Day 22

21 October 2022

What a crap night. The cold had taken hold, sore throat, bed sweats and hot and cold chills.

My nurse was ever vigilant, suffering with me, with cold and hot compresses as required for my aching body….well, not really, she decamped to the couch for a good night’s sleep.

By morning, we were both a bit jaded. Kirsty had a few symptoms, but as know, Man Flu is something far more serious.

I rallied after breakfast, the rain cleared, the sun came out, and so did we. We headed north on foot to locate the Basin de Marais. A series of canals linked by locks, that eventually enter the Seine via the Bastille area.

We found our destination and we were a bit underwhelmed. They are probably much more inviting and surrounded by life in summer. On a bleak day like this, they looked neglected and tired. Nonetheless, it is another little known area of Paris that we have visited. Tick.

It was a long walk up, so it was the Metro home. We collected a baguette and some Paris-Brest (pastries) for dessert. Then onto another shop for cheese, Rabbit terrine, Fagot (like twiggy sticks) and back home for a picnic. A glass or two of wine, and then an afternoon catch up. Much needed.

Refreshed, we headed out to find some jewellery for Kirsty, and she bought some earrings. We continued our walk down the Rue San Antoine which becomes Rue de Rivoli further along. We walked a fair way, just watching the Friday evening folks out and about. I must say, the Parisians are not so chic as the Bordelaise, but they are a lot more avant-garde. Perhaps when we frequent some more up market parts of Paris we will find the Paris chic.

A Metro home, and then outside drinks and nibbles in the Place des Vosges. Perhaps the Paris smokers should be made to sit inside and we can have fresh air outside ? There are certainly still a lot of smokers here, and a lot are very young.

We will venture downstairs this evening for a meal at one of a number of cafes right around us. Night life is not lacking here. The flat is great in that when you shut the windows the noise is cancelled out.

Fingers crossed for a good sleep tonight.