free public art

The Eiffel Tower was stunning and the Louvre inspiring but equally as impressive to me was a beautifully edited and printed set of pictures on display at Luxembourg Garden, home of the French Senate. As a photographer, I love checking out galleries and art shows, but often they cost an arm and a leg to attend. Here in Paris was an outdoor gallery. Free of charge, and photos as stunning as those you pay to see. Big photos. Dozens of photos. Good photos.

My friend Sophie says the exhibit changes frequently. I think every city ought to have a place like this. Photos have such power. Sometimes they are just beautiful. Other times they stop us dead in our tracks, make us laugh, cry or even challenge our perceptions. Thank you Luxembourg Garden for dedicating space (and a cleaning crew!) to such a lovely form of art.

sibling love

Kate


Johnny

Paris? Probably the last place I would expect to travel with my sister and brother, so of course, it's where we ended up! One of the best Paris memories I have is waking up under the Eiffel Tower. After walking through what seemed like the entire city, we crashed in the grass near the base of the Eiffel Tower. I actually fell asleep and woke to this site. Magical.

in between

Paris

We spend our lives in between, on platforms and planes, rails and roads. Always ready to get where we are going, never wanting to leave where we're at.


TGV Paris to Lausanne

the louvre

ancient love

Etched into the stone of moats from the 12th to 14th century, love lives on in Paris.

dinner for 4 or 44?

Napoleon considered both viable options. I would kill to host a dinner party at that table.

wine

Paris without wine? Unthinkable.

balance

An important skill for break dancing and life in general.

no flash

Loved the signs at the Louvre. The great artists and I agree on the "no flash" concept : ) Rock on.

mona pandemonium

As interesting as the Mona Lisa itself is the mass of people elbowing, photographing and neck-craning to see the famous work of art. The tiny painting on a massive wall.

french hospitality

Sophie

I'm not sure where the French get their bad rap. The two French women I know are bright, gracious and fun. Many thanks to Sophie (AKA Sophine!) who introduced me to Nespresso, the hidden corners of Paris, French Basque food and the Claire's of Paris. Who knew you could have a backyard in Paris or that napping under the Eiffel Tower could be so sweet.




Nespresso

sleep on the seine

La Seine, Paris

Perhaps not the picture you'd expect of the famous river that flows throw the heart of Paris.