Mad Hatter's Tea Party

Our morning began about 10 am when we caught the metro to Porte de Clignancourt for the Puces St. Owen; the most famous flea market in Paris.  A long ride as it’s just outside the city but lots of fun to wander the twisting alleyways in the market. 

Holding our purses tight and snapping lots of photos we managed to emerge with all of our belongings and one little purchase by my twin sister.

Back on the Metro we sent Bonnie back to the apartment to rest as her cold is really bad today; the rest of us headed by Metro to the Basilica of Sainte Denis where all the tombs of the French Royals rest.  Actually, during the revolution most of the remains were removed from the tombs and deposited into a common grave but the tombs were left intact.  It is a beautiful church and very historical. 

By 3 pm we were back in the city and dropped Mary off at the Shakespeare and Company shop while Jane and I hurried back to the apartment to check on Bonnie and pick up coats.  Bonnie was ready to go so she went back to Shakespeare and Company with me while Jane stayed at the apartment; she also has caught a cold!   Soon we were on the second level of the shop where a weekly “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party” is held on Sunday from 4 to 6 pm.  There you will find Panmelys, a spry woman who directs the weekly party that has been held for years above the shop. There is no advertising; only word of mouth.  Its two hours of sharing of poetry and tea and cake!  Lots of fun; one is encouraged to bring their own poem to read during the party.  Our hostess Pan recites her original poem, Words, for the weekly Sunday Mad Hatter's Tea Party in the famous bookshop Shakespeare & Company in Paris.   Mary and I each brought a little something to read and it was a fun two hours. 

Back to the apartment we fixed a wonderful dinner and then about 8 pm Mary and I headed back for the Metro to go see the Eiffel Tower sparkle.  Mary has not seen the five minute display of lights that happens on the hour each evening between nine and midnight.  So tonight was her night.  We had about four changes to make each way but it was a fun evening for both of us.   Bonnie and Jane had walked with Jim and I on their first night to see the lights.

Hope you enjoy the slideshow: