PARIS

Chinese New Year's Parade in the 13th arrondissement of Paris

The Eurostar from London to Paris was slowed to half its speed by an inch or so of snowfall. Having just traveled on a train during a blizzard in Norway, where we arrived on time, I was amused by the markedly different experiences. But to be fair, for both London and Paris snow is an infrequent occurrence. The warming sun quickly brought the pace of Paris back to its usual speed.

A rare snowfall and view of Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre

I spent a few weeks seeing cherished friends, visiting my favorite places, watching a Chinese New Year's Parade, wandering through galleries and museums, and exploring a city I love.

A shop next door to the Orchid Show in the Jardin des Plantes

Jardin de Luxembourg: a park that never fails to delight me

14th c. Notre-Dame with its gargoyles and visions of Victor Hugo's Esmeralda and Quasimodo

Chinese New Year parade

Chinese New Year parade with an array of dancers and spectators

The requisite dragon for the Chinese New Year

Fountain in the Jardin de Luxembourg

Parc de Belleville

Parc de Belleville: the highest park in Paris

Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville: the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, the first woman to hold that position, has offices and lives here

Bliss: a young cyclist doing a wheelie in front of the Hotel de Ville

The late Mali photographer Malick Sidibé's retrospective at Fondation Cartier focusing on the exuberant 60's club scene there. Visitors were invited to stage their own portraits. The setup can be seen in the background.

The overflowing Seine after severe rain storms put museums near its banks on emergency alert

Performance art at La Halle Saint-Pierre: a converted covered market place now a modern art gallery, bookstore, and café

Playing with pigeons in the Jardin de Luxembourg

Crêpe vendor's stall on the Boulevard Saint-Michel affectionately known as the Boul' Mich

Parc de Belleville at sunset. The Eiffel Tower peaks out from the haze