I pinch myself that we have arrived in Paris to a sea of unknown faces, crowds of locals and tourists everywhere. Cold, wet with grey, misty skies, it’s good to know that I am prepared with my warm clothes and comfy shoes.

There’s a real buzz and energy about the place, traffic constant and fast everything. Hundreds of people walking in all directions. The train to our Hotel de Saint Germain was easy even though I felt awkward at times with all the luggage.

Anyway, enough of this prattle, let’s get down to the business of my photos and the  memories that will weave their way into my life.

A touch of the master pieces of Picasso and the scent of roses and sweet peas.

Don’t the French know how to present their desserts! Chocolat framboise, petit pots du caramel, gales blanc, les kouignettes. I found myself gazing at the displays and returning to the Artisan Boulanger Patissier. There were croissant aux amandes our beuere ( almond hazelnut croissant) and muffin four au citron ( lemon filled muffins).

Here we are sipping a glass of Rose at cafe Branly, (Cote de Provence – 5 euros.)

After walking some distance to arrive at the Museum ( Musee du quai Branly) we were so impressed with the vast displays of Indigenous, African, Asian and Oceanic artefacts, masks and sculptures. Lucky school children found themselves spread out on the floor drawing costumes.

PLUS Picasso exhibits showcasing his diverse work, the quality and quantity of his work amazed us.

Windows of beautiful macarons tempt any traveller.

A hearty beef bourguignon so delicate and tender it melts in your mouth.

Bill enjoyed the duck as we dined at the La Citrouille with traditional French food at reasonable prices. I practised some French greetings and we talked to the couple next to us who were from Amsterdam.

The Eiffel Tower stands proud and especially glittering at night. We took a cruise down the Seine around 9pm to capture the lights. Here I am in front of the thousands of padlocks attached to the fences on the Post Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the Seine river.