raise the red lantern

Red lanterns have been popping up along the streets of the quartier.  We are getting ready for Chinese New Year.  I love that there is a mini-chinatown along Rue du Marie two blocks away, with take-out noodle joints, an asian grocery store and Pho restaurants.  Plus, Paris's Belleville Chinatown is only two stops away via metro.  Like London and my hometown, Los Angeles, Paris is a great multicultural stew.

history

chilly scenes of winter

Paris was blanketed in snow the first week of '09.  Took a long walk through the Tuilleries Gardens this morning.  The trees are dead, the fountains shut down and the ponds are frozen over...but the city still manages to look lovely.