A weekend wandering in Paris

[patricklondon]

Just back from another short visit to Paris, where I saw some artistic graffiti in the Butte aux Cailles, didn't see Vladimir Putin, found out about the Queen Mother of the West, got my thriller signed by the author(s), and was surprised by some cowbell-ringers from the mountains:
autolycus-london.blogspot.com/
www.flickr.com/photos/patricklondon/4696161344/in/set-72157601670143924/

FWIW, the current exchange rate to the pound makes even ordinary café meals give a bit of a kick to the wallet (allow around €20 for a basic meal with a drink or two); but I did find a bargain at the Sunday market in the Boulevard Richard Lenoir - a toystall selling wooden letters on wheels that you can clip together to make a train. Only €5 per name (just as well for him my great-nephews weren't called Maximilian-Wilberforce or the like). All I have to do now is make sure they're past the wheel-swallowing stage.

[bixaorellana]

That was a delightful few days you had there, Patrick. I enjoyed your lively report. Thanks for including the DIY dept. details. Would one expect less from Paris?

I feel great identification with the Queen Mother of the West. May change my name.

You captured some great contemplative graffiti, not a word I usually associate with that art form.

The rolling letters should be a hit with the nephews, and will probably become heirloom toys one day.

[Deleted]

Ah, you were treated to some of the graphic works of the delightful Miss Tic, one of the most famous artists on the walls of Paris. One of my favorites is this one:

"I sold your soul to the devil."

[patricklondon]

Later on, I saw some postcards of Miss Tic's work in a bookshop.

[joanne28]

Thanks, Patrick, I enjoyed that. The one problem with viewing these things is the desperate longing to go there that it induces.

[gertie]

What an interesting report! I so enjoyed reading about the market and noted with interest your mention of the many handles and knobs. I think I now know what I shall purchase as a reminder of my next trip to Paris. Pulls for the drawers in my new kitchen! What a warm feeling it will give me every time I touch those pulls.

Thanks so much!

Also, may I say lovely blog. And drat you as now I shall have to peruse the entire thing. hehe! Ah, well, it's a quite, rainy day so thanks for something interesting to do with it.

[Deleted]

Patrick's blog is amazing. I ration myself when I visit it to make sure there is plenty left for next time.

[dahuffy]

I would like to know if that rack of bikes/scooters are for rent. They're pictured in the last half dozen shots or so.

[patricklondon]

Sorry, dahuffy, I missed it. Yes, those are the Vélib bikes. A similar scheme is about to be launched in London (though we bought in our version from Montreal).

www.velib.paris.fr/content/download/3122/27013/version/3/file/V%C3%A9lib%27+-+English.pdf