The Little American Get's A Lesson On Parisian History

Pssst....over here

Come closer........

Lower......

Peek a boo!!!!

Bonjour! My parents told me to whisper so that I don't interrupt other visitors. Daddy also wanted me to apologize for him since he took so long sharing my latest excursion with you.
We are at the Carnavalet Museum this morning located in the Marais district. This museum is about the history of Paris. Daddy loves a lot of the furniture here but none look as comfortable and fun as this big stuffed round sofa I'm on. In fact, I asked if I could just play on it while my parents visit the other rooms where everyone is tip toeing through. Of course, they said no. Well, at least I won't miss out on discovering how Paris became the wonderful city it is today. They promised me it will be much more fun than running around on this big jumpy sofa.

I was really excited when Daddy picked me up to look out the window and showed me this great backyard with the fun maze. I wanted to go out there and explore and play catch with Daddy like we do at the playground. That's when Papa told me this was actually a very old botanical courtyard and it is important that everyone help to make sure that no one goes run around it and hurt the plants.

I'm sure the kids that lived or visited this house long ago enjoyed playing in this yard.

After we stopped looking out the window we started wandering around the inside. Daddy told me this museum, like many others in the city, used to be a home. In 1677, a famous aristocrat named Madame De Sevigne moved into the home and lived here for 19 years. She became famous for her letters she wrote to her daughter. Those letters became widely published and popular. Some of those letters are on display here at the museum. Daddy would like me to take up letter writing too... only not on the walls.

Papa wanted to find some of the many mementos of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI that are on display here.

There are even locks of their hair and games used by their children in prison. Too bad we don't have an English speaking tour guide to help us through the maze of exhibits.

I learned that the rooms in this museum were all decorated with furniture from other palaces and represented several different and defining periods.

My parents said the walls in this room reminds them of a popular pottery.

Daddy loved the wood floors in this room.

A beautiful staircase in the palace museum.

Well, we're at the end of our tour of the Musee Carnavalet. It's still a little too
early for lunch so Papa suggested we walk over to a small playground located near a historical tower. What a great idea Papa!

Well, its not the biggest playground but at least I get to run around and make as much noise as I want. Papa told me that the statue in the background and the tower are very important to the people of France.

It's called the Saint Jacques Tower and was part of one of the oldest churches in Paris. The church was taken down in 1797. This tower is all that is left. It's now an important monument. It's right on one of Daddy's favorite streets, the Rue de Rivoli, which is filled with lots of department stores.

Oh hey, there's another little person here to play with.

Bonjour mon petit!

Hmm, let me try again

Bonjour! parlez vous anglais?

Mon nom est Daniel alias petit Américain...Enchanté de faire votre connaissance.

My new French friend agreed that having the playground to ourselves was the best.

It was then that I realize that Parisian kids like the same things I do... pomme frittes, chocolate and playgrounds.

Well, Papa just said its time for lunch. I am so ready to eat.

Lunch Break

After the playground, my parents took me to one of their many favorite cafes nearby. We went to the Le Cafe Du Marche des blancs manteaux , whew...that's a pretty long name for such a small cafe. It's located on the Rue Vieille Du Temple.

Daddy asked that I demonstrate my ability to sip from stemware for my Uncle Tristan who commented in a previous post asking if I knew how....well, Daddy may have been slacking in getting me potty trained, but no one can deny he is getting me up to speed on handling fine stemware. As for the food, my parents loved their dishes. I ate my favorite, pomme frittes and hard boiled eggs with mayonnaise on them. The Parisians like mayonnaise as much as me! I also had a few bites of Daddy's club sandwich and Papa's Penne Cabonara. Yummy.

Naptime

After lunch, we headed back to the apartment for my nap. I was having too much fun and just didn't feel like napping. My parents reminded me of how important rest is for my little body and that napping will make me stronger for my afternoon play time. I am pretty sure I heard them snoring in the other room?

Nap time is over and we're off to the underground to visit the Archives Nationales Museum.

Hey! I believe the train we want is coming now....

George pointed out to me that the train I mentioned was actually on the other side of the tracks and going the other way. Sheep would never humiliate me like that.

Ok, here we are, on the streets walking through Le Marais again to the museum.

Finally, we've arrived!

