I love Paris in the springtime

Today we went out to find some cheap dinner and when we came home our suburb had turned into a music festival. This was a full outdoor festival, every 30 metres there was another band playing - everything from Jazz to gospel choir to African drumming circle, folk and fiddle, classical, old Jewish solo singer, rock, punk, marching band, everything! Our little apartment is smack in the Place des Vosges which is the heart of Marais and a sort of town square meeting park so there were bands and people and bevvos everywhere! The whole suburb for streets ad streets had musicians playing on every corner. We had to sidestep a waltz to get to the door leading to our apartment. It was one of those times where you could not actually plan it better - today is actually the Fete de la Musique http://www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr/en/International/presentation/ - but we would never have known if it hadn't been right on our doorstep (literally).

The only thing that has stopped us from partying into the evening is we spent the whole day exploring Versailles and walked for about 6 hours (see photo of me being princessy in the grand trianon below; and our we're happy but exhausted faces) so i pushed through for another 6 or so but I really cannot go on.

So let's step back in time a little bit.. Yes we are in Paris! Here is the mandatory smiles-at-Tour-Eiffel photo to prove it. it's stunningly beautiful. Our apartment is tiny but in a great location surrounded by so much life and fun. Food is great but so expensive! So tonight we sought out the best cheapest food recommended: felafels in the Jewish district. They have been reviewed by the NY times and he certainly reviews them better than I could do. Read it here: http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/12/31/travel/31bite.html (they were seriously AMAZING!! Everything he says is true and more!)

On the walk home we got a nutella crepe (win!), and as you now know, music! My fav was the gay and lesbian choir doing an Abba medley. Dancing Queen. They were wearing rainbow sweaters. Classic.

And are you ready to hear the CRAZIEST thing that happened today (a very gay man in a cat suit purring at Toby wins second prize)..

Well in Versailles we were just strolling along toward the Petit Trianon getting a bit tired and thought we better stop for a coffee.. And who do we run into?!

OUR LANDLORD JOHN!!!

We knew he was on holiday in Europe but to find him in Versailles (which is huge), in Paris (which is huger) in Europe (which is the hugest) at the tiny coffee shop at the BACK CORNER OF THE PARK?! Weird and crazy. So we had a coffee with him. What a small big world we live in!

(ps. Sorry the photos go all out of order and the links don't really make links with this free blog app.. You'll have to continue to match the picture with the words. But to help, I think the one at the very bottom is the remains of a mostly eaten Nutella crepe.. Mmmm)