Paris Parfait

Scenes from an airport

My daughter Jordana Shalhoub pictured in London on her 22nd birthday.

Snapping a photo of Jordana early this morning as she headed towards the departure gate at Aeroport Charles de Gaulle. Bonne annee! Au revoir!

Last passport check before the departure gates. Note the red balloon accompanying the child next to Jordana.

The usual departure screens provide flight information and departure gates - Jordana's flight was to Newark, then Savannah - all being well, home in time to dress up for a New Year's Eve party.

A 1995 sculpture by Fran Krasjcberg "Liane en fortife de cercle" at Terminal 2D.

An electronic board appealing for aid for Darfur. Since 2003, nearly half a million people have been affected by one of the world's worst humanitarian conflicts. More than 232,000 Darfurians have been displaced from their homes in Western Sudan, along with 90,000 Chadians and 48,000 from the Central African Republic. More than 200,000 people were slaughtered by the Janjaweed Arab militia allied with the Islamist government in Khartoum. The government has rebuffed international envoys and ruled out a United Nations-led peacekeeping force. Earlier this month the UN evacuted more than 70 aid workers from the biggest refugee camp in Darfur. In the UN Security Council, Russia and China have blocked imposing sanctions against their ally Sudan.

Brightly-painted elevator doors advertising Coca-Cola at Charles de Gaulle's Terminal 2.

It was never about Saddam Hussein

The Arab World's muted response to the news of Saddam Hussein's death highlights just how clueless the Bush administration has been when it comes to Iraq. Only Libya's Muammar Ghaddafi - who like the late Saddam Hussein, knows a thing or two about torture and disappearing dissidents - has announced any public mourning.

By insisting Saddam Hussein had too much influence in the region - and with Al-Qaida - Bush diverted the "war on terror" target from Osama bin Laden to Hussein. Unwittingly, Bush and his stubborn cohorts handed Iran disproportionate influence among Muslims in Iraq. Of course Iran has no business in Iraq - it's a non-Arab country that has despised Hussein and Iraq, following a bloody ten-year war. But Iran sees its chance amidst the chaos of Iraq to influence certain Muslim groups to act in a manner that might ultimately benefit Iran.

Further, the Bush administration will be forced to make concessions to the Iranian regime to find any solution to the quagmire that has become Iraq; concessions despite Iran's deliberate defiance of international law vis a vis halting its nuclear production activities.

After the Gulf War, Saddam Hussein didn't have the weapons or material assets to pose a threat to anybody in the region; only Bush & Co. and Tony Blair ever imagined he might. And of course Bush had a personal ax to grind with Saddam Hussein because of an attempted assassination of his daddy, Bush 41. So while Bush might think it's another "mission accomplished" with Hussein's death, no one else is that naive.

The hasty execution of Saddam Hussein - on the eve of Eid al Adha, a sacred Muslim holiday - is highly suspect. Obviously many Iraqis wanted to see him dead, but the timing seems suspiciously like an appeasement to George Bush's boast that he'd be gone by year's end. And of course all sorts of legal questions arise about the fairness and justice of the trial that sentenced Hussein to death - never mind all the charges he had yet to face!

The situation which developed in Iraq under the shockingly inept leadership of Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney is any military planner's worst nightmare: various warring factions competing with each other for power; outsiders - including Iran and Al-Qaida - stirring the pot and violence threatening to inflame the region. Meanwhile, Jordan is teeming with Iraqi refugees looking for work and housing. Many of them have spine-chilling stories to tell about harsh conditions under the Iraqi regime. But Jordan's infrastructure already absorbed hundreds of thousands of Iraqis following the first Gulf War. Now its resources are being strained further by this new influx of Iraqis. And I don't see the Bush administration offering the Hashemite Kingdom further financial assistance to cope with the fallout.

