day 16

monday 24 may 2010 paris

this was by far one of the highlights of my entire holiday. the day was perfect from start to finish and i was very very happy. we began with breakfast at laduree along the champs with french toast that was all chewy, crispy perfection,

followed by a long, slow stroll to walk of breakfast. and when we tired, we sat on a grassy patch in the park. time passed without our knowing, just sititng and talking, enjoying the shade, enjoying the great weather, enjoying being young, foot-loose (literally) and fancy-free. such a humbling and empowering revelation at the same time. no responsibilities, and sheer self-indulgence.

after sufficient rest, we went on to the gardens by the tower and sat some more. people-watched in a contented silence. the kids making a pretend-slide on the fountain walls, a boxer chasing a ball, teenagers locked in passionate embrace, seniors locked in passionate embrace. someone had a radio on, someone else was rocking a child to sleep. he took photos, i lay on the grass. a busker took out his saxophone. when we got hungry, we went in search of chartier.

and chartier did not disappoint. we scored the last two-top and had one of the best evenings ever. good service, better food and, excellent conversation washed down with some house red. money can't buy happiness, but it sure can buy an amazing day in paris, with the city at her low-key, laid-back best.