Paris addresses. June edition I

Stepping out of the train at noon, I inhaled the air of Paris, enjoying the mild 22°C, the sun kissing my shoulders and the clouds taking care of any unnecessary overheating. I left my luggage in storage to collect many hours later before going to a friend's house, but for now I was off to enjoy a Sunday in this city, which is very different from any other day, especially in summertime, bringing more peace and quiet. 

After sipping a cappuccino at Nuance Café on Rue Danielle Casanova, and planning to enjoy my bagel from Cody's at Cody's, I instead took it with me to eat in the Jardin du Palais Royal while working on (or rather reducing) my daily plans for my summer Paris tours. With pigeons fighting over the crumbs of my bagel, I left for a soft-serve ice cream at La Combine (tonka, almond and rosemary) and ate it while listening to 90s pop music and the chatter of happy children at the neighbouring table. 

The riverbanks of Canal Saint-Martin were beaming with people enjoying either picnics or the simple pleasure of talking, and I was lucky to squeeze myself in between them, nonchalantly reading a book. A good two hours later, with semolina bread and different appetisers (Miyam), I entered my friend's garden to receive a generous hug and kisses (a treat I never refuse), and there I was, eating my first garden meal of the year.

The following morning's travels took a bit of nerve as several lines were not running properly (something one should always take into consideration in Paris), but by noon, I was ready to order a galette with ham, cheese and egg to chat my mouth dry, yet when the waiter came over with the dessert menu, to graciously decline it as I simply could not wait to try the famous French Bastards ice cream bars, which I did in the afternoon, after a perfectly balanced espresso at Grave.

Just before jumping on the train, I entered the Bourse de Commerce to see the new cloud installation—or rather, fog sculpture—by Fujiko Nakaya. Letting the fog surround me while catching the glimpses of sun rays shining through windows was the most magical way to end this short stay.