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More of the Right Bank
Just like Hugo - but not so saccharine We began the day at Musee D’Orsee. There is a very good reason why this is such a popular tourist attraction, it is amazing if you like Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. In addition to the many familiar works by the Impressionists there were works by artists that were less well known. I had never heard of Odilon Redon and found his work captivating. He was influenced by Japanese art that became very popular when Japan opened its border after 200 years of isolation. There were 3 or 4 women who were copying the works of the major Impressionist and the quality of their work was impressive, plus it adds to the experience of being in a French art museum. We had 2 hours which was not nearly enough time to see everything I would have liked to see, but hopefully I’ll make it back to Paris at a future time.
Lunch was at the restaurant Spring, very high end, very chic and very expensive. All the “verys” were well deserved. The restaurant was tiny and we sat opposite the kitchen so we could see the food being prepared. Since it was a set menu, it looked like most of what
a was done was plating the food rather than serious cooking. This was the meal Matt and Jess were paying for, but we chipped in for the wine since the bill was jaw dropping for me. The meal stated with tastings of fresh oysters with cucumber jam and blood sausage, The first course was asparagus with bacon and a citron sauce, the main course pigeon and foie gras, dessert of cherry clafoutile (an old standby from Madeline Kamman) and goat milk yogurt, then a small chocolate and cookie. The French really know how to eat with great food and small portions so when you get up from a meal you don’t feel stuffed. We had 2 wines since we needed white wine for the appetizer and red for the main course. Between Jack and the waitress we had amazing wines and being the cheap drunk that I am, we hadn’t finished the white wine before I was feeling it in a very pleasant way.
After lunch I took Jessica shopping since she want to buy a piece of clothing or a purse as a souvenir. We walked all through the Marais. At the one shop where I had found
things I liked at a reasonable price I got a dress and a cotton sweater, but Jess didn’t find anything. At the pocketbook store she liked one item, but it was only available in orange and she didn’t want orange. I’ve been looking for an orange purse and I may go back and buy it for myself. We gave up on the Marais and went to try a department store. My sister had recommended Au Printemps and since she isn’t the most extravagant person I know, I was optimistic. We entered into the highend accessories department and headed down to the normal department. In the normal department the purses started at about $300 and went up to $800. We went online and figured out the expensive purses start at $1,200 and go up to $5,000. Who knew? With tired feet we gave up and headed home. Once we got there we realized that there was nothing for dinner and after our fancy lunch no one was ready for another expensive meal. Josh and I walked to a street nearby and bought stuff for salad at the green grocer, fresh made ravioli, a bottle of Prosecco and meatballs at an Italian
deli and pastries for dessert. The food was excellent and we had a great final meal together. After dinner Jack wanted to a photo of all of us. The only problem we had was that Jess and I were overcome with laughing and couldn’t settle down for a serious photo. Great problem to have!
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