One more thought

I'm just back to Paris after a pretty tiring trip but I could not help going to the town hall where a lot of Parisians - and press - gathered to celebrate the release of the most famous French(/Colombian) hostage. I just saw a long interview of Ingrid on French television and I can tell you that this woman is really something; even after she's been treated like a dog (her words) for 2,321 days, she has the strength to say that she feels no hate for her abductors... Anyway I don't want to bore you with this story, especially since, like some of you mentioned it, there are still other people held by the FARC in the jungle. Let's also have a thought for the American hostages ( Marc Gonsalves, Thomas Howes and Keith Stansell) who landed in San Antonio today. They will celebrate the 4th of July in their homeland for the first time in 10 years...

Mai 68 celebration

In 1968, in France, students started a mini revolution that became pretty successful throughout the month of May. That is why it's now referred to, by all historians, as "Mai 68". It's been 40 years now and "those who've done it" (called "Les Soixantehuitards") dream of a repeat in memory of their youth! All what's coming, though, are... anniversaries. This year, there are several exhibits, including this one that shows several photos by famous press photographer Marc Riboud who took great shots at the time. I chose this angle because you can actually see 2 photos of La Sorbonne with the actual Sorbonne in the background!

What's left of yesterday's carnival

We're not big on carnival in Paris (although I found out today by doing some research on the web that we do have an official carnival season and that it was last February!). The tradition is still alive in some primary schools and since it was today, you could see cute little kids wearing funny costumes everywhere! Where I live, they also left some remains of the event: confetti!

If you want to attend this year's PDP Picnic on May 7, please check this topic.

A message for you...

Here is my message to you all! It's a shop window of Franck & Fils (a very traditional department store) I noticed a couple of days ago while I was going to my niece's near La Muette. Only, exceptionally I did not have my camera with me. So tonight, when I left the office I went all the way to rue de Passy, waited for someone to pass by the window and took this shot. Don't ask me why they used Love and not amour though! Anyway, my dear visitors, let me wish you all a happy Valentines day ;)

The rat year

Will the rat bring more wealth and wisdom to this world? Yes, if we believe the Chinese who have been celebrating their new year throughout the world since last Thursday (why don't you check other Chinese new year posts on the brand new city daily photo portal on this occasion?). In Paris there has been several parades, including one in the Chinese quarter in the 13th arrondissement and one opened by the mayor of Paris and the Chinese ambassador. There are about 300 000 Chinese in the Paris area, most of them came in the 70's from the Wenzhou province and Indochina (the former French colony).

A little tribute to Simon Bolivar

You probably all know Bolivia, the country located in South America. You may not know, however, that this country owes its name to Simón Bolívar, a South American heroe. And what you surely don't know is that this senior died on a 17 December (1830). To celebrate this death, there was a little ceremony this morning by the statue of Simón Bolívar located near the Pont des Invalides and since I happened to be there at that moment, well I couldn't help taking a photo!

Le défilé du 14 juillet!

I wish I had taken this photo myself, but I would have had to climb up the Obelisque on the Place de La Concorde... Instead I "stole" it from the French television which had many cameras there and on the Champs Elysées. To be honest I went down there this morning to take photos for PDP but there was far too much crowd . I suppose everybody wanted to see the European battalions that marched for the 1st time on the Champs Elysees this year (OK, some European battalions already marched on the Champs Elysées, but they were German and it was a long time ago ;). BTW, these soldiers belong to the Légion Etrangère.

Le Bal des Pompiers

Traditionally on the eve of Bastille Day (that we actually call "Le 14 juillet") there are plenty of little Balls throughout France. Some are organized by city halls, some by bars... but the most popular ones are the ones organized by the Pompiers (Firemen). That is where I took this photo last night (Friday) - namely at the rue du jour station - , on the way back from the movie theater where I saw Shrek the 3rd. None of the dancing people photos came up well, sorry... Have a good Bastille day weekend.

Happy 4th of July

A special post for my American visitors today, although many of them won't see it, precisely because today is a holiday and that many seem to have taken the week off. This statue is part of a monument dedicated to the American volunteers who, as far as I understand fought during WWI. I am not quite sure why you can also see a plaque dedicated to WWII fighters on this monument but what matters is that it helps us remember. If you plan a trip to Paris and want to see it, it's located on the Square Jefferson (where I took this photo).

Trendy food

You want to know what the latest food trend is in Paris at the moment? Here it is! It called a Verrine - after Verre (glass) - and you find it in many restaurants and dinner parties. What is it? Layers of all kinds of food (here guacamole, goat cheese mousse and couscous) presented in a little glass. It is generally served as a starter and/or for desert when sweet. Excellent, original and beautiful... If you want to know more, I found this on the web. And, by the way, I photographed these Verrines at a birthday dinner party where I was invited yesterday evening. The one of... Michael! Happy birthday again Michael.
Discuss French food and much more in the brand new PDP forum.

May 8: end of WW II

Today is May 8 and it's a holiday in France - yes, one more! We celebrate Armistice Day, the end of the war between the European countries fighting Nazism and Germany in 1945. On this occasion, the President of the Republic (who is still Chirac until May 16!) will put a spray of flowers on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located under the Arch of Triumph. Every year it's always very moving.
PS: I'm back from vacation but it's late and I just want to go to bed! I will take advantage of this holiday to read your comments and reply to them.