Architecture is a challenge for me. I like details and large structures can be overwhelming to me.
But I keep trying and I’m committed to one day buying a wide angle lens to experiment even more.
One of my favorite photographers is Jean-Michel Berts (the French Ansel Adams of architecture). He says “Architecture is the cultural reflection of a civilization” – so true, especially for Paris.
You can’t visit Paris and not want to be a part of it. The city is beautiful, imposing, and sometimes daunting (Which I’m sure the kings liked).
Paris is one city by day and another by night. When the sun goes down and the lights go on the city sparkles, but with more than two thousand years of history it can also feel haunted.
When you have a car in Paris there is nothing better than a “Paris by Night”. Driving around the city at night with no other reason then to enjoy the city lit up.
Even if the photos aren’t perfection I hope they convey some of the emotion of seeing Paris by night.
Enjoy!
Leslie
PS: Visit the Sous Les Etoiles Gallery through January 29th for an exhibition of “The Cities of Jean-Michel Berts”.


I also noticed American cookies everywhere. They have become a staple next to the brownies in many boulangeries. With all the sophisticated pastries and chocolate wonders in France who would have thought a basic chocolate chip cookie could be so popular.


If you are lucky enough to celebrate Ephiphany with a French family or friends you’ll know the novelty of the galette des rois is not just the quality of the pastry but the fève (little figurine) that is hidden inside the pastry. The youngest at the table, will hide under the table and call out who gets each slice.
Whoever finds the fève (which can be plastic, porcelain or even a fancy jewel) gets to be crowned king or queen for day. Paper crowns (alla Burger King) are typically included with your galette des rois.
If you have never tasted a galette des rois, they are worth a try. Make a note in your January 2011 calendar to reserve a galette des rois from your local French baker to share with friends or family (with or without the crowns).
A trip to France next January would definitely ensure you taste a galette des rois. If not you can always enjoy the experience right here without the calories or risk of cracking a tooth on a fève.


















I have a small obsession with travel but I am just as obsessed with travel guides & books. If I had the space, my apartment would be filled!
Patisseries of Paris by Jamie Cahill
Hungry for Paris The Ultimate Guide To The City’s 102 Best Restaurants by Alexander Lobrano
Footprint Italia Rome
The Terroir Guide Food & Wine Rome
romastaordinaria





