Rue des Rosiers.

We are happily back home in Charlotte, North Carolina, but I still have lots to post about our experiences while living in Paris.

Of all the streets we walked and spent time on, my most favorite was Rue des Rosiers (street of rosebushes).

Because of its proximity to where we were staying, we visited this street almost daily. Each of us had our own craving-related reason for returning.

Gabrielle was in love with the “star cookies.”

I couldn’t get enough of the crescents.

And Jeffrey wanted his daily challah.

Rue des Rosiers is “the paved thoroughfare that’s been a nexus of Jewish life since the 13th century.” This is the storefront miniature version inside the window of Murciano, my favorite bakery on the street.

It’s a soulful place that Jeffrey felt right at home in. But there were several moments when I couldn’t help but see in Gabrielle the face of a little innocent child – and imagine the intense fear of all those who were ripped from their homes to be taken from this very street to the concentration camps during World War II.

I said many prayers – for the families and the Jewish population – during our walks down this street.

I found a little harmonica for Gabrielle – wasn’t sure if she’d pick up how to play it. I showed her a couple times and then she wanted it all to herself the rest of the trip! She especially loved playing her harmonica as we’d sit street side and watch the world go by.

I love that she has such interest in music.

Another favorite find on the Rue des Rosiers was the laundromat. It was the cleanest one we found – and was in perfect proximity to “while you wait” sweet treats.

The beautiful meringue that was almost too sweet to eat!

 And the chocolate rugelach that was delicious! I’m going to try making these.

Jeffrey was happy to find a morning bagel – and he made friends with the woman in charge at Korcarz bakery. She told Jeffrey that this wasn’t like the bagels he was used to having, that this was like a bagel his grandfather would have had. “I miss my grandfather,” Jeffrey said. “I miss my grandfather, too,” she said.

But for me, the sweetest treat of all was getting to watch and be present for the little daily interactions of these two. It was in these quiet moments of embrace that I had the chance to witness the most special bond of love and I’m so grateful for every second of them!