Un Chat au Repos.

Enjoying an afternoon repose, Le Chat didn’t seem to be worried about when his café located on rue des Deux-Ponts, Isle St-Louis, would reopen for the dinner hour or when he would be required to forfeit his place on the bar. He remained completely free of mental stress even though the café had not yet closed for its month-long vacation. He could adjust, although not always happily. In any event, he seemed to be enjoying his freedom from activity and he certainly wasn’t bothered by the need to work or to create responsibility of any sort. While having his picture taken was a nuisance, he complied as it did not require extraordinary effort. Besides, it offered him the opportunity to adjust his posture from time to time. He realized that some would view his repose as slothful inactivity; to him, it was an antidote to the myriad of distractions in Paris. Unless there existed an urgent matter, he would not be pressed. He looked for a brief moment as I put my camera away. Then, completely at ease, he dropped his head to the bar. Even in “une grande ville” like Paris, he could enjoy this quiet moment neither asleep nor awake without agenda, purpose or goals. Le Chat, completely relaxed and free.

Isle St-Louis. [4e.]
Metro: Pont Marie

Un Chat on the Island.

Tucked away in the corner of a building, Le Chat had the perfect vantage point to view both passersby and “les pigeons.” He attracted the attention of tourists and natives alike on rue St-Louis en L’Isle, a commercial thoroughfare on the quaint Isle Saint Louis. He quietly endured the cameras of snap happy tourists. He impressed with his statuesque demeanor, that is, until he spotted le pigeon across the street. Without checking for oncoming traffic, he dashed and then slowed so as to remain unseen. The flurry of activity caused “les gens” to pause and view the spectacle. Some sided with le chat, others with le pigeon. Quietly, he scanned his prey, oblivious to the murmurs of the crowd. A twist: now there were “les deux” to contend with as if one wasn’t enough. Without belaboring the inequities, he pounced albeit unsuccessfully. He rushed back to his doorway amid the cheers of the crowd. Again, he did not check “la rue” for the possibility of cars, bicycles, or motos. With the Parisian penchant for noisy cars and motos, he did not act imprudently as the noise would have alerted. He is Parisian nonetheless. Safely positioned inside the doorway, he was quickly greeted and praised by “un ami,” a yellow chat. After being scolded by the proprietor of the restaurant, he reassumed his position by the doorway in the corner of the building on rue St-Louis en L’Isle. Settled, he patiently awaited another opportunity.

Rue St-Louis en L’Isle, Isle Saint Louis. [4e].
Metro: Pont Marie.

Le Chat.

I encountered Le Chat in the tiny passage St-Paul off Rue St-Paul.  I was searching for the Jesuit church, Eglise St-Paul St-Louis. While a door revealed a church inside, exterior buildings covered the rest.  Upon exiting the tiny passage, I noticed Le Chat seated below an open window.  While at first he seemed only concerned with securing the attention of the occupants inside; he quickly surmised that an encounter with me could produce a pleasant result.  We made our polite acquaintances.  Greetings such as “Bon chat” and “Bon journee” are both acceptable. A lyrical tone will quickly put him at ease.  If these niceties go well, you may assume a squatting position (do not assume this position if you have knee problems as elevation may prove futile.) Proceed slowly with Le Chat.  A back rub may be too aggressive and the rest of your morning will not be pleasant.  Remember, a gentle approach is most prudent.  In making your departure, arise slowly and while still speaking in a considerate tone, make your polite goodbyes.   Le Chat will most likely reassume his position below the window once you are gone.  Le Chat, a delightful “etranger” in the tiny passage of St-Paul.  

Eglise St-Paul St-Louis, Passage St-Paul off Rue St-Paul [4e].