I've been such a lazy blogger lately, it's pathetic. But at least I haven't been a lazy reader. I've been working my way through Jonathan Franzen's Freedom: A Novel for my book group, which meets in early November. I'm hooked. It's as I remember from The Corrections: A Novel--the man can write.
I ran across an interview with Emma Donoghue, whose novel Room: A Novel s nominated for the Booker Prize. I generally avoid books in which children are in serious peril, but this book sounds fascinating. It's written from the point of view of a five-year-old, which must have been pretty tough to pull off. It's been getting good reviews, so onto my list it goes.
The real reason I've been distracted from blogging is that I'm planning a trip to Paris. My husband and I are going on a sort of second honeymoon to the city of light, a place I've yearned to explore.
I've been obsessed with figuring out where to eat and what to do and where to walk. Of course, we're going in early November, so there is the distinct possibility of rain and rather colder temperatures than I'm used to here in L.A., so I may not be able to do all the things I'd like to do while I'm there. But I'm going to cram a lot in, I promise!
Of course I'm going to make a pilgrimage to Shakespeare and Co., but I'm not sure about other bookish things. I'm going to try to take a chocolate tour of Paris, though. And there's always the question of how many books to bring, and which ones!
So all you fab folks out there who have been to Paris, please leave me some recommendations! What should I see, do, eat, read?
Posts
12 comments:
I've never been to Paris before, but if were to go, I'd definitely head for 'Shakespeare and Co' and the art galleries there. The chocolate tour sounds good too!
How fun! I hope you have a wonderful trip. I happen to think the best crepes ever are found at a street stand just outside the Jardin de Luxembourg, on the Blvd St. Michel. Cheap and delicious. I've sampled many a crepe in paris, and these have always been my favorites.
Oh my gosh, you are visiting my favorite city. You are going to have so much fun!
If the weather cooperates, I highly recommend doing a Fat Tire Bike Tour - preferrably early in your trip as it gives you a good feel for the lay out of the city.
I don't have any restaurant recommendations... I just recommend that you eat as much bread and crepes as you can!!
My favorite area of Paris was definitely the Marais area. I loved the Place des Vosges!
Happy planning!!
Spangle--and what's so great about Shakespeare and Co. is that they have a bunch of great English-speaking authors come and read :)
verbivore--I'll look for your crepe stand! I'm planning to spend some time in the Jardin du Luxembourg--weather permitting. And I'm a fan of street food anyway. Sounds yummy :)
I have also heard about some Breton creperies, where they specialize in buckwheat crepes. I've been running a lot more in these weeks before my trip so I can eat whatever I want when I get there!
Lisa--I'm planning to explore the Marais, and I love the look of the Place des Vosges! I'm going to check out the Fat Tire Bike Tours--they've been mentioned a lot. Thanks :)
Definitely take some Mavis Gallant stories, many of which are set in Paris.
nathaliefoy--Ooh, good idea! I've always wanted to read Mavis Gallant! Now's my chance :)
We've missed your posts but you've got a good excuse - trip planning! :)
Unfortunately I've never been to Paris so can't give you any tips but I'm sure you'll have a wonderful fun time. And, yes, I'm a bit jealous :)
Iliana--happy to be back. You're such a world traveler, I'm sure you will get to Paris at some point!!!
Gentle Reader, I'd like to use your 2008 review of Barbara Pym's "Quartet in Autumn" on the Barbara Pym Society web site -- please contact us by e-mail at barbarapymsociety@gmail.com or via www.barbara-pym.org
Real Breton crepes are yummier than anything, but I don't know where to find one in Paris. I'm sure it's not hard, however. I do know a little restaurant near Montmartre that we've enjoyed. Not too touristy. It's called Le Basilic, 33 rue Lepic, in the 18th. I couldn't remember the name of it when I posted earlier.
Have you read Adam Gopnik's Paris to Moon?
And I just realized, when you head to Paris, we are heading to Southern California!
oooh..how do you say 'jealous' in French? Bon Voyage!
Tom--I will email you :)
verbivore--Yes, I've read Paris to the Moon--enjoyed it! And I will try to check out Le Basilic, thanks for the recommendation. I'm so enjoying everyone's restaurant advice. Enjoy Southern California--hope you get some decent weather. Let me know if you need So-Cal recommendations :)
Bybee--Sadly, I don't know how to say 'jealous' or much of anything in French, lol! Thank you :)
Post a Comment