Originally Posted in March 2015
Recently I needed to make a trip to France on a family emergency. The trip was an emotional roller coaster. At the end of it all, I was drained. Luckily, I had a few days with my relatives in Paris that was very healing. Having time to wander around Paris alone helped me collect my thoughts. London has a matter of fact way of pushing you along if you're feeling sorry for yourself. Paris lets you quite happily wallow in sadness.
The neighborhood of choice to drift around was the Marais. Having gone to art school there years ago, it still has a comforting feeling for me.
Courtyard at L'ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux Arts
Somehow seeing the little shops with their colorful displays struck me as painfully beautiful.
Honore de Balzac was inspired by this perfume shop Jean Vincent Bully in his novel Cesar Birotteau.
Home of exquisite hand painted wallpaper.
Showroom at De Gournay
My cousin Stephan and his partner Brigitte have created the most beautiful roof garden above their apartment in Paris.
What diet?
My Aunt Monique decked out in very Moroccan colors.
Twilight on the rooftop.