Steve Jobs - VISIONARY.

Tributes extolling the genius  of  Steve Jobs have been and will continue to be written following his death yesterday, and every one of them will not be enough. But one recent one put it more aptly than most..."he was the closest friend you've never met".  I couldn't agree more.
Genius knows no bounds and this was illustrated by the man who dared to inspire the imagination of not only the pre-schoolers, but generations after in  equal measure. My son was almost in tears this morning when he overheard our discussion. He who, only last week, was overheard telling his friend that..."Steve Jobs is Apple!".
My daughter was a tad more eloquent: "Steve Jobs rocks Mommy!"
Without a doubt, he did.

Nuit Blanche

It's called Sleepless Night and is meant to be an all-nighter; from 7pm to 7am. We tried last night. We went- we saw- and we were back home by midnight. Considering the company, aged 5 and 11 - we did not do too badly.
Nuit Blanche is in its 10th year and is an all-night art exhibition and festival in the Hôtel de Ville, Montmartre, Pigalle and the St. Georges areas. Contemporary art installations, sculptures, exhibits can be viewed all night. The Pompidou Centre opened to the crowds free of charge from 9pm until 1am. Stands were set up where we picked up maps and followed our own course. The metro, lines 11 and 12 were open for the entire night between certain stops. Next year, we are going without the kids- it was fun but a bit crazy for them, and for us equally as we were too worried we might lose them in the crowds. Saw a Jazz band play, drummers and dancers in the streets, grafitti artists and numerous installations.

Prepare yourself for the unexpected

This is what I woke up to today. From last week, the building across our apartment has been undergoing renovations, so my view has been scaffolding, safety nets and builders going about their business.
Then this morning, this.
Of all the buildings, in all the cities, in all the world... I love it .  A reminder of home just outside my window. South African tourism taking advantage of the expansive Paris apartment faces. Well done! Check the website for the possibilities.

The new scenic view from my living room...