Day 194
We went to the Marche aux Puces (Clignancourt) to look for a leather jacket for Kier. After going in to many stores we couldn’t find anything that fit well or was quite the right color. We went through the flea market, and we were all getting a bit tired.
On the way to the Metro station we went down a small alley, and there was Joe’s Leather Shop. Joe was a character and you couldn’t help but like him. He had a genuine passion for his work, and seemed extremely experienced. He smiled, listened to what you liked, set out to create the jacket that would make you happy. We were there for a couple of hours, I’m sure. First Kier tried on all of the different coats he had already made, none were quite right. Then he said he could make her a jacket for the same price to her specifications. He had her attention. She tried on different ones and tweaked the style just the way she wanted it. Then we looked for leather. He had many more in cow than in lamb, but it was too tough. As he went through a pile of lamb leather, he came across one he didn’t think he had enough to make another jacket, and she loved it. He found some more, the deal was done. He’s one of those guys that you understand why he’s successful, and you’re happy to be a part of it.
He delivered the jacket to our apartment the day before Kier had to leave for the States. It was a unique experience she’ll always remember when she wears her one of a kind jacket made by Joe.
Next we went down to the Christmas market on the Champs. There are so many cute chalets style booths, and one eye sore. The two younger girls just had to do the Zombie Thriller ride.
Every year the girls get a new Christmas ornament, usually after we cut down our tree. This year they chose one from this ornament booth behind them below.
There was a magical forest, which we couldn’t pass by. A Christmas pirate and Santa in front of a fancy gypsy wagon welcomed you to the magical buffet. Inside you could see festive statues of Christmas trolls, dinosaurs, moose, camels, buffalo, polar bears, penguins, tropical birds, pandas, seagulls, monkeys. It was a diverse random collection of fake creatures, all enjoying the Christmas spirit. Kier loved it the most and wanted a picture of her next to the petting zoo of trolls. It was a Christmas display we’ll never forget.
It was one of those great and memorable days, full of Christmas trolls, pirates, zombie rides, and Leather Jacket Joe.
