Spring is in the Air

Bright blue skies, green grass, blooming flowers, and birds chirping... Spring is in the air!

Coming off an exceptionally mild winter here in France, spring is just around the corner and nature is getting ready.  Paris was beautiful over the past week, and I was amazed at all of the beautiful flowers in the gardens throughout the city.  It was a nice surprise, since Paris has the reputation for being rainy and cloudy during the winter months.  Apparently I had perfect timing.  One of my favorite blooms was the pink flowers on the trees pictured above. 

Boats on the water

The sun's warmth not only coaxed the beautiful flowers to appear, but the locals (and tourists) as well.  Everyone was out and about, lounging in the sun or enjoying sunny cafes.  I did both of course.  It was enjoyable taking a leisurely pace and strolling around the Eiffel Tower or through the Luxembourg Gardens.  It was just as rewarding to sit and enjoy a glass of champagne outside at a café as the sun went down after a few hours at the Louvre.

"Pelouse Autorisée": In many areas, it's illegal to sit on the grass.  Here it's allowed and enjoyed!

Beneath the Eiffel Tower, I watched this fountain put on a show with water cannons and rainbows while eating my four-cheese panini for lunch:

 

Soaking up the sun and living the life!