C'est l'hiver!

Who knew the weather forecasts could be as far off here as they are at home?  Or as important - though in our case, only in terms of deciding how many pairs of socks to put on to stay somewhat warm in the apartment.  Lovely architecture, but insulation had not been thought of.  We are in a 'deep-freeze' by Paris standards.  We have had a week with temperatures remaining below zero - getting as cold as -6 at night.   To give this perpective - the average temperature is about plus 9 right now.  Does this mean unseasonably warm weather the last two weeks of December?

Rich's colleague, Giannis, returned with us from Sweden to attend a workshop and do a bit of collab work.  Rich managed to get him into the Latin Quarter one night for food and drink...and music, but, not before a stop at Shakespeare & Co.  What a place!  The books are endless, and just there to be read ( or, sometimes bought).

Joan had a former intern from her school get in touch with her.  Alyssa and friend were travelling Europe for the fall, and currently in Paris.  Joan met them at ....yes...Shakespeare & CO. and took them for lunch.  Great visit.  While Joan was waiting she picked up a book from the shelves ( of many thousands) and began to read - a story about an espionage agent - who met in one of three restaurants/bars in the St Germain district.   As she walked home, out of the blue - there were the three places the book had referenced!

It is now December,  Rich is busy, busy trying to get things done.  A colleague from Guelph and his wife are coming for four days next week.  We will get a bit more touring in!  Good thing for Rich, because he has worked more and 'reflected' less than we were hoping.  He should try not to be so interested in every idea that comes along!  Joan is now officially done class work for this term - last term paper to be posted tomorrow, so, she has begun 'walking the city' every day.   Great architecture everywhere!

 Christmas is definitely coming, and they say Christmas in Paris is quite amazing.  Certainly the window displays would suggest there is much to look forward to in the next few weeks.  Hmmm - everything from frolicking polar bears to pictures of Marie Antoinette observing the happenings in a somewhat bored manner.  We have been told the lights are well work seeing around the city.  Christmas markets have been set up along the Champs Elysses, and apparently there are several other good ones in St Sulpice and St Germain areas.

Even the Metro entrances get dressed up in this city.  Absolutely amazing.

 The flower shops have trees - a hundred euro will get you a two metre tree....Maybe that explains shy most trees are shorter.  They come in a variety of colours, - traditional green, as only real trees can be, to bright read, purple, teal, pink...you name it, they have it.

Our apartment really feels like home now - we have no idea what we will do with all the space when we get home.   It turns out, 40 metres square is just fine. 



Stay tuned for more 'Christmas in Paris' next week.   Maybe a shopping blog will be in order?  Richard is hoping to go to the antique market again tomorrow, and Joan may just join him this time.  Should be an experience.