I'm a sucker for Carnaval. Even though it competed with Chinese New Year. Even though I was all toasty and warm in a bistro about to have lunch. Even though the snow flurries were quickening outside. I love a parade. So, off I went.
The Gambetta/Belleville Carnaval is a real neighborhood event. The children who come to watch are decked out in their finest costumes—wearing tiaras or painted faces or flaring capes or silken princess gowns. For me, it's more about them than the parade participants.
Every year, though, I am even more amazed and troubled by the look in their eyes. There is a maturity beyond years. And this day, aside from the sparkle of the sequins on their costumes and glitter on their faces, there seemed to be little joy. Well, it was cold. And snowing. And you have to wear lots of layers under your silk ball gown and a wool hat under your tiara. And sometimes it's just so hard being a princess. Nevertheless, their gazes were haunting.
The bands were percussive. The swirling dancers were adorned with flowers and frills—brave in their weak smiles as they shivered in the snow. They were saving their enthusiasm for the end of the parade and a toasty warm bistro, like the one I had just left. Laissez les bons temps roulez.
Meredith Mullins is a fine art photographer, photography instructor, and Director of the International Fine Art Photography Competition. Her work can be seen at www.meredithmullins.artspan.com or in her award-winning book, In A Paris Moment. She is also available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. Contact her at [email protected].
If you're interested in entering in the "Blind Sight Photography Contest," find out more here.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
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