Paris in the rain

It is January and it is alternately raining or drizzling, but Paris is out in force just the same. The Saturday streets are busy with shoppers and the cafés are full. Since it is still early, the cafés are serving drinks and those outside (under covers and with patio heaters) are smoking. People rarely eats before 8.

There is still the sense of the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo shootings but Paris is not going to shut down. There are regular posters declaring "Je suis Charlie" and in one case the all inclusive "nous sommes Charlie".

Ship detail - click to enlarge

As I walk down one of the colourfully lit streets there is an international air to the shops. One is an Asian antiques shop sporting this huge ivory ship in the window. Next door, down a darker ally, is a British contribution; a Scottish pub. The pub boasts products just as authentic, and consumable too.

The other photo is down the road from the Paris Ritz. The road has a wide, clean feel. It feeds me towards the Opera.

But it is still wet and the blustery conditions have blown my cheap Spanish umbrella inside-out so many times it will be junked when I get home.

For now, even an inverted umbrella is useful as I dive into the nearest metro. I have another umbrella for tomorrow.

Cordialement
Terry

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