THE SILK HANDKERCHIEF

It was beautiful that time of year in Paris. The end of summer, just before autumn set in.
The weather couldn't have been more beautiful. Paris is so wonderful, during any season, day or night. My preference however,was during the night. I took a train from Lisbon Portugal to Paris France. I arrived at night. I gathered my bags, found my way to the exit and stepped off the train, breathed in the night air lit up a cigarette and looked around. What I was to see next, took my breath away. It was Notre Dame, at night, lit up in all of it's historical splendor. I had never been to Paris before. After staring at Notre Dame for a long while, I said to myself" This is where I will live." And so I did, for two years. My living quarters at the time was very near to the Arch Du' Triumph, on a quaint little street named Rue Marbeuf. I had only been in Paris for a few weeks then, After spending two or three months in Portugal & Lucern Switzlerland. I was now sure where I would live, Paris!!! I disappeared into the night, with my leather gold emboised monogramed luggage in tow. I contacted the wife of a musician acquaintance, named Michel Colombier. I had become aware of Michel's work in the States. He was an awesome musician, composer and arranger. His wife, Yael occupied a quaint old house which they had bought and refurbished in a wonderful part of Paris. I stayed there for a few nights before finding my little place on Rue Marbeuf, just a few steps from the Champs-Elysee. The funny thing about Michel and Yaels' house was, it had been a famous Brothel at one time in the past, for years. Some of the old clientel not knowing it had changed ownership, still rang the door bell asking for the Madame who had lived there. As I walked here and there in Paris I was overwhelmed by the shear volume of architectural beauty. Everywhere I looked, art was all around me. For that reason alone, I felt I was home. I walked from one end of the Champs- Elysee to the other, many times. All of these images whirled about in my head as I walked. Hitlers occupation of France during WW ll. The French Resistance, the intrigue of that time in history played itself out in my mind, none stop.

I was the proverbial kid in a candy store. One of the other pleasures I thoroughly enjoyed was being able to wear my finest clothing on a daily basis. I wore my silk ascots whenever felt like it. The fashion capital of the world was right up my alley.
People dressed!!.

I also took great pleasure stopping at one of many bistros and outdoor cafes', having a coffee or some wine, watching the French World go by.