I was supposed to meet Solli at Entrance 8 at Place de la Concorde
For the Olympics Parc Urbain .
What is Parc Urbain? A sort of open playground holding 25,000 people at a time (online QR code tickets 24€)with breakdancing, basketball, free style biking, skating, etc. “All with great ambience. It was beautiful how they created these places around the fountains and the obélisque!” Sollie’s words. I didn’t make it.
The Metro only goes to Palais Royale during the Olympics. Then a 18 minute walk which turned into an hour walking up rue Saint-Honoré. It was HOT 🥵 90s
I took a selfie so Solli could find me among the possible thousands in line.
Look at the line outside Goyard luggage 🧳 shop with the major domo in long waistcoat, keeping impatient shoppers calm 🙄
Police blockades everywhere. You could not enter. I made so many mistakes trying to get to &#@ ENTRANCE 8. Tickets are not transferable with a time limit (7:00 PM). Les flic kept saying walk up one block more and then go right. But you couldn’t. Blockaded.
By the time I reached the Elysées Palace I was feeling clammy & yucky 🤢 I looked across the street (24, rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré) and there was my savior - HERMES 🙏
Hermes’ window display were full
Inside I got out my fan and sat down. AC Hurray🤸♂️ I told Solli, forget about me. Meanwhile the guard was keeping a close eye 👁️Everyone looked like an Olympics athlete with sturdy legs.
I was almost ready to ask for first aid ⛑️/ le premiers secours. Instead I chilled for half an hour.
I remembered Hermes had an art gallery on the top floor. No longer. Just women’s clothing. I was escorted to the encenser/elevator. Attractive horsey decor inside.
A casually dressed customer was walking around talking on her phone 📱 I looked down at her shoes, since I used to be a shoe designer. What looked like plain ole brown Birkenstocks sandals but with a big gold DIOR logo (990€) 🤔 Bringing your bandana retriever 🐶 is OK in Hermes shoe department 👍
By animal painter,Alfred de Dreux.
I fell instantly in love with Phillip Dumas’ (a favorite sketch artist)balcony murals. Forget the diamonds and Birkin bags. I’ll take the art 🖼️
I was feeling horsey today and re-sketched one of the figures on horseback..
Are you into coaches? I waltzed out of Hermes feeling much, much better and went in search of refreshment.
For a cold Alain Milliat framboise nectar. Hit the spot ☺️
When traveling, sometimes you set out to do one thing and something else happens. C’est la vie. I can hear 👂 the cheers of game attendees out my window 🪟
I’m Carol Gillott, an artist living in Paris. Every month I mail out beautifully illustrated letters that capture the true Parisian experience.
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Thanks for reading PB ❤️
☕️ If you’d like to support my work, you can buy me a KO-FI here ☕️ ❤️ Thank you so much!
Yikes!!! That title caught my attention! Hope you are okay? I’ve heard of sacrificing for your art but this takes it to the extreme! Your photos and observations are amazing as always! Take care and stay cool!!
ReplyDeleteI’m fine…just feeling stressy & hot. A couple of ice creams and cooling down in Hermes is always a good idea 👍 ☺️ CAROLG
DeleteNot a bad place to cool down for half an hour! Interesting looking at the clientele…are people more ‘casual’ due to the Olympics or the heat? You always manage to turn lemons into lemonade, C. Or, in this case, framboise nectar! ❤️
ReplyDeleteEveryone was VERY casually dressed. Maybe some faux athletes? I will go back to rue Saint-Honoré - quite the fashion show. CAROLG
DeleteIf Paris is always a good idea then that goes double for Hermes! I’m always enthralled by the scarves. Next time I’ll take the art tour, thank you! Your restraint at not buying is impressive!
ReplyDeleteNo restraint required. I’m a professional browser 🙂 Always just looking CAROLG
Delete👍
DeleteWhat an awful feeling. Over-heated and feeling faint. Yet, your curious eye and love for fine things kept working and were obviously very aware. Doctor, "is it heat stroke?". Thanks for the inside scoop on all lovely visuals. And tasty ones too.
ReplyDeleteHermès to the rescue 🛟 Peggy CAROLG
DeleteNothing like being over-heated. Take good care, stay cool. These photos are simply amazing........Patty, Minneapolis
ReplyDeleteBeen super hot and humid here also..A bit less today..Take care..fainting happens in a heartbeat..:(
ReplyDeleteThanks for the art tour at Hermes. Thank goodness for A/C especially here in Texas…in the triple digits today!!!!
ReplyDeleteHorrible feeling to almost faint from over-heating. You found a very interesting place to cool down- Hermes building looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteCarol… I have enjoyed seeing Hermes commercials during the Olympic coverage. A woman goes into the store and sluths (sp?) her way to find her saddle being made. Then she leaves by way of her horse.🐎 very cool. Sorry it’s so hot there… why not postpone some activities till after the Olympics ??🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥐🥰
ReplyDeleteThe combination of rushing in mid-afternoon with high temps is not the norm. Temps are back to a manageable range 70s - 80s thank goodness 🙏
DeleteI really identify with you and the heat. I’m in Atlanta ga but am setting up for an antique show this week in Cashiers NC where the heat is at 95 and we antique sellers are in a huge tent. There’s just no length we antique dealers will go to show and sell our wares
ReplyDeleteBon courage. I’m sure addicted customers will show up CAROLG
DeleteOuf! The heat! The highlights of your day = the cool elegance of Hermes upstairs + your nectar framboise, which looks thick and luscious with fruit. Sometime when travelling, you have to know where to draw new lines.
ReplyDeleteYes, the brand Alain Milliat make high end fruit juices. Highly recommend 👍
DeleteAnd yes, sometimes you have to admit your physical limitations & make choices. CAROLG
Carol first of all I really enjoyed all your photos and especially considering your having to walk so far and getting over heated in the 90 degree weather. Glad you were able to cool off at Hermes and get to enjoy the art there. The cool drink and ice cream looked delicious and refreshing. Loved your selfie too. -Suzanne P.
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne P. ❤️
DeleteYou clearly made the most of it! Love all of these photos 💓
ReplyDeleteI was so sad and worried when I heard you almost passed out :-( Glad you found shelter at Hermes and found some refreshing treats on the way. There is a heatwave coming up this weekend, stay safe and hydrated <3
ReplyDeleteI did not pass out…just feeling close to it. One must be careful of extreme heat 🥵
DeleteIt would be nice If they had cold showers 🚿 🧊 😂 CAROLG
WHEW! Glad you didn't really faint
ReplyDeleteAll the above but also want to say your horse and rider sketch is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting time to be there! Glad you found relief + fun! I'm faint at 83°, never mind 90. Phillippe Dumas is one of my favorites too. I have a book of poemes & chansons by Victor Hugo that he illustrated. I can see how you would be drawn to his drawings. Thanks for posting about him, loved the video. Sketchbook Wandering
ReplyDelete"This blog is an absolute treat! The blend of charming Parisian insights and delightful illustrations makes every post a mini escape to the heart of Paris. It’s like taking a beautiful stroll through the city with every read!" Janet
ReplyDeleteLoved this post !!! Goyard is unbelievable - were they actually all waiting to SHOP there?
ReplyDeleteThankful that you are feeling better! @pineconesandacorns
ReplyDeleteLooks like you made the best out of a frustrating situation!! I can only imagine how difficult it would be to meet up with someone at this time!!
ReplyDelete