The weather continues to "cooperate" even though the forecast called for showers. We decided, in the late afternoon, to head over to the Champs-Elysees to view the lights there as well as on Avenue Montaigne. In years past, the lights on the Champs were millions (and I do mean millions) of little white lights that twinkled from all the trees lining the boulevard. Two years ago the government decided to save some money on that display and install colored LED hoop-shaped light strings. (Three hoops per tree). No one liked them but it is what it is.
The hoop lights have been enhanced this year with sparkly blue lights. You can see the Arch de Triumphe in the background. We're obviously standing in the middle of the traffic!
**I won't try to frustrate anyone by loading another video--for some reason Google+ didn't cooperate with my last attempt, so I'll post the videos on Facebook.
The fountains at Rond Point have been enhanced with a beautiful display. At noon today this area was practically empty--this evening at 5:00-ish, there are throngs of people.
The lights on Avenue Montaigne (Paris' answer to Worth Avenue in Palm Beach) is ablaze with color also. All of the designer stores are decorated--the Dior store building has a twenty-foot bottle of J'adore perfume made completely out of tiny lights on the side of the building. Very impressive.
We like to think we are adventurous, but actually we can be creatures of habit--very much so, in fact. Proving that point: tonight we dined at one of our favorite places here in Paris: Reed Restaurant. Reed is owned and operated, quite efficiently, by Catherine Reed. She does the whole operation: takes reservations, presents the menu, cooks the tasty food in an open kitchen, and busses the tables at the end of dinner. Twice a week she also conducts cooking classes during the morning--where does she get all that energy?!
Catherine's restaurant looked quite festive this evening.
The happy couple after a fantastic meal of Wild Boar Stew (JoAnn's choice) and Beef Bourguignon (Lloyd)
On the way home we walked past the avenue that many have seen before--Rue Cler.
But I guess you could have figured out those lights.
And Cafe Constant has enhanced their decorations with window painting.
Good night, all. Our adventures will continue tomorrow.
Really enjoying the blog - thank you!
ReplyDeletePaula (from the email group)