Thanks to a series of breathtaking missteps by Bush & Co. in their single-minded quest to remove Saddam Hussein from power, Iran has more influence than ever before, Iraq is in chaos and the entire region is increasingly unstable. When Bush talks about the world being rid of a tyrant like Saddam Hussein, consider this: yes, Hussein was a ruthless, brutal dictator responsible for the murder, torture or disappearance of thousands of his own citizens. But he had little if any influence outside Iraq. And the war on terror had nothing to do with him until the US-led invasion of Iraq. That not only brought terrorism to Hussein's doorstep, it gained a strong foothold throughout the country. Now Iraq is fast becoming something of a "terrorist central." And nothing will ever be the same for any of us.

Bonne Annee!

Sidewalk confetti in front of the French Consulate, London on December 19

Bonjour les tous! Wishing you and yours a brighter, healthier and more peaceful 2007!

Typepad comments

In the past few days some readers may have encountered problems trying to leave comments on Typepad blogs. According to Typepad's technical support staff, a recent and aggressive anti-spam effort has resulted in some IP addresses - including my own - being blocked as suspected spam.

This means that I can't respond to readers who leave comments on Paris Parfait - other than through e-mail - nor can I comment on any other Typepad blog. On Friday, Typepad assured me they were working to resolve these issues. Meanwhile, thanks for your patience and thank you for reading!

Dead or disappeared

This poem is dedicated to the memory of Mansour Rashid Kikhia, Jaballah Mattar, Fahd al-Qawasmi, Ghassan Seikaly and an Iranian dissident whose name I have forgotten, but whose story haunts me still. Each in his own way was heroic. Photo at Banos des Arabes, Sevilla, Spain.

Bright young thing
in New York watching
history unfold amidst chaos
key players crossed my path
some became friends
admired for their selfless courage

The last time I saw him
he took off his shoes
and put his feet on the table
at a UN press conference
so we could see the pattern of scars
calling card of the Shah's SAVAK*

He got our attention.
Two weeks later he was murdered.

The last time I saw him
he seemed a little drunk and flirtatious,
escorted by aides and guards
in an Amman hotel lobby
talking about an upcoming meeting
promising an interview

A sobering phone call followed:
felled on his front porch in a hail of assassin's bullets.

The last time I saw him
he was impassioned about
his human rights work
looking forward to an international conference
to expand the jurists' scope and focus
helping secure rights for all

Newspaper headlines reported his disappearance in Egypt;
UN and governmental inquiries produced no answers.

The last time I saw him
I took him shopping
for his family at Cartier
they snapped our picture at the Rainbow Room
and we went to a dinner party with friends
then he went home to Geneva

Vanished without a trace while traveling
more UN inquiries; no answers.

The last time I saw him
he told me he loved me
and kissed me goodbye
then boarded a plane to Amman
to do his father's bidding
and work in the family business

Less than five months later he was dead,
shot three times in the head.

For those still here
an obligation to tell their stories
remember what they held dear
the struggles and small victories
undying commitment to causes
greater than themselves

*Secret police during the reign of the Shah of Iran

I wrote this poem before I saw the Sunday Scribblings topic "Destination." As these men didn't choose their final destinations, the poem seems to fit the theme.

Love letters

Vintage rubber stamps from flea markets and brocantes in Paris

For Poetry Thursday, a ten-minute poem inspired by handwritten letters that linger for decades:

In any language
script to be studied
letters formed
communication dear

Handwritten pages
in faded ink survive the years
stories and secrets intact
lost love letters

Stumbling across the words
in languages foreign
yet speaking to the heart
and foreshadowing history

Personal thoughts poured
from a pen on parchment
shared with a close friend
or perhaps an absent love

Longings expressed
regrets exposed
declarations of love
news from home

Initials in script
stamped on an envelope
sealed with a kiss
sent on a wing and a prayer

Tucked under a pillow
sighed over by candlelight
or slipped in a sleeve
dazzling words of promise

Vintage millinery flowers

Christmas presents from my daughter were topped with vintage millinery flowers and grape clusters found in Savannah. A hatmaker closing shop sold all her stock to a local store. Jordana was lucky to snap up a few pieces, before a retailer bought the rest and tripled the prices. Meanwhile I have been staying up late watching French television's special run of film noir from the '40s and '50s, in which women wear the kinds of hats these pieces might have adorned.

