MACARONS AND MORRISON AND MUNCHIES

Ahhhhh...gay Paree.  

I have read many a book over the years that include the quintessential little very French events.  This morning April ducked out before I was awake and came back with baguette (the pointy end kind) and provolone and prosciutto on rye and two cappuccinos.  How French is that?!  Or strolling along the cobbled walkways, ducking under colourful umbrellas.  Or popping into wee cafes for a few minutes to sip a strong milky coffee.  Or eating a flakey crumbly buttery croissant on the fly, from a street boulangerie.  All of it so French!

Yesterday we popped out to Eric Kayser, the most amazing bakery ever.  They sell the flakiest croissants, the crustiest baguettes, the tastiest sandwiches, fresh crisp salads, homemade soups and the most delightful array of colourful yummy desserts.  Its just around the corner and ever so handy!

Yesterday, after a wonderful breakfast/lunch at Eric Kayser, we got a taxi over to the place where we were to learn how to make macarons.

It took place in the chef’s apartment.  It was a simple and beautiful place with a lovely view.  There were four of us, the other two being women from Taiwan.  The chef was funny and very clear in his instructions.  One of the other women was filming the whole thing, complete with Asian dialogue...very annoying.  Later April told me that she was filming it for her blog.  Even more annoying.

But we made a bunch of macarons over the next three hours...such a complicated process requiring all kinds of specialty equipment, I can guarantee we will not be doing this at home anytime soon!!

But, as per usual, we arrived there about an hour early.  And April discovered on google maps before we left the hotel, that the cemetery that holds Jim Morrison’s grave is right behind the chef’s apartment!  So we went in, followed the people that were in there and found his grave.  It was kind of sad I have to admit.  There were a few people sitting there, playing the Doors and holding vigil.  All I could really think about was Wayne’s World and the song People are Strange was running through my head.  The cemetery itself was fascinating!  Very very old mixed with new.  I loved it.

When we left his apartment we had to walk quite a ways before we found a taxi stand.  One does not flag down taxis in this city.  You have to find a grey sign that says TAXI and get one there.  We came back to the hotel then went out to find food.  April went into the little store and bought baguette and butter and I found a little chinese take out place and bought dim sum.   

Now its the next afternoon and April has gone out to walk the city some more.  I am going to wash my hair, post this blog and then tonight we are off to the Moulin Rouge!!!  TTYL