Flea market finale

Woke up with a start this morning because we had set the alarm early so we could be up and on the metro early in order to get to the flea markets before all the bargains got snapped up (We went to Porte de Vanves which is the less famous one in the south of the city). Surprisingly we were out the door 10 minutes ahead of schedule. Nothing like the lure of market treasures to put a spring in our step (although i have to say we were a little bleary eyed and, dare I say, puffy eyed. Crossed the city underground and emerged at our destination to find a grey, cold and drizzly morning. Another quick coffee and we began to rummage. There were all manor of treasures. Old lace, tapestries, taxidermy (which is stuffed preserved animals - I saw a jaguar, fox, cat to name a few), oil paintings. I found a couple of old oil paintings which I thought we would sit handsomely on a wall far far away. I also snapped up a darling mid century coat rack which I have tucked into my suitcase (unfortunately one of the paintings is a tad too big to fit so I'm carrying it home!!). Rach got a couple of little paintings too. We slowly thawed out in the Metro on the way home and were ready for a lovely lunch at my fav bistro across from our apartment. Chicken liver terrine with chutney, pickles and a small slaw, house made smoked salmon, and a warm salad of chanterelle mushrooms all served with crusty sourdough. Finished of with my last Paris eclair from the boulangerie under our apartment. Magnifique.
Sad goodbyes with Rach and here I am on the road home. Excited to see my fam who I have missed so much. Thank you all for being so patient, helpful and brave about me going. I've had such a special trip thanks to you all. Can't wait to give you a million squeezes and a few kisses too. Looking forward to our travels together (and to the occasional trip by myself again but not for AGES).
LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

only 3 nights to go

Hi mum its jed i have good news and good news which one do you want to hear i will say good news first you are coming home in 3 nights. and you are coming home 1day before my birthday you better have a good present (smirk) i am being serious about that. :) ps we are getting quite a few views you should look at the status. lyttmab

Tarts, eclairs, macaroons and other delicacies

Lots more walking today. French onion soup for lunch and a few hours wandering through the Musee D'Orsay looking at paintings by Van Gogh, Cezanne, Degas and my fav of that lot, Gaugin. It was about as much culture as we could manage in one day so we strolled back home (did try to flag a can down but no luck). Rach had a few hot clammy spells throughout the day and thinks she's got a bit of a tummy bug (she still managed to gobble a tar and eclair with me;). We were busting to wee on the way home so we dashed into Maccas. Guess what??? It looked like a trendy cafe with designer light fittings and tasteful decor. To top it off they sold macaroons and amazing pastries. I think we'd even get Flea into Maccas in Paris!! Look out for the photos of the graffiti wallpaper and pastries and macaroons- that's it!!!
There's a little tiny hole in the wall on our walk home that sells only fresh Portuguese tarts. The woman sprinkles them with fresh cinnamon and they are almost too hot to eat. Splendid and almost rendered us speechless for a few minutes which is saying something because we spend quite a lot of time chatting.
LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK (VIA PARIS) A MILLION TIMES.
xxxxxx

The Anzac Bridge Is Falling Down...

Yep, you read right I was on the Anzac Bridge today! It didn't fall down though... We went on a huge walk through the fish markets, across the bridge, through a big park and then back round through the windy streets of Ultimo. I would love to say that I stopped and got Macaroons from a small little shop or climbed the Eifel Tower on the way, but no. That was it.
Also, our Shipwrecked project is really getting fun. Mr Kirkland calls it a 'game' which I think is really cool. It is really nerve wracking but exciting at the same time.
I wasn't allowed to take photos on the Anzac Bridge or of us doing the project, sorry (BTW, I didn't ask. I am purely assuming this statement) ;)

LYTTMAB, SYWYWA (See when you wake up). Xxx

Au voir Rayles, bonjour Rach

Rayles made her way home this morning and Rach arrived from her conference in Cannes this arvo.
I pottered, shopped, ate, shopped and shopped some more. Went to a Moroccan restaurant for dins.
LYTTMAB
Xxxxx