Derwent Inktense pencils on gesso followed by a Sunday morning walk

I cannot believe that we've been here for a week already!!! And I'm so glad that we're staying on. Our last trip we stayed in each spot for one week and then moved on.  That was fabulous also, but there is a different feeling, knowing that we can relax, walk slowly, look around and take our time.  We are marking a city map in red as we walk the different streets.  At the end of our stay I am hoping we will have marked nearly every street!!!

Here are a few shots from this morning's walk.  The best part is that it isn't quite as hot this morning. They are predicting 30 degrees again for this afternoon, but when we set of at 8:30 this morning it was really very pleasant.

 One of many  many and again many delightful spots to stop for morning coffee!

These two shots are from the bottom of Rue Respail, and are next to the Tourist Information Centre, shown at the right in the photo above.  The Information Centre fronts onto Rue de la Republique, or it could still be called Cours Jean Jaures at that point, I'll have to check. Just across the road from the Info Centre we got the most delicious coffee and croissant a couple of days ago.  We're finding our way around, in a croissant-directed way!!!  We're eating most of our meals in, but a walk and coffee do seem to go together.  And then, coffee and a croissant....well, you know.....

And I spent a bit of time yesterday and re-did the pear picture.  This time I drew it out on a piece of paper onto which I had put a layer of gesso.  I then used Derwent Inktense pencils to colour in the various parts before applying water to the piece.  It's fun to try different surfaces.

There was a flea market (marche aux puces) in Place des Carmes, so that was this morning's destination.  From there we wandered back into the Zone Pietonne, although some vehicles seem to be about early in the morning, making deliveries.  It's nice to have areas designated just for pedestrians, however, and makes window shopping much safer!!!  We stopped at Les Halles and bought some bread to have with lunch.  Ok, ok, and a pain aux raisins to have with coffee later.

Today is Journee de la Patrimoine and as we were walking back at 11 Rue de la Republique was blocked off and many cars were starting to flood into town.  Apparently today all the museums are free, including the Palas des Papes.  But it will be hot, and flooded with people as well....I'm happy to tuck in here and play with paper and colour.

I'll be back.