Every morning for me starts with an hour of dance drill and yoga, followed by a ball-buster cup of coffee (or two) on my tiny balcony in the 11th Arrondissement, should the weather permit. It’s really not worth talking to me in the morning before these things have been achieved!

Then it’s time to head on over either to the Luxembourg Gardens for a stroll or to Galignani or WH Smith at the Concorde for an hour of browsing through art books. Perhaps then I’ll travel up to the Marché aux Puces de St.-Ouen, just off avenue de la Porte de Clignancourt (near the Porte de Clignancourt metro), and spend time salivating over stuff I can’t afford, or Marché de Vanves (near the Porte de Vanves metro), for those, like me, on more of a budget. Perhaps I might pick up some old fringe from a silk piano shawl or random sparkly bits to incorporate into a costume.

After a hard morning shopping, it’s time to head to the hammam at the Grande Mosquée de Paris in the 5th (near the Censier-Daubenton metro) for a siesta. I can easily spend several hours in the grand old Ottoman style, allowing the heat to dissolve tension—much more pleasurably indolent than any meditation class and more effective, as far as I’m concerned. Once I finally emerge, a mint tea and pastry (or three) is obligatory at the hammam café in the gorgeous tiny courtyard.

Depending on how much time I’ve just spent wallowing, perhaps I’m on time for a belly-dance class at Centre Momboye (near the Ménilmontant metro). If not, then dinner with friends at one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, Ave Maria, at 1, rue Jacquard. After I’ve immensely enjoyed the delicious but ”terrifying destiny of Amelie the Chicken” (check out the menu if you don’t believe me), it will be time to take in a gig. Most likely this will be at La Maroquinerie, Point Ephémère or Le Trabendo, depending on who’s playing where. If all else fails, a nightcap at one of the myriad funky bars around the Oberkampf area will finish off this perfect day.

Tags: Amy Barnard, my favorite day, Shopping

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