Absolutely charming.
There are obviously a lot of Amelie fans, as several people took the same photos we did!
In looking back at my photos this morning, I noticed that the street address in a couple of them is 21. Twenty-one is my favorite number, as it is the day I was born. I’m drawn to it – apparently, I’m drawn to it subconsciously, as well, as I had no idea that these numbers were there until today.
Another example:
Look familiar?
We went to the Marche aux Puces at Clingnacourt/St. Ouen on the weekend and I found a few things. This is a famous flea market and it’s HUGE. I had no idea! The antique/vintage section of it opened a bit later than the rest, so we had a bite to eat while we waited. Don bought a sweet watercolor, we bought a vintage lithograph (!!!) which will be sent to us. And I found a few little treasures – I went for “little” as I had to transport anything I bought home with us.
I found these two eggcups, which are darling. They’re not vintage, but they are so charming. And the morning glories just won me over. There were four of them, but I bought two.
Another egg cup – this one is indeed vintage. There’s a marking on the bottom that I can’t quite make out. I’ll have to study it further.
I bought this miniature pitcher for my collection. Isn’t it lovely?
And I finally found a vintage match striker. I’ve been wanting one for a long time. They were used in cafés and often served as advertising for a company. I really love them (oh no, another collection?) but I’d never found one stateside. There are some very high-end dealers there but that’s not what I was interested in. Finally, I found a wonderful warren of aisles that were just the ticket. That’s where I found the egg cups and pitcher and the match striker.
The name of the company that is advertising on this striker is Frémy Fils & Cie. (Frémy Sons and Company).
The other side: Eaux-de-vie et Liqueurs.
With matches:
And on the French bistro table:
I love it.
More tomorrow. I’m starting to feel a wee bit human again.
Even though we’ve been less attentive fans in the past couple of years, we’re thrilled that our Red Sox are in the World Series, so we’ll be watching tonight.
Happy Friday.
I always say you both have such adventures! This was was astounding!
Every picture of Paris has me weeping! It is so gorgeous! To walk the streets, sit at cafes, explore the little shops…
Then London and Edinburgh! The bookshops alone would fill my heart with such happiness!
I am glad you had safe travels.
By the way, do you know how European you look? I never realized it before until the pictures!
Have a lovely day!
I’ve been told I look French before, but that was many, many years ago. I’m English, German, Scots, and Irish.
Your photos bring back so many memories. I love Paris. It’s my favorite place in the world. What fun finds. I found some great vintage items at a Broancte when I was there. Better souvenirs for this gal then from the shops, except for my Eiffel Tower bought at the Eiffel Tower. We are having rain and more rain and I think it’s headed your way! Rest and keep posting your wonderful photos and things you found! Hugs!
We’re getting rain tonight and tomorrow – lots of it tomorrow.
I could live in Paris – definitely. Thanks, Linda!
I love all of your photos and observations! Fourth generation BoSox fan living in Virginia. Go, Sox!
Go Sox! Thanks, Tina-Marie!
The best blog to read and linger over photos first thing in the morning! Enjoying my Peet’s and your post, Claudia!
Thanks so much, Wendy!
Beautiful pics. Didn’t even know there was such a thing as a match striker…how unusual, yet sophisticated. Yes…you should start a collection! ;)
Like I need another! Thanks, Donnamae!
Well…you don’t need another…but I’m sure you would like another….n’est pas? ;)
xo
I love all of your little finds—especially the morning glory egg cups! Hope you get back on Cottage Time soon.
Slowly getting there. Hopefully, by tomorrow. Thanks, Shanna!
I too would just love to move to France or the UK, and love the quaintness of it. I love that Europeans try to keep/restore the old stone buildings, even if it costs more. Here in the U.S. it’s all about the cost and pick the cheaper way, the easier way. I think I have visited at least 8 different castles between Ireland, England & Scottland. Have you visited any on this last trip.
I think the Europeans seem to be more friendly than the average American. Their values are different.
Did you see that the number one favorite book from the PBS book read was “To Kill A Mockingbird”????? You have not mentioned it yet, so thought you might not know yet. My favorite is Pride & Prejudice, which is 5th favorite.
Can’t wait to her more of your trip!
I was at the Tower of London, which is a smallish castle, and Edinburgh Castle. I’m not all that interested in palaces like Versailles…
I didn’t see the results of the vote, but I’m not surprised. To Kill a Mockingbird seems to be the favorite book of many! I love Pride and Prejudice, too.
Thanks, Mary.
Have loved all your European trip photos on IG and your trip blog posts – thank you for so graciously sharing!
I’m curious about the feeling of being “transformed” that you mentioned. Please elaborate.
Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend.
I’ll talk about it more in the future. Thanks, Amy.
i agree! thanks in advance, claudia, for telling us what you want about being transformed by your trip … and for everything else you share.
hope you and don are over the jetlag now and have a lovely, quiet weekend.
go sox!
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Amy!
Reading yesterday’s & today’s blogs today – catching up. SO glad you both had such a superb time! Especially in light of what you experienced beforehand. You deserved a sublime getaway & it sounds like you absolutely got it. What wonderful treasures you brought back too! I’d never even heard of match strikers before, and I love the little egg cups. Super cute! I have a bit of an affection for the number “21” – it’s my birthdate as well. Can’t wait to see more photos and hear more stories. Hopefully the jet lag should shake out fairly soon. Take good care of yourselves! Peace.
#Resist
#Protect Mueller
Thank you, Janet!
I have never heard of a match striker. Learn something new everyday! I love it and your pitcher and egg cups. Great souvenirs.
Thank you, Tana!
Your match striker looks so good on your French cafe table…just think it may have really sat on such a table years ago!..Your treasures and memories will be such fun for all of us to see and hear!!
Thank you, Nancy!
I was struck by your comment about the Seine. I feel the same way. On both my Paris visits, I found myself constantly drawn to the river. When you were by the river, did you get a chance to peruse the bouquinistes stalls? I know some have lots of “touristy” stuff, but you can find some interesting things too. Travel really does change you, doesn’t it? I wish more people could really get out of the country and discover there is so much more to this world.
Yes, we looked at the stalls. We were constantly drawn to the Seine and took several walks along it. It has a heart and soul.
I have the identical wee pitcher which I bought at a garage sale here in Saskatchewan. We match!
Ah! Thanks, Brenda.
Love those egg cups. What a great find. You have really maxed out all the wonderful spots in Paris!
We saw as much as we could!