This afternoon I had Moroccan mint tea and shopped for alabaster bowls at the Institut de le Monde Arabe. On the way home, I couldn't resist photographing the windows of a local chocolatier. The French make a half-hearted attempt to acknowledge Halloween, decorating windows of chocolate shops and boulangeries and some stores. But they don't dress up in costumes or go trick or treating. For Europeans, the holiday to celebrate is November 1, All Saints Day.
A scarecrow, witches and chocolate ghosts, goblins and pumpkins. The pumpkins contain smaller pieces of chocolate.
And don't forget you're invited to the big Halloween party! Read all about it here.
Meanwhile, please spare a thought and a prayer or two for all those affected by the California wildfires.
It's very odd for me to see Halloween anything in France :)))
Posted by: Colette | 29 October 2007 at 02:58
The chocolate Halloween treats look delicious!
Thankfully, our brave firefighters are finally able to get these bush fires somewhat under control, now that the weather has fortunately decided to cooperate with them.
I'm sorry, I'm so behind on your posts - I've been away all week, staying with the grandgirls during all the road and school closures due to the fires. I can't believe how many posts I've missed - but I'll be catching up as I can. I missed the daily servings of your Paris Parfait, while I was away. ~ xOx
Posted by: tinker | 28 October 2007 at 19:07
So delicious and so beautiful.
Posted by: Yoli | 27 October 2007 at 00:35
England only does Halloween half heartedly. I'm quite pleased as it scares the life out of me.
I am invited to that party but haven't decided what to come as or what to bring.
Posted by: Di Overton | 25 October 2007 at 20:23
Yummy two favs chocolate and tea how I wish you were here to celebrate Halloween.....sans the smoke and fire.
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 25 October 2007 at 18:31
Wow, these looks so cute and delicious! I kind of think I'd have trouble eating them :)
Posted by: Alina Popescu | 25 October 2007 at 17:09
ha! I wrote my name as Chocolate! when I went to sign in! hahahah!
I am craving it!
On a serious issue:- Bushfires. We live with them here too ( Blue Mountains Australia) and my heart really goes out to everyone who is affected in the US.
Posted by: simon | 25 October 2007 at 07:33
We do not "do" Halloween in Australia either. The shops try but we are like the French - not that interested. What wonderful chocolate windows!
Like california , we get very bad bushfires too. I hope all are safe as can be and they get a huge rainstorm - best way to stop these sort of fires. Sending prayers.
Posted by: melinda | 25 October 2007 at 06:52
Tara
Those wildfires are something else. So ravaging, a lifetime swept away in ash for some poor families. I couldn't imagine losing everything to a fire. What a devastation. I'll most certainly be thinking of them.
Your afternoon sounds perfectly wonderful, with a kindred spirit over a cup of tea! Moroccan mint at that! Yum.
The Halloween windows are very cute. I love the little witches!
Thanks for posting about the Halloween bash, I expect you there in full middle eastern princess attire...you will be the belle of the ball!!!!
xo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian | 25 October 2007 at 02:03
Halloween is one of my most favourite days!! We are still in the decision making mode around here trying to decide on the PERFECT costume. Tomorrow night, we head out to a local seconds store famous for great ghoulish and faery type clothes that will help our imaginations soar!
Love the witchy chocolate.
My thoughts too are down in Calif. What a tragedy.
Posted by: awareness | 25 October 2007 at 01:07
Hi Tara,
What a wonderful time to meet up with your friend.
When I lived in Socal I realized the power of fire and the Santa Anna winds and it is scary.
Heard Valerie Plame Wilson on Leonard Lopate today.
Did you hear about the Blackwater book called "Blackwater, the Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army Jeremy Scahill.
Heard the interview on Bill Moyers. SCARY!
Thanks for spreading the word about the Fete throughout Bloglandia.
You are a sweet one!
xox
How's your belly dancing practice coming along?
Posted by: rochambeau | 25 October 2007 at 00:33
We can't imagine how horrific those fires are...we see it on the news, we hear about it, we know what fire does...but it seems so overwhelming to think of how many people are affected by this...something completely out of their control.
Yummy chocolat...I'm with maia...very much reminds me of Joanne Harris...I love her work!
Posted by: Cherie | 24 October 2007 at 23:35
The first two days of November are rather somber holidays, at least in Austria. No celebrating going on really, as they are meant to remember those loved ones who have gone before us. On November 1st, All Saints' Day, Catholics go to church to honor all Saints and Martyrs. November 2nd, All Souls' Day, prayers are said for all souls awaiting release from purgatory. Here in Austria, there's a ceremony in church in the early afternoon and afterwards the church goers visit their deceased loved ones' gravesides, which have been decorated with fresh flowers, most often pansies and mums, because they are most likely to withstand the cold temperatures of November.
Posted by: Merisi | 24 October 2007 at 22:24
I love the chocolate windows. Makes me think of Joanne Harris' books.
Posted by: maia | 24 October 2007 at 21:32
Can you send some chocolate up to me.....pliiiiiiiz!
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 24 October 2007 at 20:46
Love all your stuff sugar plum.
Love you
Posted by: Jeanne | 24 October 2007 at 20:46
How cute!
Posted by: WendyB | 24 October 2007 at 20:14