That city of light

My whole family’s been struck down with ‘flu and we’re all feeling a little sorry for ourselves at the moment. It seems a fitting time to flit through pics of Paris from our recent visit.

The most inspiring sights? The Eiffel Tower, Le Jardins Tuileries and Sacre Coeur give you a little thrill just to be there, of course, but mostly I was entranced by the window displays and statues, particularly in the Marais where we were staying. Details in street lamp ironwork, metro signs and gates. Perfectly clipped trees, hidden gardens spied through huge ornate doors, and the glow cast by sun on stone during the golden hour. The pastel rainbow of macarons in patisserie windows, and the delicate balancing act of fitting two plates and two drinks on one brasserie table.

I’ve returned with a clear idea of the next book’s feel and layout, and a thousand design ideas buzzing in my head. It will be a little French-inspired, to be sure, but very Australian, too.

I just read somewhere we came second place in a poll of countries with the best quality of life, after France. I don’t know… I reckon it’s a tie. Even if my blocked nose feels differently today.