Happy Saturday to all.

After a morning cup of Chamomile tea, and a bit of art journaling, I ventured out on the métro for a specific “souvenir” I had in mind for someone. Crowded! The weekend trains were quite busy, but I only had 6 or 7 stops and then a short walk to my destination. The weather was a bit more crisp than it has been, and I decided I needed to buy a pair of gloves at some point. No, I didn’t pack any. I also somehow forgot my black pants/jeans. I’ll need to rectify that, too.

Somehow I remembered to pack my 42 markers for journaling.

After securing the souvenir, I returned to my neighborhood, and took a seat at Café du Métro for lunch and people watching. So many dogs today! I saw them on the Métro, in backpacks (on the backs of their bike-riding owners), on leads, without leads (extremely well trained), and in stores. I wasn’t fast enough with my phone/camera to capture most of them, and I also didn’t want to be rude.

Instead of heading home, I decided to walk to my old neighborhood, but on the way, couldn’t resist popping into a nearby “Pharmacie,” as I was still in search of hair conditioner. The place was PACKED. These places are chock full of skincare, and all sorts of creams and lotions are displayed beautifully. You have to read everything very carefully, though, as there are no flashy colors or large signs. Last year, I mentioned how I bought laundry softener thinking it was laundry soap, and didn’t realize it till I « washed » my clothes. Well, true confession time. I also accidentally bought a rather large box of condoms on a different occasion, different store. True story. Pink box, right next to the cream I was going for. Yep. Les préservatifs. I left them behind in the apartment for the next lucky guest. The landlord is probably still talking about me, not to mention the smiling clerk as I’d made the purchase whilst buying a bottle of wine.

But I digress. As I was saying, everything in the Pharmacie here is very clean-looking and stocked to the brim on well-lit, immaculate glass shelves. Knowledgeable store personnel walk around wearing white clinician coats and approach customers to help them find what they’re looking for. The service here in Paris is always remarkable, but I can’t quite believe how many employees were in this one store, and all were pleasant, and eager to help. Back home, we’re lucky to find one worker in the entire CVS. I greeted the woman first with a “Bonjour” (an absolute must!), and then asked about hair conditioner. I was starting to think maybe they just didn’t bother using it here. I was seriously studying women’s hair as I sat at the café. Alas, she directed me to the bottom shelf – well below the MANY types of shampoos, and there, she recommended a product for me, specifically, having looked at my hair for a moment. This was happening all around me. Women, young and old, searching for this or that skincare product, healthcare needs, etc. Men, too. It was amazing. The pharmacie near to me during my last stay was much smaller. This one had another floor or two above street level (rue-du-chaussée). You can buy all types of skincare products, preventative cold medicines, vitamins, some makeup, travel-size items, as well as pick up your prescriptions, where there are numerous pharmacists. You won’t find bags of candy, food, clothing, or seasonal trinkets, although I did see a few Chiclets (gum) for sale in those old-fashioned flat boxes.

As I went to the checkout, oh and get this, there were 16 checkout “windows,” and all were staffed. Plus, there were two gentlemen directing you specifically, as you moved forward in line. I approached the counter (plexiglass on 3 sides of me for health and privacy), and the cashier was startled. I knew I couldn’t possibly have committed a faux pas yet, because I barely had a chance to say “Bonjour.” Well, it seemed the person ahead of me had left their credit card in the machine. She and another cashier jumped up and ran toward the door, trying to find the woman. Even a customer behind me ran out, calling — but the woman was gone. So then, there followed a little commotion as to where to keep her card safe. The woman returned, apologized to me, and proceeded to pleasantly ring up my order.

I continued to walk toward Saint-Placide, and smiled as I passed the stores where I’d bought my flowery Converse sneakers, my daily bread at my favorite boulangerie, the Café Horizon where I’d had my first and last meal (including a quick check to see if Charly was there, but no). Then, the shop where I’d bought the scarf for the ballet, and I remembered buying my still-favorite summer heels. I went down my old street to see if David was there on his bench, but he was not. I didn’t know whether or not to be glad about that, but I’ll be checking again.

I found a nice pair of gloves, and a matching scarf, en rouge, and couldn’t believe how nostalgic I felt for the area. It’s only an 8-minute walk from my current place, but so much happened there during those 5 months, and I felt so happy to be back.

L’Alliance Française is closed on weekends, and has been since the Christmas season, but as I crossed Le boulevard Raspail, I knew I’d be returning soon for class. I’m looking forward to it, and hope to sign up for more cultural events.

I sighed audibly as I passed by the florist I often frequented, and continued home, stopping at a small grocery store for a few items.

My friend from India who lives and works here in Paris contacted me, and wants to meet up for dinner. We may do so tonight. If not tonight, then soon.

À Bientot