Il était une fois Playmobil

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of Playmobil, the Musée des Arts Decoratifs in Paris had this spectacular exhibition of some of the classics alongside a selection of the new ranges. We particularly like the Noah's Ark range, with the gorillas helping the elephants up the plank!

Bella Parigi

A few pretty 'Jules et Jim'-esque pictures from a very cold and wintery Paris:

La Ville-Lumière

Paris really lived up to its name of 'City of Lights' while we were there. We made a beeline for the mammoth department stores of Au Printemps and Galleries Lafayette where each year they attempt to outdo one another with Christmas lights and window displays. Pretty spectacular, and just the thing to get us in the Christmas mood.

Ciao Sant-o!!

An alternative Christmas card from Rachel and Ben x x

San Lorenzo: The not so Immaculate Conception

To celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception, last Tuesday San Lorenzo became market central. All the main streets were shut off and market-sellers appeared from everywhere. Alongside the obligatory granny pants and assorted tack, there were sweeties, chestnuts, christmas trees, russian hamsters, terrapins (the size of 50p pieces), guinea pigs, chocolates and nougat, as well as more delectable treats:




Jazz-playing Santas ran riot (see above):

Blackpool comes to Roma

We'd been wondering for a few days why the lights in our flat have been flickering. It turns out the glow from the end of the street is neither burning car nor riot but Blackpool come to San Lorenzo. Typical of local fashions, it's all a bit random (tulips, at Christmas?) but festive nonetheless.