Rainy evening in Paris

Errr.... that's the Eiffel Tower behind us - that little vertical squiggle. Photo taken atop the Champs Élysées

And here's a close-up of the famed phallic symbol of France. Nicholas and I hiked for 20 minutes to reach the second story - some 1,665 steps to be astounded with a stunning view of Paris. But in typical French fashion, we had to endure a merciless frenzy of wind and rain, sniffles and whiplashed hairdos to reap our reward.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace also known also as the Goddess Nike, is one of my favourite ol' gals. We go waaaay back - to uni days where I spent hours on end in the art studio with her. I know the lines of her gown by heart - having drawn, painted and sculpted her likeness over and over. So when I saw her for the first time at the Louve, it was like meeting an old friend.

Nicholas and I only had 30 hrs in Paris, but spent a good five in the Louve. You simply get lost in there - in between time and space that completely belongs to Art.