Tuesday, January 2, 2024

City of Lights

I’m very behind on blogging. The worst of my sleep woes have finally resolved so I am leaning in on getting some writing done. One of the reasons nothing has been posted is the woeful dearth of photos. We’ve been terrible about taking them. We’ll have to step that up.
 
Paris is jam packed with holiday crowds, and we’re hoping the number falls off a bit in January. The days are short and gray, with sprinkles of rain, and none of that matters. It’s still lovely to walk around and see all the sights. The holiday lights are up in the neighborhoods and grand boulevards. The Christmas markets are full of raclette and vin chaud and all kinds of bric-a-brac. 
 
But for all its reputation and moniker, Paris gets absolutely beat by the holiday lights we saw in Spain last year. The lights here are pretty and sparkly, but are not as numerous or creative as those in Madrid, Toledo, and Granada. We’ve mulled the reasons for that. Spain has a lot more renewable energy in the form of solar and wind power. It’s possible they simply have more to spare on the LEDs they have invested in? Paris has banned propane heaters in outdoor cafes as an energy saving measure. This may be more of the same. 
 
Nevertheless, it's so lovely.

~Lucy

Nougat in the Christmas Market

Melty, Delicious Raclette

Dior Did Not Stint on Lights

Nor Did the Eiffel Tower

Galleries Lafayette was Beautiful (But Ignore the Creepy Elf on the Side)

Festive, and a Moment to Rest the Feet

Off Saint Germain

So Sparkly


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