PARIS, Jan 26, 2004/ FW/ --- On the last day of the Paris menswear season, Mother Nature decided to give everyone a treat by giving the City of Lights snow flakes.

It started as a very cold day, and I thought that the clouds forming were snow clouds. But since what we have been getting since I arrived were icy rain, I was actually surprised when the rain turned to snow.

For the first time, I saw Paris enveloped in a white dust, and I finally understood why it is called the City of Lights.

Because although it was nighttime and there was light snow falling, you can see the incandescent bulbs shining through.

It’s very different from the fluorescent lighting I’m used to in the U.S. The incandescent bulbs gave a warm glow, as if it was saying “come on in from the cold and warm yourself in front of the fire.”

And with this beautiful view, all of a sudden I felt homesick.

Maybe it was because I was aware that all the shows are already done. I have been here 10 days.

During the fashion season, I am always so busy that I forget the days that are passing to the point that if not for my Outlook, I will not even know what day of the week it was. I just go by the show schedule.

Because that is the life of a fashion journalist – we don’t make the calendar, we just follow them.

As I packed my suitcase, all of I can think of was being at home, in front of our own fireplace, with a warm blanket and a book, with my little Welsh Corgi by my feet.

Meanwhile, I’ll sit in front of my laptop and finish all the reviews. I’ll be home tomorrow!