I walked over to the St. Aubin’s open air market for my usual fruit and vegetable shopping. There are lots of sellers so the options are generally pretty good. I think it is slightly more expensive than the Marché Cristal, the daily market on the Boulevard de Strasbourg but it has other options like crafts, street food and entertainment. I got there a little too early as a band was just setting up as I was leaving.

I noticed the first signs of fall as I walked over. Some leaves were beginning to fall on the streets from the large plane trees that line the river. The weather has been unseasonable warm – highs in 80s F/20s C. But it looks like the temperatures are going to be more seasonal starting this week. Even with the higher temperatures, the humidity is low so it does not feel as oppressive as it can in the Washington area. I am not complaining as it makes being out and about nice. The nights are usually cooler so even without air conditioning, sleeping is not difficult. The apartment does have a fan now which helps.

After St. Aubin’s, I bought my usual chocolatine at Maison Pillon. They are definitely a treat so I limit myself to them on Sunday mornings.

Next stop is the Marché Victor Hugo for my protein. I love the fish stands as they have so much more seafood than the standard grocery store or fish market in Alexandria. I should try the Maine Avenue fish markets when I get back and see if they have more variety. The problem there is you have to drive or take the metro to get there so makes it less convenient.

I saw they had sardines which is one of my favorite European fish. The grilled sardines in Portugal are one of my favorite meals. I know I cannot grill them here so was happy to see they had sardine filets. I thought three would work for me but the young man at the stand harassed me about buying so few so I threw in another one. He was probably correct as I ate all four for dinner. I marinated them in lemon, olive oil and garlic for about twenty minutes and then fried them. They were delicious.

Before dinner, I wandered over to the Place du Capitole for an apéro (the evening beverage before dinner). I picked the Place as it is always lively with a combination of tourists and regulars. There is lots to watch and see. Surprisingly, the prices are not higher as it is a touristy place but I am guessing the natives would be angry if charged more. In the summer, the city sets up these gold streamers above part of the Place and allow the Rue d’Alsace Lorraine as a heat absorber to keep things slightly cooler. With it being slightly windy, the streamers were blowing and made a nice sound.

As I walked home, there was Salsa dancing in the Place St. Pierre in front of Chez TonTon. This is the second Sunday in a row that I have seen the Salsa dancing. It draws a large crowd.

All in all a good Sunday.