Friday, November 11

Paris chez mon oncle!

how i love paris, how many times has that been said. i could not wait for a few days in paris. i was going to meet my uncle for the very first time (i am not sure why i had never before). he lives right there in the heart of paris so perfect a location that i dare not say:) as i arrived at the foot of l'apartement and rang the door,  i had butterflies in my belly for i must confess of being a little nervous. My uncle and i hit it off instantly- i mean instantly we chatted till early morning the first night and every night after that.  we walked  all over the city.  i had told him no more fancy restaurants and how i craved street food and the clichés of paris and how it was must that i sit sipping coffee at  a cafe at least three times a day he completely agreed for he had a love for coffee too.

walking in paris there is truly no better, i felt like fresh new oxygen was being pumped in my veins. my uncle is not only incredibly stylish ( much expected from a perfume maker) but engaging, funny and completely open, i laughed so hard, we laughed as if we were childhood friends. as we walked threw out paris my uncle shared stories of his youth, every glimpse was a window to my mother and grandmother the biggest gift is to hear stories such as these, my heart filled instantly with pride and awe.

we also went and spent time in montmarte and the funny thing is, i had told my uncle about my time in Dordogne a place he had never visited  but when we arrived in montmarte there was a food festival that brought the whole region of dordogne vendors to paris, i even recognized a few:). we would end our nights at home, more cafe being made, my uncle is the best at it, not to mention a wonderful cook. morning i would sneak out of the l'apartment while my uncle still slept( we would talk till at least 4 am every morning)walk around in search of the perfect coffee but then i would  get overwhelmed by the choices that i would come back to the apartment where my uncle would make the perfect cup for me while we chatted on his beautiful terrace filled with gorgeous geraniums and olive trees.

the next day was filled with more walking, he would help me shop for gifts to take back home, we would test macarons from every place that made them then compare. our favourite was cafe pouchkine were he spoiled us and sent home the largest most beautiful box of macarons for his sister( my mum) he spoiled her and me. He also picked up some chevre and blue for me to take home and i had it every morning for weeks back here on the hill not to mention wonderful face cremes, perfumes and such. To say that this was anything but the best of times would be a lie, it was wonderful and getting to meet and spend time with my uncle walking, sipping and chatting was the highlight of my trip to france so much so that when i came back to vermont i actually found myself missing my uncle like i would a dear friend.

merci mon oncle.

* don't forget to sign up for the chance to win Corine Gantz Novel Hidden in Paris
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15 comments:

Lara said...

absolutely adore your paris street photography! I just found your blog and your photography is such comfort to my eyes and speaks to my heart.

Sanda Vuckovic Pagaimo said...

How great you met your uncle!!
You had great time in Paris,I can tell that :-)

Josephine said...

These photos are so dreamy. I want to book a flight to Paris right now!

Sarah said...

So so beautiful! I have not been to Paris for so long and it is so lovely. Thank you for these pictures and stories.

corine said...

Is your oncle for rent?!

tj said...

...Your uncle sounds like a very sweet man. I'm almost certain that your exact words are being spoken about you by your uncle back in Paris. ;o)

...Gorgeous photos, as always.

...Blessings :o)

federica said...

Paris is one of my favourite cities...I stayed this summer with my husband, back to Cornwall, only for one night: Place du Tertre est magnifique! :)

The Country Cardinal said...

Merci for the tour through your eyes and words. I've always wanted to go to Paris. If I had wings, I would fly there right now.

Juliana said...

What a nice post! I really like you're early morning pictures. Cities are the best in the morning.

kimberly said...

Oh Nadia, what a wonderful story. Your photos were absolutely lovely and as always you are inspiring. Mr. Taylor and I leave for Paris tomorrow (I feel so spoiled going twice in two months!) and I will think about you and the wisdom you shared in the Dordogne while I spend my days making photos of that gorgeous city~
Love to you,
xx

Cannelle Et Vanille said...

so wonderful that you got to connect with your uncle in paris. he certainly took you to some amazing spots and the images reflect it. makes me want to go back and just stroll around. xo

sew easy said...

Merci pour ce superbe reportage ! En espérant que vous lisez le Français. Je vous lis souvent mais n'ai pas osé vous laisser de commentaire. Vos photos sont touchantes !

Cris said...

lovely place
Cristina

PK Studios said...

Your story is so moving. What a wonderful experience with your uncle! I'm a sucker for a happy ending..though i suppose this is really a happy beginning! : )
Cheers, Penny

Debie Grace said...

Wow very nice photos! Thank you for taking me to Paris! :)