I'm standing(on top of Papa) in front of the entrance to the museum.

This museum used to be someones home too. It was built for a real life Prince
and Princess like in my story books. They were Prince and Princess Soubise.


Now, it is owned by the government.

Let's go take a quick look inside.

The grand staircase of the museum.

Looking down the same set of stairs.

A peek into the princess's salon

a close up of the amazing walls and door way.

Most of this museum is about special documents from the famous revolution in the late 1700's which include arrest warrants for people that were against the revolution. You can also view expensive personal possessions that were taken from the prisoners like money,gems and clothes.

Now we stroll the 2 islands on the Seine river. The Ile Cite and Ile St. Louis.

This is the Seine and a view of the islands from the right bank.

We stoppped here for a late afternoon snack. It's called Le Flore En Ile cafe. Paris Perfect, the manager of our apartment, recommends Berthillon ice cream which is made on the Ile St. Louis and served here. Food critics have sworn is better then any of Italy's famous Gelato. That's a huge compliment.

It was just too cold for me to think about ice cream so I asked Papa to order me a hot chocolate instead. Boy was I surprised.

The waitress brought me a cup, a pitcher of hot milk and a small pitcher of melted chocolate and she let me make my own hot chocolate. Well, she let my Papa make my hot chocolate...but I tried before he grabbed the hot pitcher from me.

George enjoyed some of my delicious hot chocolate.

Now, I am ready for some more walking.

First, before we leave the island, a picture of George in front of the bridge to the Ile
de Cite.

George is in awe of the river.

I took George over the bridge for a close up of the river before
we head toward the Latin Quarter.

The sights were too much for George so I offered to push him the rest of the way on my Stroller.

The plastic is my snazzy rain cover. All the French kids have these
covers on their strollers too.

Back in the apartment and taking a nice warm bubble bath before bedtime. I hope you enjoyed today's sights as much as I did. I can't wait to share with you tomorrow's adventure. au revoir

A Creative Performance By Pink At The 2010 Grammy Awards

The Little American Visits The Opera House & La Conciergerie

bonne journée à vous tous une fois encore d'après le peu américaine! This morning, my parents are taking me to visit the Palais Garnier commonly known as the old Paris Opera House which was built in the late 1800s during the Second empire of Napoleon III. My parents both love the musical Phantom of the Opera which was fashioned after the original fiction created by a French journalist & author named Gaston Leroux. Daddy explained that the author was inspired by an actual event that occurred in 1896 when one of the counter weights for the theater chandelier fell and killed someone below. In addition, the cave-like subterranean lake that serves as the Phantom's home actually exists below the Opera.


So, these very steps were used by lovers of the opera in the 19th century. Here I am in the 21st Century, totally amazed by the artistry of the past.

Daddy couldn't stop laughing when he captured this pose. Papa says I look adorable. But, Daddy suspects I will make him delete this picture and any copies when I'm older.

The grand lobby staircase inside the opera house.

There again sits moi, atop the very same staircase taking in all the wonderfully intricate ornamentation. L'amore l'amore! No wonder my parents love it here.

Voila! The beautiful gilded and multi-chandeliered foyer at the opera house.


Daddy and Iwould love to create a tablescape in this room.


An amazing ornate fireplace at one end of the grand foyer.


Daddy took these photos of theater from one of the private balcony booths. I got us in trouble when I slammed the door shut after we exited locking the door. A nearby docent had to come and re-open it for other visitors waiting to take a peek inside. Needless to say, I was put on a time out shortly after. How many kids can say they were given a time out at the famous old Paris Opera house?

The ceiling was repainted byRussian-French Artist, Marc Chagall in 1964.


There was an actual opera rehearsal taking place on that morning.

The workmanship is just unbelievable up close.


The theater seats 2,200.

I just had to step outside onto the second floor balcony for some oxygen after my breath was taken away from the beauty in the Opera (and running up and down the foyer) . I couldn't believe what I had just seen. I was too excited after this much exposure to art and history to think about napping . Daddy said not to worry, he would make sure this exploration did not keep me from getting his my rest.

It began to drizzle a bit after my nap time, so I suited up in old yellow with umbrella in hand and marched off to our nearest underground metro to La Conciergerie where Daddy said one of France's most famous Queens, Marie Antoinette, was imprisoned and lived until her execution.

