A Wonderful Change of Scenery

 I can always find something to photograph, but come late winter, appealing subjects take a little more effort to find. Thankfully, Jeff and I planned a trip to Paris in February, which of course provided just the kind of inspiration I needed.

We had been to Paris before, but I don't think we fully appreciated it when we were just 27.  This time, we truly enjoyed the food, the wine, the sights, and interacting with the people. Throughout the trip we kept trying to nail down exactly what it is that makes the city of Paris so special, or give it that "Je ne sais quoi". In many ways it's like any other big city -- with its dirt, stuffy subway cars, traffic, and pickpockets.

But as you let yourself sink into Parisian life you begin to notice what sets this place apart. There are the perfect rows of little macaroons in every color in the patisseries and bright displays of fresh produce in the outdoor markets. Each shop perfectly shows off its product, whether it be wine, cheese, bread, chocolate, pastry, ham or fish -- (and each purveyor is an expert in what he or she sells). The flea market vendors set out their wares as if they are setting up a still life for a painting or photograph. Everything appears so well thought out.

And everywhere you turn, you know you could be no where else in the World. There are streets in Montmartre that look like movie sets. Cats sitting in windows that couldn't be more French. Little jazz bands playing as people stroll on a Sunday. And the Eiffel Tower that peeks up above the skyline from everywhere you look.

Oh, and that tower -- as if it is not pretty enough -- actually twinkles for five minutes every hour just to push it over the top.

Here are a few of my favorite photos, and a link to the my Paris photo gallery.