I know there is a lot going on in everyones lives right now, but I did feel that I owe those of you that follow my blog, an update. I am currently holed up in my apartment in Paris. Everything is closed except grocery stores and fortunately, I do have one my street two doors away and supplies are not a problem.
My only hardship comes from knowing the possibilities now shuttered just outside my door. I know that three blocks away, when they do open my favorite Patisserie, Gerard Mulot, there will be a row of those glistening, beige beauties I know as Éclair au Café in the glass case just inside the front door and I will order one before I head to the back to pick up a baguette.
The next time I come I will wander around the corner onto rue Mazarine and walk the short distance to Freddy’s and I know when they open the doors I will see Adele’s smiling face and I think I will order the duck.
Adele Never Let my Glass Stay Empty
The “Duck” with Sweet Potato Puree and Polenta Squares with a dollop of Lemon Sauce
The next time I come I will see my friend Eric at l’Avant Comptoir and order six Gillardeau #2 oysters from Normandy as he pours me a glass of Pouilly–Fumé from the Loire Valley. The next time…
I will come back soon when it is warm, when the Lily Pads are blooming on Monet’s ponds in Giverny and the Luxembourg Gardens are full of flowers.
The realty is that I did pick up some cold like illness in Maastricht, but only after I got in a couple of days of the fair. I have been self quarantined in Paris for over a week to be sure I am no longer contagious. I did have a low grade fever and it has been gone for three days now and I am no longer feeling any symptoms. I am going to wait a couple more days to be sure whatever I had is gone and then call the airline. I do not want to cause anyone else problems or give anyone any excuse to quarantine me.
I have thought about where I would rather ride this out and my Eagle’s Nest in Santa Fe is pulling me pretty hard.
I hope you are all well.
March 16, 2020
Take good care Paul , been thinking about you. Stay well.
March 16, 2020
Yikes. Hope you get better and get home
March 16, 2020
Glad your well Paul stay safe!
March 16, 2020
Paul, please stay well. Know that tour friends in Santa Fe are think5of you as we also hunker down in our homes. Looking forward to when you return home.
March 16, 2020
Safe travels home, Amigo!
March 16, 2020
Strange times, Paul. Especially to be overseas, away from home, with the added, unwanted surprise that everything you expected to participate in has been cancelled or postponed. Hopefully you have wine and a decent corkscrew/wine opener in your apartment. Take care my friend.
March 16, 2020
Hang in there — you are lucky to have a store so close. DO NOT travel back home now — not sure that you even can brother! so take good care, stay home/in the apartment and enjoy what you can — make plans for an extended stay.
Sending you all the best!
March 16, 2020
Thanks for the update Paul it’s difficult times
March 17, 2020
Oh wow. Sounds like you’re handling it well but I’m so sorry you’re missing all your wonderful plans. Bless, you Paul! Bless us all!!
March 17, 2020
Paul ,Dan pauly here . We flew from Paris on Monday morning . Not problems . You are a citizen of the US . We came through Dallas ten minutes is all the time it took to be through cdc screening. The plane was about half full . All went extremely well , Dallas to Santa Fe . Do come home if you wish . See you soon
March 22, 2020
What’s the latest, Paul? Thinking of you.
March 22, 2020
I am home in Santa Fe safe and sound.
March 22, 2020
Glad your back safe and sound. Take care!
March 22, 2020
I am home safe and sound.
December 29, 2020
It was fun this snowy December 29;morning to open this up and read about Paris. I sure enjoyed my 8;days in the 5th in 2018 as well as a month at 21 Rue Cujas in 1972. It is truly a magical place that holds on to folks. My hang out in 1972 was Shakespeare and Compnany bookstore which I was happy to report was strong as ever in 2018, I so hope it is still open to some degree. I so miss Friday night art openings and the drama of a live auction. I do hope our paths cross in 2021