Aged beauty

Late 18th-century French mercury glass mirror on wooden cabinet, with peeling, faded paint

For the One Deep Breath prompt "weathered/aging," a haiku:

Gaze in mercury
glass, aged and mottled mirror
masks imperfections

Someone else's shoes

Photo of holiday shoes in Selfridge's, London by Jordana Shalhoub

With the new year approaching, one of my resolutions is to always consider what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes: their challenges, worries and concerns. How often do we form an opinion about someone or something, based on external appearance and/or experience in a similar situation? More tolerance and understanding; less snap judgment should benefit all concerned.

Remember the Joe South song Walk A Mile in my Shoes made popular by Elvis Presley in 1970 and later by Bryan Ferry? "...walk a mile in my shoes and before you abuse, criticise and accuse, walk a mile in my shoes."

When I saw my daughter's photograph, this haiku came to mind:

Someone else's shoes
may prove uncomfortable;
difficult to walk.

Night blooms

I'm not sure what this shrub or plant is, but it caught my eye late last Tuesday night. My daughter Jordana and I spotted it in front of a brownstone, while walking "home" after her birthday dinner in South Kensington, London.

Boxing Day bears

Let the shopping begin! It's Boxing Day in England and that means sales - but of course you have to battle the crowds in search of bargains. Photo of double-decker bus full of bears at Harrod's, London.

An interior vignette at Leon's, a great new lunch place in Knightsbridge, London. The organic restaurant serves healthy good food, such as grilled chicken wraps, sweet potato falafel, fresh salads, etc. for reasonable prices, in a comfortable atmosphere.

A family Christmas

This Christmas tree is at my parents' home in the United States. Jordana was visiting her grandparents at Thanksgiving and helped decorate the tree. While the tree is faux, it's the sentiments that matter. My mother has been ill this year and we are grateful for her improved health. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday celebration with your families and loved ones!

Joyeux Noel

Madonna and Child, La Giralda Cathedral, Sevilla, Spain

Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noel to you and yours! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy and peaceful new year filled with adventure and opportunity.

Plenty of partridges

...but where's the pear tree? More photos from holiday windows at Selfridge's, London.

Photo by Jordana Shalhoub

This image and three photos below by Jordana Shalhoub

Surreal photos of holiday windows

Photos of Selfridge's windows, London by Jordana Shalhoub

More unique window displays

At Selfridge's in London, more window displays depicting characters from various children's stories.

The goose that laid the golden egg.

Fairy tale windows

Scenes from The Nutcracker in Selfridge's fairytale windows. That's my daughter Jordana's reflection in the window.

Scenes from The Highwayman are depicted (above and below).

A gold wire mesh bear looms large in this window at Selfridge's on Oxford Street, London.

Rumpelstiltskin's spinning wheel

Scenes from Hansel and Gretel (above and below).

A gold mesh unicorn is the focal point in this Selfridge's window. The London department store was packed with shoppers in the run-up to Christmas.

The Lion from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (above and below) roams among children's toys and books.

Shopping with the master

Did I mention that my daughter Jordana likes to shop? Actually she's passionate about shopping. These pictures were made AFTER we'd spent more than an hour-and-a-half in one London store with four floors - the first hour with me having no idea where she was! At last I found her, completely oblivious to the time, pulling more clothes off the rack to try. After she'd tried these on, she wanted to try still more garments, naturellement!

While I was waiting, I watched the parade of girls ranging in age from 9 upwards going in and out of the changing rooms. I was surprised to see some young girls aged 9 or 10 overly-preoccupied with fashion - wearing full makeup, nail polish, carefully-styled hair and the latest fashion fads.

After paying for Jordana's purchases, she put her coat back on to brave the elements, then voila! She discovered the vintage department of this particular store, from whence I had to drag her out 40 minutes later. She was looking for a New Year's Eve frock that didn't need alterations, as she's arriving in Savannah just in time for a New Year's celebration.

One of Jordana's friends from university arrived this afternoon and she was describing this particular store, "It's cheap, the clothes are really cool and it's gigantic!" And she said she could have spent hours longer there, if I hadn't "forced" her to go to another store (where of course she also found things she liked and/or needed).

