After a day of visiting 9 passages, in extremely bad weather, the thought of going to a concert, standing for three hours on already tired and sore feet, did not seem that appealing. Combined with the sense that I would probably be the oldest person there alone made me apprehensive. However, I was looking forward …
In the 19th century, passages were developed to enable shoppers to escape the rain and mud that was flung up from the horse drawn carriages. Giving the shoppers a pleasant shopping experience. In much the same way that we now have shopping centres. The shopper could arrive at the passage, have their shoes dusted, step down from their …
A small, iconic, famous bookstore in Paris, was closed today. George Whitman, owner of Shakespeare and Company, passed away yesterday, only two days after his 98th birthday, in the apartment above his bookstore. I sat on a bench in front of the bookstore and witnessed people writing tributes, placing flowers, leaving books. Some confused …
Fortunately, a couple of days ago, I had sense enough to start packing up things I wasn’t going to need. Which was most of the clothes I brought with me but didn’t receive until two weeks after arriving, thanks to British Airways. Two weeks without, you learn not to miss things. In an effort to …
A big knotted ball has developed in my stomach. I know, this is a signal, I don’t want to leave Paris and this is my last full day here. What is it about this beautiful city of Paris that steals people’s hearts. Is it the beautiful design of the city, the architecture, the ancient café’s …
My good friend, Peter, flew up from Nice especially to visit me in Paris. He arrived unwell, with a bad cold but still managed to meet me for dinner. I had been dying to go to Au Pied de Cochon (at the foot of pig) and finally my time had arrived. Au Pied de Cochon is a …
Riding the Paris Metro is fun, safe and easy, as long as you now how. Each day I watch and sometimes help people, looking bewildered and lost, pouring over maps, arguing or getting frustrated. It is not that bewildering, here is how you do it. Le Metro The first train leaves its …
My good friend Peter and I had a nice lunch with a lovely French friend of his, who he tutored English many moons ago, when we were all young and free, in the 80’s. Afterwards, he had a business meeting and I decided, I might try to find some great over the knee boots, I …
Sunday evenings are now locked in for Jim Hayne’s famous dinners. This, being my second dinner, I didn’t look like a deer caught in the traffic lights, it was the new incoming, who took over this role. But I rush ahead of myself. Pierre had offered to take me on the Bateaux Mouches and, Emile had kindly …
Finally the day had arrived, I was to have Emilie and Bouba for dinner at my apartment. It is hardly a good idea to feed the French, French food and knowing Bouba enjoys a spicy meal, I would cook a Malaysian Lamb Curry with potatoes. It is a relatively simple dish and I …