The exterior of the Conciergerie.

This used to be the kitchen for the Conciergerie palace.

I think it makes the perfect playground for running....

and hiding indoors on a rainy afternoon like today.

Like the kitchen, the rest of the museum did not have a lot of furniture or colorful and shiny things that looked breakable or important which is why I didn't understand why my parents still insisted I behaved quietly.

These are mannequins used to portray aristocrats that were imprisoned in some of the cells inside the Conciergerie.

The wealthier you were, the more privacy you were given to read,write and sleep.

My parents were saddened by much of this tour. They became especially sad when we arrived at the cell of Marie Antoinette. Her life story has captivated the both of them and the scene brought to life a history they have studied for years. I wondered why she didn't ask if she could stay in the kitchen since it was empty with lots of room to run around. Yes, Daddy was upset because I wouldn't stop talking about going back to the kitchen and play. I hope we go back there after this.

These are 2 soldiers that stood guard over Marie Antoinette in her cell.

Papa thought I was being reflective when he saw me doing this, but Daddy knew I was just getting impatient and wanting to move on.

After the Conciergerie, Papa insisted we visit the Sainte Chapelle next door which he thought would really impress me with all the beautiful stained glass work.

I must say he was right! It really did put a smile back on my face. I was giggling with laughter from the beautiful prisms filling the room and tickling my face.

I couldn't stop smiling even after we exited the chapel. Especially because I knew what was next...dinner time!!!! Well, that's it for today's adventure. Thanks again for joining me on this tour. I'm looking forward to sharing our next trip which is to the Carnavalet & Archives Nationales Museums in the city's Marais district. à toute à l'heure from the Little American!

Tablesetting Cues From The Courtyard At The Four Seasons In Paris

Happy Tablescape Thursday From Another Beautiful Paris Perfect Apartment!

(The Four Seasons George Sans Hotel Courtyard)
The above image of the Four Seasons Paris Hotel courtyard was the inspiration behind this tablescape setting. I love all the manicured evergreens surrounding the crisp white table linens and aged urns.

(Above photo from parisperfect.com)
This is a photo of the apartment's dining room as pictured on the Paris Perfect website.

The Richebourg Apartment is located on the famous Avenue de la Bourdonnais in the 7th Arrondissement across from the Parc du Champs de Mars. The 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathroom luxe apartment is beautifully decorated and well appointed with everything you need for the perfect Parisian stay. For more details on reserving this or any of Paris Perfect's beautiful apartments, visit parisperfect.com.


Rich evergreen topiaries can be seen throughout the city in front of storefronts,apartment entryways and on beautifully adorned wrought iron balconies in the 7th district.

I purchased the 2 large boxwood toparies I put on the built in sideboard from a floral shop at the Rue de Cler market which is only a couple of blocks away from the apartment. The table cloth and napkins were purchased from a nearby linen boutique.

The large candelabras and rest of the tableware ( stemware,dinner and flatware) are all included with the apartment.

I really like this angle with the window in the back drop. I thought it captured my vision of the Four Seasons courtyard.

The miniature topiaries were from another floral shop located directly across the Cafe Constant, owned by a Michelin star chef, Christian Constant.


I found the apple green candles from a gift shop located on the Rue de Grenelle.


We are really going to miss staying in this apartment when we return home.





And of course, the final aerial shot. Thank you for stopping by and visiting my contribution to Tablescape Thursday. For more unique and creative table settings, click on the tablescape thursday logo below, or visit Susan's Between Naps On The Porch blog.


Au revoir from Paris!

A Visit To The Streets Of Montmartre & Napoleon's Tomb

Bonjour à tous! Sorry for the delayed posting. We were too busy trying to make up for the sick days and left no time or energy at the end of the day to post. I am so happy that George was allowed to join me in today's tour.

We're having breakfast at the Le Royal cafe, pictured above, which is just around the corner from our apartment on the Rue du Grenelle. In fact, we've had several breakfasts here on the mornings Papa didn't feel like cooking.

Here we are on the subway to Montmartre. We will spend the morning exploring the streets of Montmartre followed by an afternoon at the military museum at Invalides and end the day Napoleon's tomb. This will leave us a few blocks from our apartment.

