Tuesday, May 30, 2006

'Paris' magic never wanes

I got back last evening from Paris. I have always loved Paris so the magic never wanes for me whenever I visit it. I love the lovely tree lined boulevards the beautiful buildings and the soft french accents.
We just walked and walked and didn't actually visit any museums or other places of interest as we had seen those already. I would have liked to have gone to a museum but thought I wouldn't put my husband through that as visiting museums is not his favourite pass time. We did go to Pompedu and looked at it from the outside. My husband was quite intrigued by the building.
On Monday I met up with Isabelle. I was so thrilled to meet her. She was exactly as I had imagined her to be. Petite, lovely and has such beautiful hair and above all as a person she is lovely. She made special time to take us to some of the lovely fabric and trim stores inspite of her tight schedule.
We met at the Opera metro station. I was so scared that I would miss her that I kept staring at every girl that resembled even remotely like Isabelle. At one point I nearly ran behind a girl who had beautiful hair like Isabelle and was petite and wearing glasses. Whew! it was a close call I am sure I would have freaked that girl if I had approached her. But Isabelle was so sure she would recognise me that she didn't even say where at Opera we would meet. Suddenly I saw her appear beside me like magic and all was well from then onwards. She took us to Bouchara and the other fabric shops. The trims were lovely in Bouchara but I had to restrict myself to a few since they were pricey. I did manage to get some lovely fabrics and suede from Sacré Coeur fabric shops. The choice there was amazing and all under one roof. Isabelle bought some lovely fabric for herself as well. All too soon it was time for us to part. I do wish so much that we had had more time Isabelle. Next time when you come to London we can perhaps have a meal together and chat or if you have time you can come home. If we come to Paris we will make more time to spend together and we would love to meet Seb too.
Here is Isabelle and me outside on the street where they sell trims and fabrics

Gifts from Isabelle
Isabelle gave me this lovely antique lace. I simply adore it. I wanted something like this so much but because they were pricey I didn't buy any. Isabelle you must have read my mind.

This is a lovely scented box of soaps. I don't think I can pick up the courage to use them. I will perhaps put them inbetween my cloths. That way they will keep my cloths beautiful scented and will not melt away.



Earlier that weekend my husband and I went to one of the big flea markets. It was very interesting. The antiques section intrigued me a lot. There were so many things I would have liked to have bought but ended up buying some antique lace and tiny silk buttons. The silk buttons are a bit soiled but I think I can dye them since they are white. They should be ok then. I would like to wash the lace but I am not sure if I can do it with out spoiling it. Will have to ask the experts if it is ok to wash. If anyone knows could you tell me if I can wash it.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shashi, it looks like you had a wonderful trip and even got to meet your friend Isabelle. I loved seeing your pictures and am so envious of the lace gift you were given by isabella. It is beautiful!

I bought some antique lace on e-bay a couple of years ago and was able to hand wash it in Oxyclean. It made the lace so white and clean and didn't harm it all. After hand washing it, I just spread the lace out on thick towels and let them dry.
Hugs,
Linda Fleming

Anonymous said...

Oh, Shashi! I feel as tho' I'VE travelled! THANK YOU for sharing! I've never been too much of ANYWHERE - certainly nowhere as wonderful as Paris! I hope you will also share more of your trip to India! That is a place I SO want to go! DO take me there via pictures, my little friend! Glad you & Jey had such a lovely time! You deserve it!

Anonymous said...

Dear Shashi, I am so glad you like the lace, but all the same I feel really bad for not taking the time to MAKE you something... I promise you I will make up for this. I actually dreamed last night about what I could make you.

Thank you so much for sending me the picture, and thanks to your husband for taking it. I hope he enjoyed his time in Paris as well.

I had to laugh about how scared you were to miss me... I'm so sorry, I should definitely have made things clearer for you. As I knew the place already I felt certain we wouldn't miss each other.

You'll really have to visit the Centre Pompidou some time, it's fascinating and you know what? It's only a half an hour walk from my place (and less than 10 minutes by metro). So you see you and Jey HAVE to come back to this part of Paris and visit us!

Big hugs to you! I feel so blessed to call you my friend.

Anonymous said...

That sounds so great... I can feel a wind of magic!!
Isabelle sure seems to be a kind person. Dénia likes her ( and her kitty Violette!!) a lot!
I'm glad you enjoyed Paris.
you know, I live on the French riviera, and whenever I've been to Paris I had dull (cold) weather!!

Anonymous said...

Love the photo of you and Isabelle with all those lovely fabrics piled behind you!