Welcome to My Parisian Journal: Day 8
I think I got high off the fumes of weed and second-hand smoked at least five cigarettes.
I’ve also tracked almost 80,000 steps in a week… 30,000 more than my usual goal in the States. While there are things to admire about French culture, there are always things to appreciate about where you are–where ever that may be.
We stayed close to the apartment today. 
We started our morning at my favorite Boulangeries— Artisans Boulangers Patisseir. The owner ‘loves’ my English. I teach her simple phrases like, “How are you this morning?” and she teaches me how to order food in French.
I purchased two baguettes from the Boulangeries and cheese and prosciutto from Franprix (pronounced Fran-pre), our local store.
Less than a 1,000 steps later, we entered Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. It’s a Parisian park with hills and valleys, shady trees and green spaces, waterfalls and running creeks, benches and narrow roads leading to secret places for lover’s rendezvous.
The men walked ahead and spread the blanket this time around.
It always warms my heart when the sisters steal moments away.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont was was perfect place for a family picnic in France. After lunch, we headed home for siesta and dinner.
For dinner, I made one of the kids’ favorites for dinner—Penne Pasta and cauliflower in creamy tomato sauce.
Cauliflower, shallots, and tomatoes from the market yesterday!
I started the sauce by sautéing shallots in olive oil until it blooms. Then add freshly diced tomatoes.
Deglaze with white wine. Basically, the sauce is done when they have seduced each other. 😜
Boil cauliflower in salted water for five minutes and cook pasta to al dente.
Mix pasta, cauliflower, tomato sauce, and heavy cream together. Sprinkle with Parmesan Reggiano and bake for 25 minutes or…
until the top is golden brown.
I always hope we’ll have left over for lunch, but the kids never fail in going back for seconds.
❤️ to you my friends.
Until Next time,
Be well
Kadine
