Paris, as we all know, is called the “City of Light”, for reasons both literal and figurative– the thousands of lights that illuminate it, as well as its link to the Age of Enlightenment, in which numerous philosophers, scientists and thinkers pushed the world out of medieval darkness.

We returned home to Ottawa last night from Paris, on a jet that was at best half full (every flight we have ever taken in and out of Paris has been full). D and I noticed every day that Paris was subdued, darker, and that the streets and parks seemed to have far fewer people wandering about than in previous visits. Wednesday night, we had dinner at Philou, which is normally so busy that you can barely hear yourself speak, if you can even get a table in the first place as they are always filled with locals (Philou is in the 11th, very close to some of the bars and restaurants that were attacked Nov 13). That night, however, David and I ate alone, and the staff confirmed that they suffered a large drop in business which they attributed to the events of Nov 13. On a typical Wednesday, they would normally have 50 covers, but the night we were there, they had 4, including D and myself.

Paris is lit up for the Christmas season, from the departments stores on Boulevard Haussmann, to the small streets like our personal favourite Rue Montorgueil, to the boutique shops, to the Champs Elysées.

But Paris is also a little bit dark right now, so soon after the attacks that killed 130, of whom most were under 35 years old. These murders, and the terror that has been inflicted on the Parisians, were carried out by a group that wishes to drag the world back into the dark ages.

Some good articles in the New York Times here and here, addressing Paris two weeks after the attacks.

Let us all keep our thoughts, hopes, and for those who pray, our prayers, with Paris, Parisians, and our world leaders who must make difficult decisions every day to guide us and keep us safe.

A la prochaine, Paris. Bon courage.