Paris cycling

While we've followed the growth of Velib here over our past three visits (and noted its influence in several other cities which have since adopted similar systems), we have not yet felt motivated or brave enough to contend with Paris traffic except with two feet solidly on the ground. Plus we're not sure we're up to the sartorial standards of Parisian cyclists. This is just a small, random

paris stealth style,

The other day in Bordeaux, eating lunch near the Grand Théatre before heading to the Gare St. Jean, I challenged Pater to find me a well-dressed woman -- or just any woman -- wearing colour. We watched for twenty or thirty minutes, checking out each wave of passers-by released from the tram at nearby Quinconces.  Almost no colour at all. Everyone was in neutrals: blacks, greys, taupes, mushroom,

Running in Paris (and some What I Wore, NOT for running!)

We're heading off to Bordeaux this (Friday)morning, where we will be meeting Lesley from the charming, lively, thoughtful (if sporadic) Peregrinations (the title and subtitle alone indicate the quality of word-smithing that goes on here). Meanwhile, I'll schedule this post for Saturday morning-ish, depending where you live. I'm working on my next post already --- more stealth photos and a

Les Vitrines de Paris . . . Windows, windows . . .

I promised you Paris windows, and I'm quite proud to deliver this beauty: this is the Hermès window in St. Germain. Whimsy on a grand scale!and more whimsy a few blocks away in the Paul Smith windows, as surveyed by my prince (who fits so well into the Parisian scene, I must say!).  I'll guard him carefully against the fate of these poor frogs in Paul Smith togs (or at least I'll be ready with a

Parisian chic, of a certain age . . .

I can't imagine what nerve one has to muster to ask strangers if it's okay to photograph them for one's blog. I don't think I could do it. Instead, I pretended I was immensely interested in architectural details such as those above in order to capture such certain-age inspiration as thisAnd yes, once she'd strapped her helmet on, she motored away on her bike, an elegant woman probably in her

I love Paris in the Springtime!

Yesterday was a stunningly beautiful day in Paris -- we had enjoyed a glorious sleep-in, our first good sleep since arriving at Heathrow on Wednesday, facilitated by the quiet in our apartment, and so didn't get going 'til 10:30-ish, so the line-up was already snaking all the way up the plaza in front of the Pompidou Centre. Still, we persevered, knowing there was only one day left for the

Travel Plans: A Tale of Three Cities . . .

Right now, there are four or five centimetres of fresh snow on the railings of our apartment balcony, and freezing rain making a mess of the sidewalk -- and the only boots here are unlined rainboots with a 2-inch heel and dubious traction. I wanted peace, quiet, and much slowing down, and I'm getting what I asked for!Last night, on my own (Pater had to go back to the island for the weekend), I

Paris Motor Show 2012 Lotus Evora S

First seen at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the 2012 Lotus Evora S is fitted
with an advanced specification that car enthusiasts will surely enjoy. First stop
is the cool sports button that increases the rev limit and basically control the
driving settings of the Evora S. Under its hood is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that
produces 345 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 2012 Lotus Evora S has
an impressive weight of only 2,976 lbs. and it is the only car with a mid-engine,
2+2 configuration. $TBA