(Part
I)
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Saturday,
16th of March 2013 (Paris, France)
Since
“today” wasn't eager to get up, I decided to linger in my bed for
a bit longer. Having nothing planned for the unfolding day I was in
no rush to abandon my cosy burrow.
As
I waited for the sun to light up the sky, a suggestion from a client
of mine popped into my mind ...
“There
is a lookout at the top floor of “Galleries la Fayette”. It is
worth checking it out.”
...
and so combining this with a small shopping spree felt like a great
idea to begin my day.
Well,
one needs to experience a bit of everything!
Don't
you agree ... (girls)?
Charged
with the excitement of a new adventure, I was now ready to embrace my
“ground hog day” routine* ... a prayer, romance and cheese with
bread to be followed by a compulsory “step class” (a descent from
the 6th floor) completed in no time as I always looked
forward to my morning ...
Yes,
you guessed it correctly ... espresso!
*Please
read previous stories for the explanation.
Unfortunately
life is full of distractions and since one needs to be flexible at
times to “survive” I was left with no option, but to surrender to
the silent call of temptations from across the road.
Moments
later, I found myself sharing a queue with a lovely four legged
friend while waiting for my treat and I hope that he was going to get
one too!
If
I remember correctly, an apple tart caught my eye on this occasion.
I
must say that I really love the way the French wrap their
merchandise, so that the yummy top stays preserved for the enjoyment
of our taste buds rather than that of the wrapping paper ...
Or
even worst (as often experienced in Australia) ... when a serviette
placed inside the bag does a fantastic job of wiping our dessert
instead of our fingers.
Happy
with my morning catch I was now on the way to my usual cafe for a cup
of well deserved espresso with a difference.
Don't
they say ... “Vivre la différence!”
Today,
for a medicinal purpose only, I complemented my coffee with a small
glass of cognac to boost my circulation.
Invigorated
by the cognac's warmth, I was pleased that I no longer had a need to
join the weekend joggers on my way to the metro.
Upon
entering this well known department store it dawned on me that today
was a Saturday and maybe not the best day if one wanted to avoid a
crowd. Though on the other hand, an opportunity to experience a
vibrant shopping atmosphere could make this moment much more
enjoyable and memorable.
Overtaken by the buzz of shopping energy it wasn't long before I found myself at the “Reminiscence” counter selecting three pairs of earrings as presents for my girlfriends
I have to say that the customer service offered to me by this particular young sales assistant was simply superb. Having worked in retail in my younger years, I could sense that she was very genuine and thoughtful.
Her
suggestion to discretely place a recipients' initial on the gift bags
to help me identify them without reopening was very much appreciated.
She
also politely ignored my earlier error when I mentioned that I was
buying the earrings as “l'cadeau pour mes copains” before
moments later correcting myself by saying that I meant “pour mes
copines” ... to whitch we both exchanged a giggling smile.
I
will definitely reminisce about this moment!
Without
a care for time, I was cruising from one department to the next,
collecting a few more presents ... a wallet, a lacy piece of
lingerie, a designer scarf, another pair of earrings, Maxim's
chocolates and a very special water colour painting.
A story behind the water colour painting ...
Across
from the Maxim's chocolates section, I spotted a water colour artist
in action with his artwork displayed around the desk.
Since his style appealed to me I decided to buy one of the paintings as a gift. After making my selection I made a mistake of glancing at his current work in progress, which very much resonated with me.
Since his style appealed to me I decided to buy one of the paintings as a gift. After making my selection I made a mistake of glancing at his current work in progress, which very much resonated with me.
It
was “le village en Normandie” where many Parisians like to reside
as I was informed by the artist.
I
asked him how much longer before this particular painting was going
to be completed as I would like to purchase it.
“About
30 min.” ... was his reply.
As
this was fine by me ... the deal was on.
Next
to the artist's desk was a cafe and the smell of coffee was too hard
to resist, especially when one had some time to kill. Sipping my
espresso it dawned on me that I totally forgotten the main reason
for visiting “Galleries la Fayette” ... the lookout!
The
timing of my revelation was just perfect.
Zooming
in on the city's skyline ...
All
excited about collecting a precious gift I made my way back from the
lookout. However, upon reaching the artist's desk neither Jean Luc or
the vibrant Normandie were nowhere to be seen.
Though
I did place a bit of pressure on him, I assured myself that he did
not flee the country with an unfinished Normandie under his arm and
all was going to end well.
Having
nothing else to do I decided to hang around while observing the
shoppers.
About
10-15 min. later he reappeared rushing towards his desk* ... a man on
a mission to fulfil a request from this “femme spontané”.
I
watched as he applied the last finishing touches before taking a
photo of his barely dry water colour to be whizzed away from him to a
far, far away land.
I
would like him to know that I really appreciate his willingness to
fulfil my somewhat demanding request and that his work of art is
proudly displayed in my friends' home.
*I
wonder if he had to go to a hairdressing salon to do a quick drying.
Overloaded
with gifts it was time to head back home.
To
my lovely blog readers ...
For
someone who hates deadlines, I have to say that I did a great job of
being on time with my monthly stories (plus an occasional one in
between) for the first eighteen months of blogging.
Unfortunately
my April story had to be delayed as the universe has thrown a few
extra corners and challenges onto my path ... and something had to
give.
Moreover,
it looks like the universe has not finished with me as yet and so for
the next few months things might be a bit unpredictable.
You
can rest assured that my Parisian journey will continue to be shared
with you as every story needs to have “an end”, and a happy one
if possible!
Thank
you for your understanding.
Olga
PS.
If
you haven't had a chance to visit my earlier blog titled “What's
around the corner ...” here is the link ...
In
this blog you will encounter ...
...
beauty of the unknown, together with a kaleidoscope of real life
stories and other bits and pieces that will encourage you to follow
your intuition, to look with your heart, to listen to your body, to
dream and to cherish every moment of your life.
It
is never too late or too early to enrich your life with more joy,
laughter and better health!
Photography by Olga Kulanowska