The London Gherkin

For those people who commented on a particular block in my London calling post, it represents a building affectionately known as the London Gherkin at 30 St. Mary Axe. Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the building opened in 2004 and now houses offices for Swiss Re and other tenants.

Some Londoners think it resembles a bullet or a missle; others consider it a phallic symbol. Whatever your thoughts about the building, it has made an intriguing addition to the London skyline.

The answer to the "notice anything wrong with this picture" question was, as many of you guessed, a bus turned upside down. I didn't notice it until after I took the photo.

Jordana and I arrived back in Paris late last night. Posts to follow about the trip: perhaps more photos, fewer words as I have a bad case of food poisoning from a sandwich purchased in London to eat en route to Paris. But the good news is there were taxis waiting at Eurostar! Bernard Delanoe, the mayor of Paris, has infuriated many local residents by recent restrictions about taxi waiting areas. This has resulted in packed trains arriving from London, with typically one taxi appearing in 25 minutes, while the queue of passengers waiting snakes the length of Gare du Nord.

On at least three occasions recently, I've had to take the metro - despite being loaded down with luggage and shopping bags (!) - because there were no taxis available. Thankfully, this wasn't one of those times, though the train was jam-packed with travelers trying to get to Aeroport Charles de Gaulle, as Heathrow in London was closed by heavy fog. As you might imagine, this left thousands of passengers stranded; alas, the bad weather continues today. Let's hope all those travelers find alternate ways home for the holidays!

Art from La Giralda

This Spanish madonna is part of the remarkable collection of religious artifacts at La Giralda Cathedral, Sevilla, Spain.

Christmas decor

A bouquet of red berries in a crystal vase. Click photos to view detail.

A wreath made of glitter-sprinkled red feathers, which reminds me of a satellite photo of the eye of a hurricane! It is hanging from an Arts & Crafts coatrack in the entranceway of our apartment.

A wooden bowl of natural pinecones, some enhanced by glitter.

Red berries and branches sprayed gold in a simple earthenware pot.

London calling

Wooden blocks depicting some of the City of London's most famous landmarks, including the London Eye. The blocks come in a muslin bag and are designed as an office "toy" for adults, rather than children. Notice anything wrong with this picture?

Jordana and I are off to London via Eurostar to celebrate her 22nd birthday! Back in Paris on Thursday, just in time for a festive lunch with my husband's office staff. Also on Thursday, we'll be welcoming one of Jordana's friends from university, who will spend Christmas with us. Meanwhile, I have prepared some "timed" posts, which magically should appear in my absence. See you soon!

Prelude to snow

To attract potential customers, gold and pink stars and glitter are sprinkled on the ground near a neighbourhood jewelry store.

For the One Deep Breath prompt "storms," haiku about a city storm of sorts:

Gold and pink stars rain
down on the streets in Paris
prelude to snowfall

Birds of a feather

A winged and feathered angelic dress form at a Paris boutique

500th post! Oui! C'est vrai and I have you to thank. If not for your encouragement and support, I wouldn't still be writing this blog. This international community of the blogosphere of which we're all a part - birds of a feather, despite the differences in our languages and cultures - continues to challenge and inspire me daily. Thank you very much, merci bien and gracias mi amigos!

Anticipation

A tiled bench and fountain in the Jardines de Murillo, Sevilla, Spain

For Sunday Scribblings, it's all about anticipation:

In high school I wrote an essay
and Carly Simon sang a song
about anticipation:
that restless waiting for something undefined,
expectation and excitement.

Anguished anticipation
almost a physical ache, yearning for more,
hardly daring to breathe
longing for something, anything to change:
a light to dawn; an outstretched hand.

Suddenly a smile dazzles the room,
instant recognition as hearts race.
Long-awaited meeting of kindred spirits
impatient wanderings to this end:
the elusive prize in plain sight.

Despite every effort
even the best strategies can unravel. Fate intervenes,
flogging an alternate game plan
in a language you don't understand,
yet the stakes are tightrope high.

Years later fragments of that foreign clime
seek you out, melancholy clings for days,
scratching old wounds until they weep.
Precious memories wrap parcels of time;
dreams haunt your nights, still searching for the key.

