As we enter the period of Lent this week, many of my friends over in UK/Ireland are giving up things as penance. They range from chocolates to sweets to, gasp, internet usage off-work hours! Once, for a completely different reason, I stopped eating chocolates for 2 years. I know, crazy talk, but I persevered…

Exhibitions

• Musée du Quai Branly is currently hosting The Making of Images which explores the ontologies of living and imagery to represent the anthropology of human societies. Runs until 17 July 2011.
• Meanwhile, the Pinacothèque de Paris is showing Edvard Munch ou l’Anti-Cri (unfortunately the official website is currently not available) until 18 July 2010, and the exhibition brings you a different side of Munch from the infamous The Scream.
• Another highly anticipated exhibition will open next Thursday 24 February at the Grand Palais – Turner and the Masters. This 3-months showcase enables visitors to see some of his best works alongside with masterpieces which inspired him. Definitely not to be missed!
• Across the street at the Petit Palais, Eloge du Négatif takes a look into print photography in Italy when it all first started back in mid-19th century. Exhibition runs until 2 May 2010.

Faits Divers

• Arguably this would be the biggest among the different Chinese New Year parades in the city, organised in the main “Chinatown” of Paris – the 13th arrondissement – on the Sunday 21 February from 1.30pm onwards.
• Adam over the Invisible Blog recommends heading to French K-Wa for an afternoon of Sunday Tea Dance. It sounds intriguing and I would have tried to make it except I’m away at the moment.
• The beautiful and talented Corinne Bailey Rae is back with a new album and in it, the song Paris Nights/New York Mornings. Check out the video music which was filmed in Paris.

Other News

• The daughter of the mayor of Kiev was robbed en route to Paris from CDG airport earlier this week. What’s mind boggling is, who carry that much jewellery with them? And were the doors of the car not locked?
• Parisian taxi drivers are planning on a go-slow protest next week on Thursday 25 Feb?
• The bouquinistes along the river Seine has been ordered to sell at least 75% books and less of souvenir items. How will this affect the livelihood of the sellers in this increasingly tough operating economic climate?