The snow is continuing for the third straight day. Nothing like the blizzard conditions I might see if I were in New Jersey -- snow is relatively rare here in Paris -- but enough that the buses aren't running and the city is quiet and peaceful.
Georges and I went out for a walk today. We first headed up to check on our rental apartment, since we keep the heat turned off when no one is there; had to make sure it wasn't so cold the pipes might burst.
Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these busloads of tourists from the swift completion of their appointed rounds... of drinks during the Moulin Rouge spectacle.
The snow makes the canopy of climbing ivy look like it's been sugar-coated.
The real Moulin at the top of Rue Tholozé. Kids were sliding down this hilly street on bits of cardboard or plastic or whatever they could find that would work.
After we confirmed that all is well at our place on Rue Durantin, we walked down that street toward Place des Abbesses, and stopped to try the brunch at La Bascule. Georges chose one of the brunch options that came with eggs, REAL bacon (OMG, was it good!) and a couple of pancakes that tasted more like crepes than the kind of pancakes I make. I chose a salad plate that was fresh and delicious (and Georges, being a good husband, generously shared some of his bacon with me, and maybe that's what it means to be "hog heaven"?) Add the fresh-squeezed OJ and very good coffee, and we have a winner! Will definitely be adding La Bascule to our list of recommendations for our guests.
A little "snow couple" at a table outside La Bascule. I'd advise them to avoid the hot chocolate.
Onward toward Sacre Coeur...
Naturally, the Smart Car can always find a parking space.
A snow-capped Wallace Fountain in Place des Abbesses.
The funiculaire seemed to be running, although a lot of crazies people were bravely climbing and descending the slippery 7-story staircase. The snow wasn't stopping the guys who aggressively try to sell souvenirs and "friendship bracelets"; we saw one guy grab at a tourist's backpack because the tourist tried to ignore him. Luckily there was no real incident.
The gates of the gardens were locked, but that wasn't stopping the snowboarders who had somehow managed to climb the fences and who were enjoying themselves up on the hill. You can see all the people in the snowy area just below the church:
Loved the snow on the carousel horses.
Finally, we headed down to the Boulevard de Clichy and then past Pigalle before heading home.
Everything looks interesting in Paris in the snow!
