Travelogue: Paris
It was in Marais that we learned of papillon. Navigating the streets like dazed children, in awe of the silk and woolen chic of passersby, we went in search of a token of affection. In this city a thousand miles from home, in this arrondisement we'd wandered into by chance, she said we must find papillon. At the time of course it was "bowtie" and to our misfortune shopkeepers know only currency and color. English-speaking lovers beware!
"It means butterfly," he says in the characteristic halting speech of the French. The statement was met by the feminine gasps and little noises of approval. I thought instantly of Peter Pan. If Peter Pan were ever to wear any sort of necktie, it would certainly be a butterfly. Distractedly, I fingered the silk polka-dot pattern, which the shopkeep extricates from me long enough to slip it into its clear plastic cocoon and a slashed bit of ribbon.
Silk is much too delicate to be worn so close to the human body. Perhaps this comes from one who's experience comes from a humid climate, but this ethereal fabric it seemed to me is best kept away from our spoiling smells. But in her purse, carefully transported through the throngs of stylish Parisians it awaits the odors or fragrance of one very much adored young man.
"It means butterfly," he says in the characteristic halting speech of the French. The statement was met by the feminine gasps and little noises of approval. I thought instantly of Peter Pan. If Peter Pan were ever to wear any sort of necktie, it would certainly be a butterfly. Distractedly, I fingered the silk polka-dot pattern, which the shopkeep extricates from me long enough to slip it into its clear plastic cocoon and a slashed bit of ribbon.
Silk is much too delicate to be worn so close to the human body. Perhaps this comes from one who's experience comes from a humid climate, but this ethereal fabric it seemed to me is best kept away from our spoiling smells. But in her purse, carefully transported through the throngs of stylish Parisians it awaits the odors or fragrance of one very much adored young man.
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