@T: ALWAYS THE TWAIN

Here are some photos from my recent trip to Paris. Videos to follow on YouTube once I have some time to compile the various recordings into 10-minute batches. Even better I’m planning to post it onto a Google Map so that it can act as a mini-guide for anyone who wants to know where the major landmarks and sights to see are in this beautiful city.

Unequivocally, Paris is architecturally one of the most magnificent and inspiring cities in the world. One of its advantages over London is that the eye lines are not disturbed by any juxtapositions of skyscrapers — or the South Bank complex, which may house the National Theater but is not that pleasing on the eye! By comparison, Paris is timeless, classical and majestic (yes and incredibly romantic).

In terms of flying over for a long weekend stay, the wonder of cut-price airfare is that it is possible to pay GBP0.01 plus airport taxes and luggage charges which amount to less than GBP35 for a return ticket. Yes, 1 penny flights!!! Then hotel costs range from about EUR35 per night in a hostel located in outskirts boroughs to EUR600+ for a 5-star hotel off the Champs Elysées. I stayed in the quarter I always stay which is………near the Notre Dame and within walking distance of all the major landmarks.

When I build the Google Map I’ll also include some tips on how and where to buy metro+bus carnets as well as where the main markets and washrooms are, all very practical information.

Anyway, here are the photos and it’s clear the weather was sunny and brilliant — just like the trip:

(1.) Bastille market — Japanese lady in a kimono

I was wandering to buy some food for a picnic lunch and happened across her near a boucherie (butchers’ stall). The incongruence of her graciousness and demure attire was quite notable and she was very kind to let me take a picture of her.

(2.) Bastille market — tempting escargots but with no kitchen at hand I didn’t buy any

(3.) Bastille market — more foie gras than anyone can buy

(4.) Eiffel Tower — from Place de Trocadero

(5.) Eiffel Tower — armed guard carrying machine gun

Admittedly this was pretty strange since there are no armed guards on patrol in London around its landmarks, yet in Paris their presence was felt. Interestingly, there are also substantially more surveillance cameras in London — including on public transport — than in Paris so this may explain some of the difference.

It is also still not as strange as being in Tiananmen Square in Beijing and seeing a small team of People’s Republic soldiers doing their mid-day marching exercises and then shooting photographs of each other as tourists. Bizarre.

(6.) Pont Neuf @ sunset — what a gorgeous view (one of my favorites anywhere)

(7.) Notre Dame at night — another atmospheric and breathtaking view

I also managed to record a video of a live band playing in the square at sunset and the crowds joining in in a waltz there (will post this on YouTube).

(8.) The Opera House — Covent Garden in London is no comparison

(9.) Les Puces at Porte Clignancourt — an area for antiques and mass-produced street clothes

(10.) Musée de Quai Banly — photography exhibition

This is an absolutely innovative open air gallery that is open until the end of November 2009 and it was perfect to wander through on a sunny day.

(11.) La Rive Gauche — statue of Thomas Jefferson

(12.) Café Voltaire — one of the first places I went to when I visited Paris as a teen

(13.) La Rive Gauche — artisans putting their stock away for the day

(14.) Place du Vendôme — statue of Napoleon

(15.) Les Tuleries — the gardens near the Louvre

A completely brilliant setting for these adorable contemporary sculptures which were full of character.

(16.) La Louvre et le Centre Pompidou — the rainbow spectrum refracted off the glass is so cool!

There were moments I could seriously imagine living and working in Paris. For a start, the markets are a norm and the quality of the produce is superior to what I’ve found in London’s markets and I include the famous Borough market. Strolling along the River Seine is incredibly therapeutic and the architecture simply stunning.

If the founder of that make-up brand decides to follow up on my suggestions, I’ll have a great reason to return to Paris and fall in love with it all over again, :*).