I was disturbed by the level of homelessness I saw and while lack of social housing seems to be prevalent at the moment, it’s almost because it is a worldwide problem, that there is a shrugging distain for the issue.

The high end is doing very well so who cares? It seems ironic that I have noticed this in the home of Liberté, égalité, fraternité and if any group of humans understand the nursery rhyme which originated in London’s East End it would have to be the French. 

Don't care was made to care,
Don't care was hung:
Don't care was put in a pot
And boiled til he was done.
(Or maybe he had his head removed!)

It was Easter Monday and we ventured into the Marais a little early- around noon! The city stretched and yawned and by lunch the human particles had exploded and were bouncing and eating and walking and talking and lifting umbrellas as the sky spasmodically showered its nano-creatures with reminders that shelter is a human necessity. 

Time to eat. Boubalé is an Eastern European restaurant, recommended to us by a fellow we met on Ile St Louis. While I thoroughly enjoyed my fish, John found the enormous serving of Short Ribs totally overwhelming. The décor and ambience were beautiful. The powder room was ostentatious, and the Savon pour les mains was exquisite. Apparently, the restaurant is chasing a star, but I don’t know how many seriously upmarket restaurants serve chard or sauerkraut as accompaniments. A bit like serving corned beef?

Across from the restaurant was Le BHV/Marais and according to its own website, ‘The Parisian’s favourite department store.’ We had to explore. I’ve never been checked by a security guard entering a department store, so I was very curious. It was huge! John went to find the food section while I wandered through the other floors. 

Wow how the world works. The juxtaposition of the ‘haves’ and have nots’ illuminated in this district with the degradation of the homeless and the prelation of the affluent. I am sure I saw a few Parisians who would not be allowed to pass the security guard at the front door so maybe not their favourite store well for that fraternity anyway.

We came across a march to the Hôtel de Ville protesting forced evictions and other housing issues. I think there were almost as many police as protesters, but the atmosphere was very civil. I think the housing issue is impacting almost everybody. 

Ahhh but then again ‘when in Rome…’ The Latin Quarter is the home La Grande Épicerie De Paris -a gourmet’s paradise – with over 30 000 items in 17 departments. John wanted to see what the fuss was about. He was impressed. He is a bit of an aficionado of upmarket delis and food stores and any chance to investigate an amazing food outlet, John takes it. 

Interconnected is Le Bon Maché- another upmarket mall for designer apparel, housewares and beauty products. Aimed at those with more money than sense it takes pretentiousness to a stellar level. 

As I am not a food voyeur, I headed for the second floor – chaussures. I have a wedding to go to. I forgot to read the blurb. ‘The footwear department spotlights luxury brands in the refined setting of a winter garden’ and is reserved for those whose pockets are deeper than mine. Still, I couldn’t find a pair I liked, even just to try on! It comes with being superannuated, a fossil and out of step with the current fashion, I guess.