I started out at full throttle, full of inspiration to see the free jazz concerts to celebrate Jazz Saint Germain and two museums opened at night for Nuit de Musées European. By late Saturday, the rain started and it became evident that my museum choices were a bust. It was one of those weekends …
Even before we approached Charles De Gaulle I found myself full of anticipation to get back to all the wonderful things I missed most being away from Paris. The weather, however, was not one of them! When the pilot announced that the temperature was only a freezing 3 C, cloudy and drizzly, you could …
I am away from Paris and not able to blog with any ease of writing, so there will be a little pause, in new articles. I may repost some of my previous posts as I did recently, if I have time to program them in advance Like those adorable butterflies, I hope to fly back …
These little birds must be some classy chicks! Falco tinnunculus, aka kestrels have been coming back to roost in the spires of Notre Dame for eons. The view must be absolutely magnificent overlooking the Seine and the garden behind Notre Dame Cathedral . Frankly I had never heard of them, but any birds that love …
Lord knows they have tried once again to make up for the sacrilege destruction of the revered stomach of Paris, Les Halles de Baltard, that proudly stood in the center of Paris for over a hundred years till 1971. But sadly this second extremely expensive renovation attempt it is nothing more but a blasphemous architectural …
Les Halles Of Paris Renovation, Another Architectural Flop? Read More »
Europe is once again battling invasions of terrorism and violence, not yet with the same dimensions as during the life of Maria Skobtsova, also known as Saint Maria of Paris and Ravensbruck. She dedicated her life to easing the pain and suffering of hundreds in Paris plagued with hunger, racism, homelessness, mental illness, addictions and …
Saint Maria Skobtsova, Gutsy, Courageous And Charitable To The End Read More »
It was one of those perfect late winter Sundays with sunny skies that held the promise of spring, mobilizing Parisians to get outdoors. Bundled up, the sun felt warm on my face, buffering the cold wind as I walked slowly up the very steep cobblestone hill, past the vineyard and Le Lapin Agile towards the Musée …
Museé Montmartre Celebrates Utrillo, Valadon and Utter Read More »
I love January in Paris because it is Galette des Rois time! For me, it is something to look forward to that almost makes me forget the inevitable bitter cold wind, grey skies and drizzle. Those luscious disk shaped mounds of buttery puff pastry so unimaginably crisp and flaky, filled with various pastry creams, are heaven …
Paris is totally breathtakingly beautiful year round, but at Christmas it is even more spectacular! The Champs Élysées along with the whole city of lights sparkles with as many bright colours as baubles on a Christmas tree. Christmas markets galore, smells of spicy vin chaud, hot chocolate and roasting chestnuts fill the brisk air. …
Wow! What a combination of diverse activities provoking opposite feelings this weekend! Sainte Barbe artillery show, and sumptuous Saveur Christmas gourmet salon, both to the glory of France! Who would have guessed that poor Saint Barbara is the patron saint of such tough guys as artillery men and firemen! The Fête Sainte Barbe is actually a …
Weekend of Artillery, Gourmet Treats And Mixed Feelings Read More »
I know this sounds rather wacky, because that was my first thought too! But, Paris is Paris and never fails to come up with unheard of events and activities to dazzle you in sometimes strange but enjoyable ways. Fortunately this seemingly weird festivity took place a week before the attacks, because I doubt that I, …
Last week I talked about the symptoms of collective trauma, and they are already playing out with many Parisians. The city has not gotten back to normal yet, which I do not think is surprising, but some doomsayers are wondering if it ever will be the same. There are tangible figures indicating that the city …