Back in Paris

We're on our way to Hannover, Germany for a few days and stop in Paris for the weekend on our way.  It's chilly, but people are up on the roof of Galleries Lafayette to enjoy the views of Paris

Rooftop views of Paris

We even have a great view of the Printemps roof, the other Grand Magazin de Paris, next door.

Printemps roof

We walk through Paris, up the Avenue des Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triumph, then over to the Eiffel Tower and back along the Seine.

Walking to the sites

On the Seine, a ways down from the Eiffel Tower, we run across L'Archipel Niki de Saint Phalle, a series of small parks on barges in the Seine.  What a great idea.

L'Archipel Niki de Saint Phalle

Walking further along the Seine, we come to Pont Alexandre III, crossing over to the Grand Palais.

Grand Palais across the bridge

Along the water, murals and pop-up restaurants fill the quais.

On the quais

Looking up and down the river, we see the beauty and charm of the city and some of the incredible museums of the city, including the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay.

Along the Seine

Musee d'Orsay, Le Louvre

The pedestrian bridge leading over to the Tuileries (the park and gardens between Place del la Concorde and the Louvre) is filled with love locks.  The previous love-locks bridge, crossing the Seine from the center of the Louvre had the locks removed due to fears that the weight would damage the bridge.  Apparently that is not a problem here.

Love locks

In the distance, we see Notre Dame and a crane for the restation work after the big fire in 2019.

Notre Dame

Crossing the river, we stroll through the Tuileries, where most of the restaurants are closed or offering minimal service in the cold weather, and then stroll into Place Vendome to admire Alexander Calder's sculpture Flying Dragon (1975), part of an exhibition of Calder's work scattered around Paris.

Through the Tuileries

Flying Dragon in Place Vendome

It's great to be back in Paris, if only for a weekend.  We started with a walk by some of our favorite places and will continue tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Back at Home

It's great to be able to escape to Saint Martin in the Caribbean for a few days during the winter.  Back home in the Dallas area, after our return, we face a seasonal storm that keeps us all inside for a few days.  We start with freezing rain that puts about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of ice on roads, yards, trees, and plants, followed by 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of snow on top.  Slippery and treacherous.  The fountain and pool run continuously to keep the water moving and prevent them from freezing.

Looking outside

In other parts of the country, this small snow accumulation might not be such a problem.  But, here in the Dallas area, there are no snowplows, we just have to wait for everything to melt.  Since the weather soon rises above freezing during the day, the surface melts, then refreezes at night, making a slippery combination on the roads and sidewalks.

More views of the neighborhood

A few days later, we are thawing out, and the fountain and pool make it successfully through another freeze.

Thawing out

Fountain still running

We're a long way, physically, mentally, and weather-wise from the Caribbean.  Perhaps we need to head back soon!

Leaving Saint Martin

On our way to the airport in Sint Maartin (on the Dutch side - it's Saint Martin on the French side), we stop at Maho Beach, famous for its location at the end of the runway.  The beach is filled with people who watch the planes pass over about 100 feet (30 meters) above their heads and then get blasted with sand as the aircraft touch down and take off.

We drive pass the beach and have lunch in the adjacent restaurant/food court complex.  We don't get planes passing directly over us, but we do get to see them on approach and don't get sand blasted.

Looking out from our table

We have a local beer, followed by fish tacos (with rice and beans), pepperoni pizza, and a cheesburger.  They're all great, but the fish tacos are incredible:  large chunks of fish moist and perfectly grilled.  All accompanied by another beer.  All the dishes are made fresh at small stands around the restaurant complex.

Local beer and fish tacos

Pizza and cheeseburger

A few flights arrive as we finish lunch and soon it is time for us to head to the airport and depart this fabulous place.

Flight arriving

On Maho Beach

Food/liquor stands at the beach

Our flight turning onto the runway

Mano Beach at the end

Depart the island, turn toward Miami

Off to a new adventure!