Because almost all of the shops in France are closed on Sundays, I've looked forward to embracing the practice of spending the day purely on family activities - with no option for running errands or shopping for things we really don't need.
So this past Sunday, my boys and I hopped on bus 27 and stopped at Musée du Louvre. Of course the first question my older son asked when we stepped off was, "Where can I buy such and such?"... and I was thrilled to tell him that most stores weren't open that day (at least none he would be interested in, like the grocery store Franprix), and said instead we should take a walk, enjoy the views and think of another activity...
And this is when the boys discovered the magical pigeons that flock around the IM Pei square of the Louvre Museum and neighboring Jardin des Tuileries... for two hours, they fed and befriended the birds and walked away having had (in my son's words) "an awwwesome time" :)
It probably wouldn't hurt the whole world to shut down on Sundays and Relax and take in what has been given to us in this world. Your son is adorable in his winter coat.
ReplyDeleteA day of rest - a nice habit for your boys to embrace (me, too). The composition of your photos always has me studying them, seeing the nuance and the story they convey.
ReplyDeletelove seeing the change in habit. we should do that more over here. go out and explore places and not shop and shop. great photos. so glad I get to follow along.
ReplyDeleteI just love this! A perfect way to spend the day, focusing on the great things around us vs what we can acquire. Just beautiful captures, Catherine! Wishing you a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful friends they made and how lovely to not even have the option to shop on Sunday! That's how it should be everywhere (heehee, I finally sorted out old summer receipts and came across some Franprix receipts:) I love this series of happy, bright captures to get in the mood! Hope apt. hunting is going great.
ReplyDeleteLove your photos! It looks like you had an incredibly fun afternoon.
ReplyDeleteMost of the main street shops in our town are closed on Sundays as well --
ReplyDeleteReally like the images of a sweet Sunday spent with your boys. :)
Perfect pictures - and I love the mixture of color and black & white!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of images, love the blue sky
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
This is an awesome post -- the romance of Paris! I'm glad you enjoyed the day. I didn't know the shops in Paris are closed on Sunday. We are planning a trip in the fall, so I'm glad to know that! I love the green chairs :)
ReplyDeleteLooks perfectly peaceful! How nice that shops are closed. That just removes the temptation of distractions. Nice move Paris!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very kind comments ladies :) xo
ReplyDeleteI remember days such as this from when I lived in Europe...such peaceful moments....just taking time for family and enjoying the world around us with no pressure for shopping...etc. Beautiful images!
ReplyDeleteThe simplest pleasures are most often the best. Great that shops are closed on Sunday and wish that were true in more places in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteWhen we visited Paris, my friend had those birds in the Jardin des Tuileries coming up and eating from her hand in midair! Beautiful photos -- I've always wanted to make it back there.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! J'aime Paris! I miss it. Been there 4 times, and that's 20 times too few! ;) Ahh, just to relax there feeding pigeons on a Sunday. What fun. Were there any crepe stands open? I would have missed that. Ha. My favorite is your pic on the top left. Beautiful. These are so full of life/energy. Love them. Thanks for sharing! Bonjour!
ReplyDeleteMost of the little towns are closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays, so I can understand your feelings about family. These photos are just wonderful. I know the kids had a lot of fun.
ReplyDeletebeautiful, catherine :-) there is a calmness in these photographs, despite the whirl of activity. your boys look like they're having a great time !!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting my blog!!
ReplyDeleteI love all your pictures!：）
I like senses of the French cultures very much since I was a young girl.