Museums and Designer Shops

I don't know why I am so taken by all of the designer shops in this city. Today I walked down Avenue Montaigne which seems to be the center of haute couture in Paris (although it seems that many of these designers have shops elsewhere in the city). I walked past (because I could not even think about walking into these shops) Gucci, Chanel, Escada, Dolce & Gabbana and even Baby Dior - which I was tempted to go into but figured I should wait until I'm employed again. Sorry baby G. I did find a couple of outlet stores - one were I bought a very fantastic pair of very heels from Dolce and Gabbana at 2/3 off - I couldn't help it - they were calling to me. Sorry baby G. - I have an admitted shoe weakness.

The Avenue feels much like a movie set - I was waiting to catch a celebrity or two coming out of the stores (especially since it is Paris Fashion week) or to see a camera crew kicking me off the set. It has so much more charm than Beverly Hills or Fifth Avenue.

I turned off of Avenue Montaigne to Avenue du President Wilson lined with embassies and museums such as the museum of fashion (which was unfortunately closed for renovations) and made my way to the Trocadero. The Trocadero provides one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower and Champs de Mars - I really think the tower is best appreciated from a distance. Up close, you cannot appreciate its scale and grandeur.

My walks today were tinged with a bit of sadness as I realize that time has flown by and only two weeks remain in my trip. I'm currently reading a book called A Corner in the Marais by Alex Karmel. As you may recall, the Marais is where I am living and the area which he is describing in the book is very close to my first apartment so I know exactly the place he is discussing.

He says about Paris - that after visiting, leaving and then returning to Paris - he had the feeling "that coming back to Paris was coming home, and that leaving it - for what was, after all, my real home, was leaving something of myself behind as well." I have been fortunate in my life to have been able to travel a bit - but I have always had a special feeling for Paris and this phrase from Mr. Karmel is the closest I have ever gotten to describing that feeling.