Im here in Paris thinking of you and happy we met up for cafe the last time I was here—4 years ago! Funny story: I woke up this morning recalling the word flaneur and wondered why I had never seen nor heard the feminine version. And in searching a way to say bonjour to you, I find this post. Kismet! Xo
Oh, I hope you are having a good time in Paris. I remember your trip that time so well, it was so fun seeing you and Frederick, one of the highlights of my time there! Funny about the "Flaneuse" thing--you would like the book!
Very moving and beautiful reflection and videos. I'm so pleased you captured this and shared it. People were being fined for smoking on their doorsteps in our little village, I can only imagine how hard lockdowns were in Paris.
Thank you, Josephine. What is the name of your village? I was stopped once by the police on horses on Champs Ulysses, and my husband and son and I were surrounded by four policemen on Mother's Day--which was, I believe, the week before lockdown ended. We'd gone to peer through the gates at Luxembourg Gardens, just to pretend we were going to the gardens! We never got a fine, though, fortunately!
As a fellow walker, I definitely understand the feelings you describe. Walking is my way of meditating-- taking myself out of all my troubled thoughts and into a world of sights and movement.
I really enjoyed this. A bit eerie, though, to see the Tuileries so empty after lockdown. I love wandering around cities and now I will reflect on silence and the city. Thank you!
Thank you, Jeffrey. It was eerie indeed. I think it gave me an appreciation for the physicality of the city I hadn't had before, because before lockdown the city always felt like chaos to battle through, and in the silence I could just look and be amazed.
Weird! The first one was a novelty, like in my Texas youth when we had to go to the storm cellar and it was strange and exciting. The second one, we were finding creative ways to break every rule (and rules changed all the time.) Curfew, travel restrictions, etc. It was like being in the resistance.
I kind of regret moving before the second one started! We left on Nov. 1 2020, knowing it was coming, but I think it would have been fine as long as the parks and bookstores were open
I love this post so much. I also had not heard the feminine version of flaneur until now. I immediately ordered Lauren Elkin's book. I have wandered the streets of Le Marais with abandon, eagerly trying to get lost. I have discovered so many treasures, taken so many photographs. I like to go deep into neighborhoods and avoid tourist destinations whenever possible. Paris is a city that seems infinite to me. I'm not surprised that you walked 35,000 steps during the pandemic. Walking amid beauty, history, and real places is deeply comforting. I'm so glad I discovered your Substack class and your newsletters. Bravo!
Im here in Paris thinking of you and happy we met up for cafe the last time I was here—4 years ago! Funny story: I woke up this morning recalling the word flaneur and wondered why I had never seen nor heard the feminine version. And in searching a way to say bonjour to you, I find this post. Kismet! Xo
Oh, I hope you are having a good time in Paris. I remember your trip that time so well, it was so fun seeing you and Frederick, one of the highlights of my time there! Funny about the "Flaneuse" thing--you would like the book!
Beautiful. Now I want to jump on a place to Paris. I haven't been there since October 2001, right after 9/11.
It's great in the fall. Chilly and rainy, but not cold and not as crowded.
Very moving and beautiful reflection and videos. I'm so pleased you captured this and shared it. People were being fined for smoking on their doorsteps in our little village, I can only imagine how hard lockdowns were in Paris.
Thank you, Josephine. What is the name of your village? I was stopped once by the police on horses on Champs Ulysses, and my husband and son and I were surrounded by four policemen on Mother's Day--which was, I believe, the week before lockdown ended. We'd gone to peer through the gates at Luxembourg Gardens, just to pretend we were going to the gardens! We never got a fine, though, fortunately!
We are in a small village near a town called Pézenas, in Languedoc. Glad you didn't get fined, that must have been a bit scary.
Beautiful.
Thank you, Susan!
As a fellow walker, I definitely understand the feelings you describe. Walking is my way of meditating-- taking myself out of all my troubled thoughts and into a world of sights and movement.
I think writers may naturally gravitate toward walking from a young age--because it's such a quiet and observational experience.
so lovely
Thank you, Wesley!
I really enjoyed this. A bit eerie, though, to see the Tuileries so empty after lockdown. I love wandering around cities and now I will reflect on silence and the city. Thank you!
Thank you, Jeffrey. It was eerie indeed. I think it gave me an appreciation for the physicality of the city I hadn't had before, because before lockdown the city always felt like chaos to battle through, and in the silence I could just look and be amazed.
I know what you mean! I was a Paris insider during confinement.
Yes, and before and after! I wasn't there for the second confinement. What was that like?
Weird! The first one was a novelty, like in my Texas youth when we had to go to the storm cellar and it was strange and exciting. The second one, we were finding creative ways to break every rule (and rules changed all the time.) Curfew, travel restrictions, etc. It was like being in the resistance.
I kind of regret moving before the second one started! We left on Nov. 1 2020, knowing it was coming, but I think it would have been fine as long as the parks and bookstores were open
Love the photos!
Thank you, Jen!
Michelle,
I love this post so much. I also had not heard the feminine version of flaneur until now. I immediately ordered Lauren Elkin's book. I have wandered the streets of Le Marais with abandon, eagerly trying to get lost. I have discovered so many treasures, taken so many photographs. I like to go deep into neighborhoods and avoid tourist destinations whenever possible. Paris is a city that seems infinite to me. I'm not surprised that you walked 35,000 steps during the pandemic. Walking amid beauty, history, and real places is deeply comforting. I'm so glad I discovered your Substack class and your newsletters. Bravo!