Papa says he read somewhere that the metro art nouveaux structure of this subway entrance is 1 of the only 2 originals that still exists in the entire city of Paris. The strange thing was Daddy kept spotting other similar structures throughout the city and kept asking Papa to explain yet why there seems to be more than 2? Daddy and I became worried about Papa's source for history on Paris.

I know we are not going to climb those stairs.

George was nice enough to pose for this shot in my place in front of the funicular that takes you up to the Sacre Coeur Basilica.

Looking down from the funicular is pretty awesome.

The famous Sacre Coeur Basilica. George is speechless.


Wow, what a view of the city of Pear-wis

Papa, thank you for bringing me up here to see this.




I made Papa and Daddy watch this for 10 minutes with me. It was so fascinating watching the machine dig. I was a little sad they were digging up centuries old stones, but my parents think they will reused the stones which is why they are trying to be a little more careful not to crush them.

This is one of my parents favorite restaurants in the Montmare district. Aside from the wonderful menu, it has live music every night featuring Edith Piaf's classics including their personal favorite, Non je ne regrette rien

The restaurant has an excellent reputation and was even suggested to my parents by the Four Season's Concierge.

I saw apple juice in this truck and asked for some but the driver just laughed and said something to me in French. I took it as a "no".

As we strolled down this street, a delicious smell was coming from the little green store to my left.

I just had to take a look and see what that wonderful smell was all about.

It turned out to be yet another bakery with lots of fresh goodies.

Papa and I went inside to look. I immediately spotted what I wanted.

uh oh..whew, nevermind, false alarm. Daddy was worried by the look on my face that I was due for a diaper change.

It was a delicious cookie filled with a chocolate hazelnut spread calledNutella.

It was yummy!

These are some neat postcards Daddy purchased at a nearby souvenir shop that he promised to have framed for my bedroom as another memorabilia to my trip to the Montmartre.

We're back on the underground leaving Montmartre.

I am so ready for my afternoon nap.

Here we are at Napoleon's tomb. Papa's trying to get me to turn around and pose for Daddy but I'm too excited and want to hurry and get inside.

George had my back and stood in for me for Daddy.

wow, he was a very special soldier to the people of France.

From Napoleon's tomb we marched over to the military museum next door.

This was the only room I was impressed with...a room full of miniature toy soldiers.

My parents weren't that impressed with this museum because it was only filled with weaponry, some costumes and paintings. There was no English interpretation literature available to us that afternoon which made it difficult for us to follow the exhibits.

Papa said this man looks like me on the subway earlier today after we came down from Montmartre.

Well, that's it for today's events. Thank you for taking an interest in my adventure and for following me. jusqu'à demain soir bonne!!!

Under The Weather In Paris

Bonjour everyone! Since, our trip to the Musee D'orsay, Papa and I came down with a respiratory infection. We even had a doctor from S.O.S. Medecins come to the apartment for a check up and he prescribed medication. He examined me on the sofa!?! Daddy said the doctor's bag and equipment were just like those Daddy saw in old movies.

The bad news is we had to cancel our trip to Geneva, Switzerland because Papa and I could not fly at the time. Luckily, we were able to cancel our hotel reservations, however, we had to chalk up our non refundable airplane tickets.

But, the great news is that Madelyn, of Paris Perfect, upgraded our apartment for the rest of our stay in Paris to this fabulous 2 story 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bathroom luxe apartment. So, even though we did not make it to Geneva...we are living it up here. The apartment has a balcony that looks onto Avenue de La Bourdonnais and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Pretty sweet hospital, huh? If you're going to fall ill and have to stay inside while in Paris, this is the place be to do it.

Here I am, with Sheep watching my Caillou dvd over and over and over and over. My parents were annoyed with him but I told them it's too bad, if they hadn't dragged me out in the rain I wouldn't have gotten sick so they need to deal with it.

Here I am, day 2 and feeling better and able to watch Caillou over and over and over again but standing up now.

A view from the living room balcony

Another with the Eiffel Tower in view

This is a view from my downstairs bedroom.

Bonjour everyone back home!

2nd guest bedroom.

My bedroom

The master bedroom.
Well, that's it for now. But, now that I'm fully recovered we will be back on the road hitting the sights tomorrow, so stayed tuned!

