TGIF

Hello - a weekend to look forward to with NOTHING scheduled or planned. I'm getting a bit worn out between working and being a tourist. There is no Tour de France or Bastille Day, or anything really this weekend. Indeed, most of Paris is quiet in August as all the locals head for the beaches. Work was almost empty today by 5pm. I headed home shortly thereafter, making a stop at one of my favorite stores - La Cave a Bulles (a specialty beer store between Les Halles RER stop and the apartment). I've been a few times now, each time the owner Simon helps me pick a beer or two (or 3) to try. They are mostly French beers (which may not be very highly thought of, but still interesting to try), and also a number of Belgian (which are mostly all great beers). I'm collecting the bottles (so I hopefully won't try the same one too often). Today I got two big bottles to try over the weekend - .

Then on to the boulangeria for a baguette and dessert - a pistachio framboise (raspberry tart) and cheese cake. We dined at home on antipasto and salad (for a few euros from the grocery store, as opposed to ten or so from the fresh vegetable market, vs about 30-40 to go to a cafe for something similar!).

I mentioned that Paris is quiet - it's true almost everywhere but NOT in the Marais! While a number of stores are closed for the month, this area is still quite busy and hectic. The Hotel de Ville still has bands most evenings and Plage Paris (Paris Beach) is still on the Seine. We do have one event this weekend - Rev Jesse Jackson is preaching at the American Church on Sunday, so I think we'll have to check that out! Have a good weekend!