covid19-lockdown-in-paris-week5

Yet another week-week-week in confinement. I’m seriously starting to doubt my ability to commute to work when all this will be over. It is so nice to sleep longer and then just after my shower, walk from the bathroom to my home office and voilà - all ready to go. My company is doing part time activity and from this week onwards, I will only work in the mornings until 1 pm. It is a bit challenging to fit all the work during these new hours, but at least I can take time for photography in the afternoons.

Schools are still on spring break and my son is enjoying his homework-free existence. This is the week when we would have gone to visit my parents in Spain. Well, another time, another year.

The weather is beautiful. It annoyed me in the beginning of the lockdown, I felt it was laughing at us sitting inside and looking longingly through the windows. After one dull and grey day, I accepted the return of the sun with gratitude and welcome it now every morning. Just let the sunshine in.

Instead of the noise of cars, I can hear the sound of people living their lives. So many of us keep the windows open the whole day and the beautiful spring air is filled with different tunes. There is the organist living on the second floor who plays the piano splendidly, our little neighbours Nina and Marie playing clarinet and traverse flute and sometimes we can hear the girl across the street playing violin. There is also the little toddler from the fifth floor who has just learned to cry “mama” in ten different variations. Our open windows let escape the constant stream of France Inter, the one and only radio we listen to all day long. Our street used to be busy, but instead of cars, there are now people walking in the middle of the street, their conversations echoing on the buildings and traveling into my ears up on the fourth floor.

I have changed my shopping day from Thursday to Friday and to a later time slot as well. Not a good idea, so many people in the early afternoon, I will definitely go back to my morning schedule next week. I could have stayed hours on the streets; all the trees are blossoming or have tiny bright green leaves, but no, my “outing certificate” on my mobile was about to expire and I fled like Cinderella to honour the curfew.

Flowers have become part of the essentials that I buy every week, a bunch of beautiful flowers on my table really brightens up my day. Well, week, actually.

I keep photographing daily, it gives me a purpose for my day. At the same time, it is getting more and more difficult to find inspiration. It is no surprise to anyone that it is complicated to do street photography from the inside. Next week I might take my camera with me when I go shopping, as I’m completely useless with iPhone. Or I could use some time to learn to use the phone, but I truly prefer my camera, it is so much easier in my hands. Something to think about. For once, I’m making good use of my vast collection of lenses, at least I can change the focal length if not the subjects. I also plan to take my old Canon out of the cupboard for some in camera double exposures. So many plans and come to think of it, not that much time at my hands. Rather ironic.

Lockdown in Paris - Week 5