Paris: Shoes, Urban Sketching, and Art

I started the day with a visit to Chez Mardini, in the 4th Arrondissement (St. Gervais), where I got to chat with M. Mardini about his shoe store. He makes shoes, and can make anything you might want -- but his lasts were too narrow for me, so even though he was delightful I didn't find any shoes that fit. He said he's closing shop soon -- none of his children are interested in shoe-making. If you are in Paris soon, be sure to stop in while he's still there!

Afterwards, nearby, a friendly and assertive waiter saw me perusing his cafe menu and convinced me to come in and eat. I got a table facing the square, ordered some lunch, and did some urban sketching. The square, on the map, is called St. Paul, but the signs indicated that its new name is "Place des Combattant(e)s Contre le SIDA" (Fighters Against AIDS).

Afterwards, I made my way to 59 Rue de Rivoli, a former artists squat, now offically sanctioned by the city of Paris and home to a rotating group of artists-in-residence. It was amazing.