Unlocking the mysteries of timing
that could take two people made for each other
and let geography and circumstance deter them
from the one thing they wanted most;
wrench their eyes off the prize, even for a moment.

But reality's harsh glare blinds your vision
and you sigh, tucking that dream away for safekeeping.
It wasn't meant for the countenance of years
but to provide solace in the desert,
grateful for magic remembered.

Like Cavafy's Ithaca,
anticipation gave you the journey
and has no lessons left.
The belief in joy and possibility
propelled you forward, seeking treasure.

For a while, its promise glittered
and shimmered brightly in the sun.
Then a veil lifted, the light dimmed
and the miracle turned into a mirage.
Still, in the desert flowers bloom.

Home for the holidays!

My daughter Jordana is home for the holidays! I took this photo this morning before heading to the neighbourhood market.

On Thursday, the delightful Miss Robyn left a comment saying she'd like to come to Paris because in her town in Australia "we have a post office." As there was no period at the end of the sentence, I thought part of her comment had vanished. When I sent her e-mail, she said, "No, that's it. We have a post office."

Today two cards from Australia arrived in my mailbox. The envelopes had no name, just the address. As the postal delivery woman knows we're foreigners, she assumed the cards were for us - but no, they were for our French neighbours! Now which French neighbours is unclear, so I've posted the cards next to the mailbox in the hope someone will recognise the handwriting!

Meanwhile, the building owner arrived to inspect the "sunken floors" in separate spots in both bedrooms. He informed me that we'd have to wait until another apartment was available and move out while cement is repoured and carpets replaced! That's the polite French way of saying, "Don't hold your breath waiting for us to fix it."

Benoit has a profusion of lovely flowers at the local market, despite the freezing winter weather.

When walking past a children's shoe store, my daughter noticed the fun flying feather balls. They reminded me of Holli's funny story about red balls earlier this week, so I took this photo for her.

Restless traveler

A modern-day version of a steamer trunk once taken on lengthy ocean voyages. This one is in a Paris boutique window featuring holiday resort wear.

For the Poetry Thursday prompt "streets I have known," a haiku:

The streets I have known
scattered here, there, everywhere
restless traveler

The princess bride

This frothy confection at Galeries Lafayette was designed for a holiday wedding. The dress and long tresses remind me of the fairytale about Rapunzel, waiting in her tower for her prince.

Mr. Bush takes a holiday

Not all Christmas trees are decorated with ornaments. This "tree" in a Paris shop window is made of bundles of straw, with red berries and a simple strand of gold lights its only enhancement.

What is it about the holiday season that means no one wants to do much work? US President George W. Bush has said he will not be rushed into deciding how to change his Iraq policy - even though it's universally acknowledged as a failure.

Meanwhile with the status quo, dozens of Iraqis were kidnapped today by men wearing military uniforms. And soldiers and civilians die on a daily basis. Not much of a Christmas for American and British soldiers in Iraq.

Questioned about the Iraq Study Group's findings, Bush told a reporter, "I thought it was interesting that Republicans and Democrats could work in concert to help achieve an objective." What an ironic statement coming from perhaps the most divisive president in history. Aren't we all Americans here? Don't many of us have sons and daughters in Iraq, regardless of what political party we support? Aren't tax dollars from every single one of us being poured into the quagmire in Iraq?

Then came the news that 10,000 US researchers signed a statement protesting political interference in the scientific process. Backed by 52 Nobel Laureates, the statement demands a restoration of scientific integrity in government policy.

The BBC reports that according to the American Union of Concerned Scientists, data is being misrepresented for political reasons. It claims scientists working for federal agencies have been asked to change data to fit policy initiatives.

The Union has released a guide documenting dozens of recent allegations involving censorship and political interference in federal science, on issues ranging from global warming to sex education.

Campaigners say that in recent years the White House has censored the work of agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration, because a Republican congress would not stand up for scientific integrity.

"It's very difficult to make good public policy without good science, and it's even harder to make good public policy with bad science," said Dr Peter Gleick, president of the Pacific Institute for Studies in Development, Environment and Security. "In the last several years, we've seen an increase in both the misuse of science and I would say an increase of bad science in a number of very important issues; for example, in global climate change, international peace and security and water resources."

