December’s cold and rainy greyness has a new beacon of light overlooking the Paris skyline. Notre Dame de Paris with new radiant luminosity miraculously has reopened! Advent is a time of hope, waiting and expectation for Christians around the globe to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. How fitting that many like myself will …
Miraculous Notre Dame Reopens, Memories and Reflections Read More »
I am not at all surprised, but I can see the French rolling their eyes when they read the demands especially requested by Team USA for their separate headquarters in Eaubonne, a village about 20 minutes north of Paris. The staff of the US team, and some athletes will stay in the huge athletic center …
Team USA, 25 tonnes of Ice Cubes and Portable Air Conditioners for Paris Olympics Read More »
There’s definitely an increased buzz in the streets. Though Paris is full of tourists year-round, the energy seems pumped up more than usual. Olympic fever is mounting, but parts of Paris have never looked so barricaded, an unfortunate necessity these days to protect human lives during the games. These restrictions are disrupting public transport, both …
Olympic Fever is Rising , Unfortunately So Are Barricades Read More »
It is impossible to forget May Day here, because as soon as I step out in the streets, Paris will be literally flooded with perfumed Lily of the Valley flowers. Even before today, the grocery stores have been selling Lilies of the Valley and I have seen people buy loads of them to give as …
May Day In Paris, Muguet Flowers And A Bit Of Happiness Read More »
There is something magical when the Paris sky darkens and the lights start to glow! The city of lights and all its beauty takes on another glorious dimension. It is as though the air electrifies to a higher energy level and vibration, a real mood booster. Any time of year Paris is a feast for …
I won’t be surprised if I hear the sound of scraping metal and concrete during the night this weekend! It’s Halloween time and instead of goblins flying around, the cataphiles will be crawling down to the Catacombs. This scene plays out my 8-floor balcony every year. They have to be quick to avoid any patrolling …
Catacombs, A Scary Dangerous Place To Be Halloween Or Anytime Read More »
I didn’t plan on getting caught up in a crowded party scene again. I just wanted to go to Montmartre to get another photo of Place de Tertre for my granddaughter Isabelle, a very talented budding artist. Paris rarely has such a perfect Automne day as last Sunday. The sky was a piercing deep blue …
I felt hot and thirsty waiting in line to show my Pass Sanitaire(proof of vaccination QR code) to get inside the open-air exhibition. It was Journées de Patrimoine(Heritage Days) and there were presentations of the various workers who are involved in the herculean renovation of this magnificent cathedral, whose sight against the cerulean blue sky …
Meet The Unique Workers Restoring Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral Read More »
Listen, this may seem like a pretty petty post. The title borders on the ridiculous perhaps. Anyhow, I am writing; however vapid the subject, except for my reflections on La Tour de France. Nothing serious or important, just a glimpse into one of my recent Sundays and my thoughts on competition. Why? Racing came into …
Racing Around; My Sunday Pastry Versus La Tour de France Read More »
June is Pride month when Pride parades allow LGBTQ+ people to come out and be as wild, outlandish, and exuberantly flamboyant as they want. It’s all great fun and a joyous occasion to be seen and heard. Being who you are is about the healthiest accomplishment you can do in living your life. It’s the …
Sometimes things don’t go the way you want, despite what I thought was careful planning. T’was the case a Sunday two weeks ago when I stood in line waiting patiently to get into the Institue National d’Histoire de l’Art. Les Journées Patrimoine, (heritage days) is something I look forward to each September. It is when …
When My Special Plans Went Awry, Ordinary Paris Scenes Saved The Day Read More »
By the time I arrived at Rue du Bac last Friday, blue and white balloons were bobbling in the air and there was already a crowd of people milling around the Le M de Marie carriage parked in front of Chapel of the Miraculous Medal. Spontaneous singing of Avé Maria filled the air in between …