A replica of the Statue of Liberty, seen behind me, on Île aux Cygnes, took on a more sobering meaning for this American last weekend. I had just enjoyed a lovely dinner on a restaurant barge along the banks of the Seine in the shadow of La Tour d’Eiffel. This universal symbol of America, a …
Nota Bene: Although the event happened in April, the message I wanted to convey is timeless. I had never been to a Paris marathon before, until last April, because I never knew any runners. That all changed this year when I found out that Amy, the courageous mother of my two wonderful grandchildren and …
December’s cold and rainy greyness has a new beacon of light overlooking the Paris skyline. Notre Dame de Paris with new radiant luminosity miraculously has reopened! Advent is a time of hope, waiting and expectation for Christians around the globe to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. How fitting that many like myself will …
Miraculous Notre Dame Reopens, Memories and Reflections Read More »
I have always believed that birthdays are not just another calendar year or notch on your life dateline. There is much more to it than blowing out candles on a special cake and drinking bubbly, both of which I love to do! I recently celebrated another birthday about two weeks ago with much gratitude! This …
Birthdays, More Than Candles, Cake and Champagne Read More »
I am not at all surprised, but I can see the French rolling their eyes when they read the demands especially requested by Team USA for their separate headquarters in Eaubonne, a village about 20 minutes north of Paris. The staff of the US team, and some athletes will stay in the huge athletic center …
Team USA, 25 tonnes of Ice Cubes and Portable Air Conditioners for Paris Olympics Read More »
There’s definitely an increased buzz in the streets. Though Paris is full of tourists year-round, the energy seems pumped up more than usual. Olympic fever is mounting, but parts of Paris have never looked so barricaded, an unfortunate necessity these days to protect human lives during the games. These restrictions are disrupting public transport, both …
Olympic Fever is Rising , Unfortunately So Are Barricades Read More »
Restorations take place all the time in Paris. One of the things I admire about French culture, is that old edifices are more likely to be restored than torn down and replaced with some modern building. That certainly is the case with Notre Dame and a recently visited medieval jewel in the Marais. On a personal …
Restorations: Notre Dame de Paris, a Medieval Monastery and Me Read More »
It is so ironic that la Conciergerie, the medieval prison where Marie Antoinette, spent her final days being insulted, taunted, humiliated, and hated has been the star draw for this haunting yet stunning edifice! Advertised as Marie Antoinette’s prison, I decided to go back again after several years. The first time, years ago, I felt too …
La Conciergerie Where Marie Antoinette Spent Her Final Days Read More »
Before the break of day, sounds of horse-drawn wagons brimming with freshly caught oysters and fish from the coast trotted along to be unloaded at Les Halles, whose stalls lined the street, now metamorphosed into lively Rue Montorgueil. Unlike humans, whose psychic infrastructure generally remains the same, streets and neighborhoods change over time. Of course, …
Ancient Fish Road With a Sleazy Squalid Past, Now Vibrant Food Rue Montorgueil Read More »
There is something magical when the Paris sky darkens and the lights start to glow! The city of lights and all its beauty takes on another glorious dimension. It is as though the air electrifies to a higher energy level and vibration, a real mood booster. Any time of year Paris is a feast for …
I won’t be surprised if I hear the sound of scraping metal and concrete during the night this weekend! It’s Halloween time and instead of goblins flying around, the cataphiles will be crawling down to the Catacombs. This scene plays out my 8-floor balcony every year. They have to be quick to avoid any patrolling …
Catacombs, A Scary Dangerous Place To Be Halloween Or Anytime Read More »
I didn’t plan on getting caught up in a crowded party scene again. I just wanted to go to Montmartre to get another photo of Place de Tertre for my granddaughter Isabelle, a very talented budding artist. Paris rarely has such a perfect Automne day as last Sunday. The sky was a piercing deep blue …