The statement was released at the American Geophysical Union's annual fall meeting of scientists. Last year, the meeting triggered an uproar when a discussion resulted in the renowned US space agency climate scientist Dr. James Hansen later claiming he was under pressure not to talk to the media about global warming issues.

Michael Halpern from the UCS said the statement of objection to political interference had been supported by researchers regardless of their political views. "This science statement that has now been signed by the 10,000 scientists is signed by science advisers to both Republican and Democratic administrations dating back to President Eisenhower, stating that this is not business as usual and calling for this practice to stop," he told BBC News. The Union expressed hope that the new Congress taking office in January would show a greater commitment to protecting the integrity of the scientific process.

Wonder of wonders, Mr. Bush, another example of Democrats and Republicans working together!

The Spanish chest and sculpture

Three weeks ago I mentioned I'd purchased a 19th-century Spanish chest, which required rearranging two rooms of furniture to accommodate it in our small Paris apartment. I first spotted this chest at a brocante in Chatou last September. The chest spent October and November with a Paris ebeniste for restoration work.

The chest in its present less-than-ideal location, blocking part of the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony and a foot away from a radiator. The green velvet piece from the first photo has been replaced with tan leather, as befitting its Spanish heritage. The bronze and steel Spanish sculpture on top of the chest is a miniature replica of the sculpture series shown in a June 11th post (photo below). Despite its small size, the piece is so heavy, I had to pay excess baggage when bringing it from Sevilla to Paris.

Les Menines, three bronze and steel sculptures by Spanish artist Manolo Valdes are part of a 2005 series of 21 sculptures representing l'enfante Margarita, the daughter of Queen Mariana of Spain. Valdes's sculptures were inspired by the Spanish painter Velasquez's celebrity portraits on permanent display in the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. An exhibition of Velasquez's work is currently at the National Gallery, London.

Tresor at Printemps

Another of the Moroccan-themed holiday windows at Printemps. Isn't this bejeweled silver chest magnificent? And the white faux fur coat seems ideal for keeping winter's frost at bay while searching for buried treasure.

Holiday windows for children

More Christmas windows designed for children at Galeries Lafayette, Paris: rabbits with megaphones try to wake sleeping bears.

Flying doll mobiles float through space at Galeries Lafayette.

Pizza - a food popular with all ages - is the centrepiece of this window at Galeries Lafayette. Check out the dogs dressed as matadors.

Nativity figures

Antique nativity figures seen in a shop window on Ile Saint Louis as Nina, Milla and I took a post-lunch stroll. Unfortunately, I couldn't photograph the entire scene, as a big stuffed cow took center stage!

Lunch on Ile Saint Louis

On Monday I shared a delightful lunch with the beautiful and charming Nina and her adorable year-old daughter Camilla.

We met in the park behind Notre Dame, then walked across the bridge to Ile Saint Louis. Milla has a state-of-the-art baby carriage that does everything but make the tea, so it was no problem being in a restaurant with her. She was thoroughly entertaining - so nice to be around a little one again!

As for the clever and sophisticated Nina, it seems we've experienced many similar adventures - like me, she loves to travel and has done so most of her life. Currently she's based in Amsterdam, with her husband Chris and daughter Milla.

After lunch we strolled around the island in the winter cold and drizzle - Milla was snug in her waterproof carriage - and spyed a window display of antique Nativity figures.

Alas, a stuffed cow was thrown into the mix - right in the middle of the elegant Nativity scene. French humour, I suppose, although both Nina and I thought it ruined the display. See photos in separate post, sans the cow!

Camilla found other things more intriguing than staying still long enough to pose for a picture with her mom.

Big things in small packages

19th-century mailbox inside a scientific specimen's globe

For the One Deep Breath prompt "container," I offer three different containers and haiku:

Cette boite d' lettres
generations' history
waiting for the mail

Creativity
for writers' emergencies
store your ideas here

Desperate to find
the right words for the story
box of potential

This little box bears
hopes, dreams and a diamond ring
promises to keep

Christmas market: The food

The best thing about any Christmas market is typically the food. In our neighbourhood, this market is an annual tradition. With displays this beautiful, who can resist purchasing a few sausages? Click photos to view detail.