The Little American

Bienvenue à tablescape jeudi de Côtes du Rhône, Paris Perfect's Apartment

Happy Tablescape Thursday!!



This tablescape is coming to you from Paris Perfect's Cotes Du Rhone Apartment in Paris, France. We are here on vacation until the 26th of January.

I think the tablescape should give you a great idea as to just how well appointed this lovely 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bathroom apartment is with everything on the table available for you to create a romantic Parisian table setting for 2,4 or even 6 guests.

The apartment is located in the 7th Arrondissemont exactly one block away from the Eiffel Tower which can be viewed from the windows in the living room.

Madelyn, the owner of Paris Perfect, has an amazing eye for design and aestetics. I think she has truly captured the essence of combining casual and elegant interiors in this apartment.

The large windows throughout the apartment provide a spectacular view onto the famous Avenue de la Bourdonnais which lined with historical architectural buildings that were built in the Baron Haussman style.

The apartment is fully stocked with the dinner,stemware and flatware for guests to use to set a casual or elegant table.

I created the centerpiece using fresh green apples, hydrangeas and branches of lavender. The floral pieces are part of the apartment decor. I took the apartment's wonderful Eiffel Tower sculpture that has room for a tea candle in the center and used it as the perfect theme for this tablescape.

The French parlor chairs are covered in a beautiful textured linen and would compliment any table setting. It enjoyable to have breakfast and occasional dinners here with the great views both in and out of the space.

I also used the green apples as candlestick holders by setting them in the apartment's cereal/soup bowls.





And finally, the aerial view. I hope you enjoyed this tablescape from the romantic city of lights. Please check back for the next tablescape Thursday for another setting from yet another beautiful Paris Perfect apartment. For more unique and wonderful table settings, please visit Susan of BetweenNapsOnThePorch's blog.

Au revoir!

The Little American Goes Underground

Today rain is predicted so I am geared up and ready. I'm not gonna let a little water keep me from exploring the town. I'm really excited about going underground to take the city's metropolitan transportation system to the Musee D'Orsay. However, the first thing on our list of things to do is an antiques fair Daddy discovered while jogging through the Parc Du Champs De Mars.

The admission fee was 10 euros and I thought we could use that money riding a carousel, but Papa and Daddy were very excited about this exhibition so I cooperated. Unfortunately, my excitement and eagerness to stroll the exhibits on my own made both my parents and the exhibit owners very nervous. After only 30 minutes inside, Papa thought we had seen enough. Daddy was a little disappointed he did not get a chance to explore longer, but chalked it up to part of the "family" experience.

This is the enormous tent where the Antiques fair was held. It is directly west of the Eiffel tower across the park.


Hey Daddy! Put the camera away and help me down the subway stairs...NOW.

Hmmm...currently, we are in the 7TH Arrondissomont at the Ecole Militaire station, the closest Metro station to the Eiffel Tower, and we want to go to the Musee D'Orsay...

Maybe these buttons will get an attendant's attention so she can save Papa some time in figuring out which train to take. We've already been standing here for 15 minutes and Daddy is starting to out whine me...poor Papa.

Well, if you're familiar with the Paris transporation system, you'll notice I ended up on the RER. Why? Papa decided it was an easier way to get to the museum. So, we exited the metro station and walked to the RER a few blocks away. I like the RER because it has 2 levels and looks and feels like a real train.

We finally made it to the Musee D'Orsay. My parents think its a cool museum. It is a former train station full of important works of art.

This is a close up of the decorative molding that my Daddy kept photographing.

Daddy was in love with the clock. He would wear it on his neck if it came with a chain.



oh mon dieu quelle belle pièce de travail par Edgar Degas!

I'd recognize an Albert Sisley anywhere. tres fabu!


This looks like a painting Daddy bought but only this one has real oil paint.

This was absolutely my favorite. Under this see through floor is a three dimensional model of the Royal Opera house and it environs.

Here is a side view of the interior the Royal Opera. This was pretty neat too, but I really liked running across the see through the most.

What do I want? We just traipsed home, in the rain, from the museum and I am hungry and can't read this darn French Menu. Where are the pictures? I cannot wait to jump into my warm French bed. Au revoir for now.