I fully intended to blog every day, during my most recent (and tenth) trip to Paris. But the days were so full — and the nights so short — that I hardly had time to edit my photos, let alone write.

More than any of my other previous visits, this trip to Paris felt like coming home. I spent most of my time with the friends I’ve made over the years. I also had the wonderful privilege of meeting a fellow blogger and having coffee with one of my favorite authors. I delivered an estimated 20 pounds of assorted goods (including two boxes of Lucky Charms to a Welsh guy). And on my busiest day, I walked about 24 miles. Or so said my pedometer.

I’ll tell all of those stories soon. But for now, here are my nine days in 10 frames.

 

Saturday, January 26 • I’d been undecided about going to Paris, until the morning I dreamed I was photographing her in the snow. I thought my dream would come true as I read French Frye’s reportage. Alas, this patch in the Buttes Chaumont was all that remained by the time I arrived. But at least I finally got to see snow in Paris.

 

Sunday, January 27 • As evening fell, I hopped on the Grande Roue for a panoramic view of the city. Below are the Tuileries gardens, with the Louvre on the horizon.

 

Monday, January 28 • I took the train to Reims with my friends Alison, Chris and Silke. We spent a the day visiting the cathedral, enjoying a fine lunch, and touring the Pommery champagne cellars.

 

Tuesday, January 29 • I felt very privileged to meet a fellow blogger. In a few hours, he forever changed how I perceive Paris. More on that — and a joint blog post about Notre Dame — coming soon!

 

Wednesday, January 30 • I spent the morning with my dear friend Annabelle and the evening with my dear friend Mo. In between, I stopped to watch the kids tear around among the sculptures at the Palais Royal.

 

Thursday, January 31 • I met my friend Corey (better known as “French Frye“) in the Marais. Our initial quarry was a supposed Musée de la Serrure, but apparently it’s closed. So instead we ended up at the Breizh Café — the best crêperie in Paris, some say — and then took a stroll through the Musée Carnavalet.

 

Friday, February 1 • Crazy-busy day! I started with a tour of the Chateau de Vincennes because, well, it was right down the street. Then I went to Montparnasse to see a street-art exhibit. Then I met my friend Geraint for a pint and some dinner. I didn’t mind the rain as I walked home through the Place Dauphine (shown below).

 

Saturday, February 2 • I enjoyed a drippy stroll through St. Germain before meeting one of my favorite writer/photographer duos, David Downie and Alison Harris, for coffee on the Île St. Louis. After basking in the honor, I meandered to Montmartre, where I got utterly soaked. But that didn’t stop me from braving the bus to Gentilly for a tajine dinner — and my first all-French party — with my friend Mo and his pals.

 

Sunday, February 3 • Armed with only three hours’ sleep, I started my morning at Notre Dame, where I got to see (and touch!) the new bells. Then I upheld my tradition of visiting the Père Lachaise cemetery on my last day in Paris — but this time with four dear friends. Talk about a wonderful send-off.

 

Sunday, February 10 • It’s now been a week since my last day in Paris, and I’m half a world away. But I cherish my memories — and I look forward to telling the many stories that are yet to come. Back with more soon!