This man was slicing tender ham to accompany grilled tomatoes, onions, salad and fresh baguettes.

Check out the miniature children's sleds holding baguettes (same stall as above).

These cheeses were so delicious - after free samples - we had to take some home!

These cheeses, jams, gateau and flavoured drinks come from Basque country in Southwest France.

Check out these huge slabs of chocolate! Very tempting. The market is open every day until Christmas (note to self: must stay away).

This popular stall does a thriving business with its homemade beignets and pastries.

Ham and nuts from the Auvergne region are on offer at this stall.

Christmas market: The fun

A rather trim Pere Noel poses for a picture in between visits with French children. The empty chair next to Pere Noel or Santa is for his young visitors with their wish lists.

At the Christmas market in our neighbourhood, bright red Pere Noel or Santa hats are on offer.

The ever-popular Carossel de Jules Verne was kept busy Sunday afternoon, as lines of children impatiently waited their turn.

This little girl thought it was more fun to drape herself over the duck's back than to sit during the dizzying ride.

Children prepare to disembark, as the merry-go-round slows to a stop.

Christmas market: The crafts

At the Christmas market, you can buy small or large wooden lamps, hand-carved to resemble lotus blossoms.

More handmade large light fixtures are on offer at the Christmas market, open daily through Dec. 24th.

Nesting dolls are available in many sizes and colourful designs.

These boats and clipper ships with handmade sails come in several models.

You can order a custom-made Arbre Genealogique (family tree) at the Christmas market.

Holiday cheer

In a local shopping center, benches under decorative green archways feature maps showing the time around the world. Click photos to view detail.

Gold and bronze ball ornaments, glittery lights and greenery are suspended from the high ceilings of this shopping complex on the western edge of Paris.

La France's national identity

These surprisingly-political windows at Galeries Lafayette, Paris show a shattered crystal chandelier and a mannequin wearing a feathered headdress, powdered wig and bejeweled evening gown, reminiscent of Louis XVI's reign and life before the French Revolution. The little spaceman doll perched on the mannequin's leg depicts the tide of progress, despite French determination to retain certain traditions. Unwittingly, this photograph seems to accompany the article " La France's state of mind."

La France's state of mind

From John Lichfield in The Independent, London:

France's "national psychiatrist" has issued an alarming report on the democratic and social health of the nation as it prepares to select a new president next year. Gérard Mermet, a sociologist who publishes a much respected bulletin on the country's state of mind every two years, suggests that France now suffers from a collective form of three mental illnesses: paranoia, schizophrenia and hypochondria.

In Francosopie 2007, M. Mermet says that France is "schizophrenic," because it finds it difficult to "recognise the realities" of the "great changes" happening in the world around it. He says France is "paranoid" because it believes itself to be the victim of a "global plot" and to have been betrayed by its own "elites."

Finally, France is a "hypochondriac" because it downplays its achievements and advantages and wilfully exaggerates its economic and social ills.

All in all, M. Mermet says, the French are individually happy but collectively miserable. No candidate in next year's election would dare to point out this contradiction, M. Mermet says. They would immediately be accused of being part of an "elite" conspiracy to deny the hardships of the people.

France's state of mind explains the social unrest of the past 14 months and the rise of political extremes of right and left, he says. What the country needs is a plain-talking politician, capable of making the French face up to realities, both good and bad, and "re-founding" the French Republic.

M. Mermet's comments are based on a compelling picture of France - confirming some prejudices but busting many others - which emerges in the latest edition of the book, published every two years since 1985. In nearly 500 pages of studies of market research, social trends, economic and demographic statistics and opinion polls, M. Mermet suggests that there is a yawning gap - much larger than in other countries - between everyday life in France and the unsuccessful, angry, confused image that France has of itself.

"The French suffer more in their minds, than in their flesh," he says. Questioned on the future of France, 76 per cent of French people are deeply pessimistic. But questioned about their own lives and hopes, they are fairly optimistic.