Paris Parfait

An afternoon in the Bois de Boulogne

Windmill in the Bois de Boulogne. As always, click photos to enlarge.

The moat surrounding the windmill and a caretaker's cottage.

The caretaker's cottage and steps leading to the windmill on its little island.

A glimpse of the windmill through the trees.

Trees reflected in the moat leading towards Hippodrome de Longchamp, Europe's largest flat-racing course. The spring season at Longchamp begins on April 2.

Buds on trees and a small creek and dilapidated fence in the Bois.

A willow blowing in the fierce March winds along the bank of a pond.

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Always an adventure

Seeking adventure; will travel. Photo at Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature.” - Helen Keller

I am delighted to be guest blogger at the lovely Relyn's place. Won't you join me for a chat about adventures and perhaps a hint or two about my upcoming novel? I'd love to hear about your memorable adventures. And I've saved a seat just for you!

Remembering the Tibetan uprising

Tibetan prayer wheel, 19th-century.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule - which forced the Dalai Lama into exile - unrest continues. Explosions and clashes are reported between police and local residents in Qinghai Province. Read more here:

Blasts ahead of Tibet anniversary

China tightens security in Tibet

China's Hu demands wall of stability in Tibet

News from Tibet

The Dalai Lama

Five decades of Chinese rule have caused "untold suffering," Tibet's exiled spiritual leader said in an anniversary speech. The Dalai Lama accused Beijing of creating a climate of fear. He also repeated his demand for Tibet's "legitimate and meaningful autonomy." Read his full statement here.

Buddhist temple manuscripts, 18th-century.

"Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy." - The Way of the Buddha

Making a movie

On Wednesday afernoon, the rain stopped and my friend Di Mackey and I watched a French crew filming scenes at a hotel/restaurant on a side street near Notre Dame. The footage will be part of an upcoming movie. Note the vintage clothing, newspaper and stacked wooden crates of mid-20th-century liquor and seltzer bottles.

The film crew discussing an upcoming scene. The vintage car and bicycles are props for the production. Alas, I had only my little pocket camera with me!

Taking a break to smoke. A few minutes later, the girl wearing white pumps crossed the street towards Notre Dame. Her pumps appeared too large and probably rubbed blisters on her heels, as she was walking with difficulty. Of course women in the '40s would have been wearing stockings, except when they were difficult to find during World War II.

A "Big Ben" British bicycle, leaned against a hitching post.

A vintage French bicycle used in the film's production.