by Wendy
Dreamy Paris. City of love and lights, destination for artists and philosophers, historical backdrop for world events, setting of literature and films, longtime muse for creators and students and romantics and travelers. Even when you are walking alone, all your Paris references keep you company. Continue reading
by Wendy
This is not a post about shopping at Chanel or Yves Saint Laurent on the Champs Elysees. This is a post about picking up a few interesting souvenirs here and there in Paris.
Shakespeare & Company Bookstore – If you, or someone you’re thinking of, loves books, this is the place for your souvenir. While not the original location of the shop Sylvia Beach ran in the 1920s, this is a seriously cool bookstore with its own literary history dating back to the 1950s. There are rows of used paperpacks in stalls outside, suitably portable for carrying to a nearby cafe. There is a maze of rooms with crowded shelves, chairs to settle in and read, and at least one cat. There is a program offering writers a place to sleep in exchange for work around the store and drafting a short autobiography. This is where the star-crossed couple Celine (Julie Delpy) and Jesse (Ethan Hawke) meet once again during the opening scene of the movie Before Sunset. It was a treat to visit this store, and I happily wandered around for awhile. Before I left I bought Jack a book of Apollinaire’s poetry with English translation, accepting the clerk’s offer of the special Shakespeare & Company stamp on one of the pages. Continue reading
by Wendy
It’s funny and endearing how many Americans will call out, “Hey, where are you from?” when hearing an accent similar to their own while in a foreign city. Sometimes they even stop to have a brief conversation. Or ask if you’ll take their photo.
When surrounded by another language and doing your best to understand, your ears do perk up a little when you hear a fellow English speaker, native or otherwise. Especially when you overhear amusing comments, like these in Paris. Continue reading
by Wendy
Here are a few transportation tips to consider when planning your visit to Paris.
Transportation to/from Charles de Gaulle Airport – Look into the Roissy bus. I’ve taken a train, taxi and shuttle before, but thought the bus option was super easy and efficient, especially if you pack light. The Roissy bus stop right outside the airport terminal was not hard to find, even in our jet lagged state. There is a kiosk nearby which sells tickets (about 12 euros). The Roissy bus dropped us off near the Opera Metro, and then we walked to our hotel. That’s the catch: the bus only goes to this stop and then back to CDG airport. If you are staying in a different neighborhood, you would need to plan a second mode of transport, such as Metro. During our ride, the bus was not crowded and only took about 45 minutes, but it was early on a Sunday morning. Continue reading
by Wendy
It goes something like this.
Bonjour Paris! Time to explore the city. Maybe visit Notre Dame and walk along the Seine?
Where do you want to go for breakfast? This cafe looks nice.
This cafe is the best! I could stay here for hours. Should we have another coffee?
Is Notre Dame this way?
Look at the dresses in those store windows. Tres chic! Which one would you choose? Continue reading
by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps
Jimmy, MJ and I are avid Disney fans and were excited to see Disneyland Paris. Here is our list of the expected and the unexpected from Disneyland Paris.
by Wendy
Here is my packing debrief from 6 nights in Paris. Continue reading
by Sunny
follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps
This was the year: our first family trip to Paris! Jimmy, MJ, and I were excited to embark on our first family adventure overseas. While this was uncharted territory for us, luckily we had my sister, Wendy, a Paris veteran, join us on our journey. The trip was amazing and memorable. As the trip approached and we started sharing our summer trip plans with friends, the general reaction was, “And you ARE taking MJ?!” I guess for many, Paris is one of those romantic couples vacations, or a high school graduation type trip. Nothing wrong with either of those, but Jimmy and I love to travel and to share travel with MJ. Not only did our 7 years old get to see France with her parents, but also her fabulous aunt. Here are some of our tips for visiting Paris family-style!
by Wendy
Sunday passed in a jet lag fog, with the Roissy bus from the airport, sleepy walk around the neighborhood, settling in our hotel, slightly dazed dinner and early bedtime. Monday we woke a little more alert and very hungry. We wandered a few blocks to a place we spotted the evening before, Cafe Dalayrac, to order petit dejeuner, or breakfast.
It was a gorgeous day around 11am, and we sat on the border of outside/inside seating so we could watch the street scene and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. The basic petit dejeuner a la francaise is about 7 euros: boisson chaude (hot drink like coffee, tea or hot chocolate), une viennoiserie ou tartine (either a croissant pastry or bread with butter and jam), and jus d’orange (orange juice). For another 7 euros, you have petit dejeuner anglais, with an added dish of 2 oeufs au choix (eggs of your choice): au plat (fried sunny side up), brouilles (scrambled), or omelette. We opted for the anglais, which was delicious, and thus began our fond friendship with Cafe Dalayrac. Continue reading
by Wendy
The pursuit of beautiful city views is an essential part of any Paris itinerary. Here are a few locations for your consideration: Continue reading