The Notre dame plaza and the cathedral, flanked by the Seine is a stop for all visitors- even those of us who return yearly. The overlooked center point of France embedded in the plaza, is a golden starred point giving the center directions of measurement troughout France. It was, then, a long walk to Haussmann and time to find a "le Marche Franprix" for a Sunday evening meal outside. Ham, guyere, milk, SALT (i collect from each country), L'Ancienne crisps are the order of an easy but late supper near the Boulevards of Paris.

I drifted on the lawn and thoughts of increased police presence, the smells of Paris, the New tower finally stripped of its green mesh encasement for the earlier restoration, the homeless sleeping on the subway grates, masses of people with an increase of the crass and noisy Italians, and the aroma of fresh French coffee. Place du Chatelet came alive and i suddenly awoke to the sound of the brass band playing their one of many concerts at the foot of the monument. It is as if music is the beat of the city which gives breath to emotion. both connect and stir a passion for the "place", not merely the "sights".

Lured by my drifting, i knew that grande caffe noir was essential. It was "Le Notre Dame Cafe" next to the Seine which gave me the impetus to sit outside even though it was windy and cooler than normal. dusk was about, lights were coming on and the city was alive with adventurers and strolling musicians and lovers of all sorts. Sitting, watching the evening wrap itself around the city, is a delight and having the steaming coffee to keep you warm, gives you an insight to the people and their passions. It is about taking your time. Not worrying about the past or the future, but living for the moment, thi spresent and this day. Noise shifts to the music of the city as it darkens and people still mill and toss their inhibitions to the sounds. Definitely a people watch and enjoy type of place on the corner of the Seine looking at the now lit cathedral. Such an impasse between old and new- much like the chasm between young and old. But here- it doesn't matter. they blend together and become the steam rising from the Levassa coffee cup...rising into the nights stillness of a new place. Simple yet complicated this city which lay before me in all its colored sound and impeccable fashion.