What a busy and wonderful week!

The last time I posted, I was sharing my visit to Le Musée Marmottan Monet, capping off the evening with dinner with a friend, and a lawn visit to la Tour Eiffel. (Oh, and I just published the post about my visit to Le Cimetière du Père Lachaise, which for some reason never posted.)

This brings us to Saturday, 28mai22. I had purchased a ticket to the ballet for the evening. One of my new Paris friends was inspired to go, and so she went the night before me (27mai22) and we agreed to meet and discuss later.

What to wear? The world has changed, even Paris, when it comes to what to wear to the ballet. The grand staircase at La Palais Garnier, was literally designed to showcase the women of the time, arriving in their gowns and finery. A place to see and be seen. It’s almost as big as the stage itself.

Well, those days are gone. People don’t dress up much for anything nowadays. Maybe that’s why we clamor to watch the Red Carpet events of Hollywood. But I’m me, and I enjoy dressing up. I didn’t want to be over-the-top, but I wanted to look chic. It is Paris, after all! So I chose my long sheer pleated leopard print skirt, a very thin black sleeveless tank, oh and I thanked the Gods I’d packed my pair of black Louboutin heels, which I had not yet ever worn. How perfect to wear them for the first time in Paris for the ballet! Am I right, ladies? They’re not stilettos. (Do you know how many cobblestone streets there are in Paris?) They’re actually the perfect heel for these types of old paved roads, yet stylish, bien sûr!

I thought I’d carry my Bagalini bag that I’ve carried nearly every day since I arrived. Not great for an evening bag, but it’s black and would do, I guess, or so I told myself. (You’re laughing, if you know me.) I headed out to find a foulard for the evening, since my arms would be bare. Un foulard is larger than a scarf. It can really wrap around you. I have a few, but they all clashed. This piece would be essential!

I walked into the first store on my block, chatted with a woman trying on a magnificent blazer — we both oohed and ahhed at how unique it was. And voilà I turned and found a scarf that coordinated. What? That can’t be! It’s only been 2 minutes since I left the apartment. Too fast! I had to continue my search. I had been thinking plain black scarf/foulard, but this one was cream and had splashes of the same brown/black leopard print with dashes of red and mustard gold. Très chic. Ok, I told myself, I’ll come back after I’ve checked another store or two.

I walked into Zara, a very popular store in New York, but seemingly even more popular here. I walked around, looking for scarves, which are featured here and there, but scattered throughout the lare store with no real rhyme or reason. It’s not a Parisian boutique; it’s huge by comparison. I’d found a necklace and earrings here a few days ago that I’d purchased for my night at the ballet. A thick gold necklace, strewn with suns. How perfect to visit Le Palais Garnier, home of ballet and the Sun King. Cha-Ching! (Pas chère!)

With that in mind, I continued my hunt for the perfect foulard. I spotted a purse, up high, alone, lying down. I was intrigued, so I reached up for a closer look. Oh my! This was meant to be! The bag was basic black on black designs, but the « strap » was made of large plastic links in brown and black leopard/tortoise coloring that would match my skirt brilliantly. It was too perfect to pass up, and it was the only one of its kind. Bargain price! Cha-Ching! This was all too easy. I knew now, I was heading back for the foulard.

I entered the store (again) near my apartment, grabbed the now familiar scarf, and was heading to the counter when the sales lady stopped me. Madame, vous ne voulez pas acheter un seul article aujourd’hui. Il y a une vente lorsque vous achetez deux articles ou plus, et vous bénéficiez d’une réduction de 30 %. She was telling me I couldn’t buy just one item. Lol! (Pointing me in the direction of the sale sign.) She didn’t have to tell me twice. I forced myself to look around further, and found a lovely, delicate knit golden yellow tank that actually went nicely with the foulard. Hmmm… I’ll save that for another day. I was set, and I only spent 7 euros more for the two items than I would have spent for just the one. (My kind of math!)

After getting ready, I felt perfectly comfortable and adequately dressed without being overdressed. I stepped outside of my apartment, viewing my ride options on my phone. It was a beautiful evening with a brilliant blue sky. On the bench where I usually see David, a young woman sat and I realized she was looking me up and down nodding approvingly. She complimented my ensemble and smiled. She worked at the store where I had bought the foulard! I held the scarf out, gave a little spin, and said, « Oui? » Merveilleux, she said. Parfait, in between puffs of her cigarette.

I had planned to take the bus to the Opera House, but part of me thought, you’re wearing Louboutins, you’re going to have to step out of an Uber at the ballet. I called for my ride, and had two back-up busses in mind in case the Uber didn’t pan out. But it did. My driver had a huge personality, which was great because he didn’t speak English, and was very chatty en français. This allowed me more practice as we drove along. I told him to drop me anywhere near the théâtre because I was early and planned to enjoy une coupe de champagne. He liked that idea.

I chose a café across the street from the ballet. No spots à la terrace, but that was fine. I went inside and was seated at a lovely table near the window. The serveur complimented me as he seated me. Merci, Monsieur. Then, he and I chose a lovely brut champagne, and I was in HEAVEN with my view of the Garnier across the street wearing my new things. After a while, the serveur brought me a plate of bite-size toasty cheese squares, which were perfectly paired with my champagne. So delicate. So delicious. How thoughtful! He complimented me again as I left, vous êtes tres magnifique, bonne soirée au ballet. as I left, and with that, I floated across the street and into the théâtre.

I was really glad I’d made the decision to tour the opera house earlier in the week because it’s breathtaking. There were no crowds because of the size of this building. I picked up my program, had my ticket scanned, and was seated. And, having seen MANY ballets in my life, I was thrilled with my seat location. There weren’t many choices when I’d purchased my ticket, but this was truly just right. And the House was sold out.

Honestly, it would take me pages to describe the ballet pieces I saw. A very modern take on Carmen, yet not. So well done! Loved it! The second piece, felt like a play with only two dancers — and a table, later a rug — all performed to a piano piece by Franz Liszt. Well done by all. I especially loved when the male dancer rolled up in the carpet, then unrolled and kept rolling right up to and into the orchestra pit! Purposely, but quite unexpected. Lol! And the third, piece… omg. I mean, wow. Boléro was the music, and I will never hear it the same again. What an amazing piece this was from beginning to one of the most spectacular endings I’ve ever seen! The audience was quite appreciative and generous in applause. And during all the ballet pieces, I heard not one cough, sneeze, or crinkly candy paper noise.

I didn’t mention the orchestra yet. They were astounding. You could tell the audience loves their ballet orchestra. All 1,979 audience members (me included) showed them love with applause and lots of shouts of Bravo! The dancers had many deserved curtain calls, too. And I couldn’t help but notice their male dancers were quite tall, reminding me of a certain ballet danseur I know.

It was so chilly when I left the théâtre, it certainly didn’t feel like May. I wrapped that foulard around me in gratitude and decided to hop on the next bus rather than wait for an Uber. My shoes had already graced the palace, café, and streets after all — time to take the bus before it turned into a pumpkin!

I got off at a stop near my place, but not too near, so I was able to slowly stroll home, thinking about the evening, and its many pleasures. A night I wouldn’t ever forget.

And, I already made plans to meet with my friend today to discuss the ballet.