January 28, 2025

Good morning!

It’s Tuesday, and we’re standing in Square Boucicaut, a lovely little park bordered by the grand old department store, Le Bon Marché. (Fun fact, Ina Garten’s apartment also looks out over this park.)

Many parks here include a children’s carousel, and this is no exception. But instead of gilded horses rearing on their hind legs, these carousels feature cars and buses that look like they came right out of a Richard Scarry children’s book.

There are no robots or lasers or holograms here. The cars simply carry their visibly enthralled passengers around and around—while more children await their turn.

“We shouldn’t stick too close to everyday reality but give room to the reality of the heart, of the mind, and of the imagination. Those things can help us in life. ”

—Hayao Miyazaki

Onwards,

Clara