A quirky cafe we randomly dropped into to enjoy some espresso. (Well, drink some espresso and try not to make faces.)

This was my favorite area in Versailles’ Palace. The whole place spews grandiosity; this part, despite being built with what would likely be considered luxury finishes during the time it was built, is relatively simple and understated. It reminds me of the fantastic foyer and floor in the finished house from the movie The Money Pit.

I wonder what they’re talking about.

A fence in Paris that was more decorated than it otherwise should have been. Nice touch, fence decorator.

I love old Mini Coopers. If you have one, my wife would appreciate it if you would just give it to me so I’d shut up about them already.

The Arc du Triomphe was significantly larger than I expected. It looks somewhat unremarkable from a distance, but up close, it is massive yet intricate. Its symmetry is mesmerizing. This is also a bit of a tribute to Devyn Caldwell, who took a gorgeous pair (still among my all-time favorites) of photos [ 1, 2] of Manhattan’s Washington Square Arch (itself a tribute to the Arc de Triomphe).

One of my favorite shots of all time. See a full-size version here (8MB).

For the sake of maintaining the tenets of photoblogging, here are some of its metadata:

Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Focal Length: 42mm
Exposure: 2 sec at f/9.0
ISO: 400
Flash: Did not fire
Capture Time: 13 Nov 2009 18:59:26

Perhaps we’re just obtuse, but in our two visits, Abbie and I have spent more time outside the Louvre admiring its architecture than we have inside admiring the art it houses. Its symmetry is stunning.

The architectural detail on some buildings in Paris is mind-blowing. It was one of my favorite things about visiting Paris.