These are a Few of My Favorite Things

Julie Andrews may like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, but after living in Paris for nearly two years, I have come up with a list of my own favorite things that I like about the City of Light that may or may not be in a guidebook somewhere.

Flowers à la Monet

Eight years ago, I sojourned to Giverny for the first time in order to see the gardens that Claude Monet made famous in the last decades of his life. Japanese style bridges, a never ending array of gorgeous green plants, and the waterlillies he depicted so many times on canvas, are all part of this impressive landscape.

HEALTHY LIVING

Being a California girl, I was practically raised at the health food store. Mom would make her weekly trips with us in tow and I grew up reading labels on packages. Needless to say, sugary cereals for a morning breakfast has never been part of my routine.

The Sounds from Sainte Chappelle

One of the great things about Paris is that you can see and hear classical music being performed in many of the churches. What could be better than hearing music that speaks to your soul, while surrounded by a beautiful, not to mention historical site? It is a great way to spend an evening! Some

FLOWER GIRL

If you either have never been or if it has been awhile since you last visited Le Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th arrondissement, now is the time to go back. My goodness, the flowers are in bloom! Horticulture is certainly another one of the French people's special talents.

Les Faux Pas

Communicating in a language that is not your native tongue can often lead to some pretty interesting miscommunications. If, for example, you say to a foreigner "What's up?" and they are not fluent in English, they will likely look up towards the sky, not realizing that you are asking them the all

Allergies, Asthma and the Pharmacy

You marvel at the sights and sounds the City of Light has to offer. The Eifel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame, not to mention the plethora of cafes all capture your attention. You plan your day accordingly with what you wish to do next. In fact, you are dripping with enthusiasm, but

The Labyrinth

While I normally do not post my spiritual articles on this blog, since it is about the labyrinth at Chartres, I included it here. If spirituality is not your thing, then exercise your freedom of choice and read the next article about Sex & The City.

Sex & the City

As an American woman, I find I have always taken for granted how easily it is to talk about one subject or another with other women. We girls can talk about anything from our innermost feelings to sexual positions with our men without batting an eye. On the other hand, I have read repeatedly

THE GAME IS A-FOOT

The game is a-foot...football that is. For those Americans not in the know, to the rest of the planet, football means soccer. Soccer may not be the sport of choice within our borders, but leap anywhere outside and you will see children playing in the streets with their soccer balls in tow while

IT'S TEA TIME!

If you are walking through the streets of Paris during the cold months of winter, you will want to take a break to get warm. If you happen to be visiting the column in the heart of the Bastille, why not saunter off a few blocks to toast your tootsies with a cup of tea. Le Bar a The will tempt your

Les Toilettes

When I came to Europe for the first time in the late eighties, I was forewarned about having to bring my own toilet paper when using public restrooms as it usually wasn't provided for you.  I was also told that the public restrooms often consist solely of a hole in the floor that a person simply had