The Islands ...

I call these 'jo birds' -
they are in my colors -
black, white, red and grey!

Sunday was a day of exploring the two islands that sit in the middle of the Seine - the Ile de la Cite' and the Ile de Ste Louis.  Most people are more familiar with the Ile de la Cite' - it's home to Notre Dame, Ste Chapelle and the Palais du Justice, among others. I love the Sunday morning bird market that accompanies the daily flower market - it is such a mixture of sights and sounds, as birds chirp and cackle, along with the typical haggling over price that often goes on between sellers and buyers.

There are so many different kinds of birds - from loveable budgies to finches and everything in between.  The color combinations are often spectacular - and of course, you can also buy everything and anything you need to house and care for your bird.  In the US, we usually just buy bird food in a bag or box, but not in Paris.

At the bird market, you can buy custom made bird feed, sold from barrels, much like you would buy grain, fruits or other edibles at a street market.  It's amazing the lengths people will go to for their pets and Paris could never be accused of not providing the same "liberte', equalite' et fraternite'" for its furry friends.

While here on the islands, be sure to sit for a while in the Place Dauphine behind the Palais du Justice - perfect for getting away from the crowds and you'll see the island from a different perspective.

As well, walking along the Quai des Orfevres, I noticed the accompanying art piece on the side of the building "Hora fugit stat jus" - Time flies, stand right - as you can guess it was on the side of the Palais du Justice near a massive door marked Correctional Tribunal.

The Ile de Ste Louis is mostly a residential island but it is quaint and charming and even though it is dotted with shops and cafes, it is not very touristy.  It is quite a bit more quiet and mostly filled with locals.  The few visitors are merely passing through on their way to Notre Dame and the Ile de la Cite'.

By the time I finished here, I was starving and so thought I might find a place to rest and eat on the Ile de Ste Louis - but nothing grabbed my interest. I wandered across the Pont Marie and headed into Le Marais - beating the crowds by a few hours. After a week of rain, the day had turned to bright sunshine and surely the best was yet to come.