Concorde

This is Place de la Concorde in Paris, a very busy square, traffic-wise. It's the place where Louis XVI was beheaded back in the 18th century, when it was called Place de la Révolution. Here is where the Tuileries Gardens are connected to the Champs-Elysées. The US embassy is just outside the photo to the left. The rue Royale connects Concorde to the Madeleine church (in the background) where Johnny Hallyday's funeral was held earlier this month.

Place de la Concorde, looking north. These cars are headed for a bridge over the Seine, at my back.

Today will be a quiet day as many French people were up well past midnight for the Réveillon de noël, the traditional celebration of Christmas. They have their big gatherings and feasts late on Christmas Eve and into the wee hours, then sleep it off on Christmas morning. I got up last night around 01h00 and noticed our neighbor's lights still on, and somebody leaving in a car.

Ken and I don't stay up that late, especially to eat a big meal, so we will have our traditional American style Christmas dinner today, mid-day. We'll start out with either snails or foie gras (haven't decided yet). Then it's a roasted turkey, stuffing (with chicken livers, chestnuts, and figs), some Brussels sprouts, and other goodies. I'll make a pumpkin pie for dessert.

Whatever your plans, enjoy the day!