The Paris Traveler

Okay, so I have a sweet tooth, I’ll admit it, and Ladurée has been satisfying the sweet tooth of Parisians since 1862 and has some of the best pastries around.  They’re not only known for their tartes aux citrons, which happens to be my favorite, they’re also known for their macaroons, religieuses, millefeuilles, and other decadent desserts.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good lemon tart; and I have spent years sampling them all over Paris!  No surprise then that I can just look at a tart and can tell you if it’ll be good, or not.  It was a process of …read more

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So far the “Paris Syndrome” has affected mostly Japanese tourists, but who’s to say the malady won’t spread!  Not to worry, this is not something of epidemic proportions to say the least!  What it is, is a psychoses dealing with the illusions, the dreams, the idealism of Paris and the reality of what a Japanese tourist encounters once they arrive in the “City of Lights”. 
It seems that a handful of these Japanese travelers seek psychological treatment because the reality of what they found in Paris, did not meet the fantasies that they had created in their minds. 
Not to worry if you come …read more

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A friend of mine, who happens to be a magician and was married to a world famous magician, use to perform at a number of cabarets in Paris.  She’s retired now and lives in Madrid, but I use to crisscross the city with her driving like a madwoman from one show to another.  Along on this bumpy ride were her doves, dogs, canaries, and everything else that she used in her act!  Sometimes we were a sight to behold! 
If traffic was really bad, there were a few close calls where she barely had time to jump out of the car …read more

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Funny how images change through the years.  Twenty years ago if you asked someone, “What type of girl is she?”  And if the answer was, “BCBG”.  (Bon Chic Bon Genre), nothing else needed to be said.  You knew exactly what type of person she was.  And it was not a compliment. 
Not in my milieu of writers, painters, photographers, and other artistic bohemian types in Paris.  It meant someone who was bourgoise and prissy.  Someone whose taste was not at all hip.  BCBG conjured up a person who was uptight and conservative.   Now, as everyone knows, the image of BCBG has become …read more

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If you want to be seen or to people watch while you’re in Paris, then you can skip the Dans Le Noir experience.  If you want a new kind of dining experience, then try this restaurant in the 4th Arrond.   You will literally be in the dark!  The idea is interesting to say the least. 
As for the decor, hmm, I really can’t say.  Is the chef at all concerned about presentation when he sends out your food?  I don’t know, but don’t worry, you won’t see a thing! Your other senses, however, will be heightened as you begin to eavesdrop on the …read more

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Pick up a Pariscope at any kiosk while you’re in the City of Lights.  The price is very reasonable at 0.4 €.  This weekly magazine tells you everything that’s happening in Paris for the week. It comes out every Wednesday and lists restaurants, art exhibits, theatres, clubs, cinémas, concerts, Paris by night, and much more.  Prices and times for all events are also included. 
You can even find freebies listed.  Free concerts or recitals, and even free shows that you can see now and again at Radio France.  I’ve attended several of these presentations which are fun; and it’s interesting to watch …read more

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Do you love to roller skate? Well you won’t be alone if you decide to join “le Friday Night Fever” in Paris.  Come rain or clear skies you can skate along with as many as ten to twenty thousand (yes, you read right!) other skaters who meet each Friday night to go roller skating throughout the streets of Paris on a three hour long journey.
It’s a wonderful way of meeting different people, or meeting up with those you met on an earlier excursion. People young and old, families, couples, just about anyone and everyone who loves to skate joins in …read more

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It may not be for the faint of heart taking a taxi moto or a taxi scooter in Paris, but it will be an experience to say the least.  This is a fast growing business with a huge clientele of Parisians wanting to get somewhere fast, especially during rush hour. 
If you decide to try one at the airport, you’re allowed up to 30 lbs. of luggage.  Orly into Paris will run you about 20 € and Roissy CDG is around 45 €, tax included.  If it happens to be raining, no problem, they’ll supply you with a waterproof overcoat to …read more

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If you’re a tea lover like me, then chez Angelina located on the Rue de Rivoli facing the Tuileries Gardens is the place to go.  Angelina’s is much more than a tea salon, it is an institution where the rich and famous rub elbows with tourists and locals alike. 
It’s like stepping back into the 19th century.  The decor of gilt and mirrors, the service, the ambiance all adds to the feeling of Vieux Paris.  The selection of teas to choose from is quite vast, so go ahead and try something that you’ve never had before. 

During the colder months chocolate lovers must …read more

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I love the Métro in Paris.  Probably because I fell in love with a French guy down in the Métro the very first day I arrived in Paris.  It was love at first sight for both of us and made my three day visit turn into a 35 year odyssey!  But, enough about my stroll down memory lane!
The Paris Métro is one of the easiest subway systems to understand, but I won’t go into detail about how to find your way around in this labyrinth.  I suggest you just go down there for the experience!  Especially during the colder months, …read more

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