We are in Nanterre until 3 June when we fly to Dublin. Here is our world until early July when we go back to La Thebauderie, for another chapter change in our life.

We took a day trip into Paris, pretty easy: The 258 bus stops just a few feet from our apartment, we take it to Gare La Defense, then we caught the M1 Metro for the Hôtel de Ville Station. Our plan was to go to the Pantheon, but after a 20 minute walk we discovered that the line was too long, so we headed out to find lunch.

As we crossed the Ponte Neuf a river tour boat was passing by, it gave us a real reminder of what Paris will be like at the end of July when the Olympic crowds have arrived. This does not look fun.

We stopped at Luxembourg Gardens and I did a sketch on this sunny spring day in Paris.

Back in Nanterre, we went back to L’Apostrophe. I figured it was time for me to try one of the classic French apéros, pastis. It has a strong licorice flavor, thus it is diluted with five parts water and ice, I think it could grow on you.

We had a wonderful time grazing on La Planche Mixte Charcuterie & Fromages.

Back at the apartment we cooked polenta the next day, with a lot of comte cheese it is one of our favorites.

Yesterday we went to the Centre Ville of Nanterre for the first time, we found a small brasserie for lunch. We love the places popular with the locals, so this was perfect.

Life it good here in Nanterre. We are discovering that going to the big market every couple of days soon becomes a chore thanks to the crowds and waiting in lines, so maybe once a week, with the Franprix filling in the gaps, will work better. We understand why so many have pull carts when they shop, you can get more home with less strain, we may need one of those one day.

Our journeys are close to home for a bit, then off again. Hope your travels are enjoyable and that you find time to capture the moment, eat good food, and meet new people.