Artichokian Flowers
Have you ever wondered about the first ones to eat something new that they hadn't encountered before? IS it edible? What PART is edible? Should it be eaten RAW or COOKED? What part do you DISCARD?...
Seeing From Another Angle
This whole time (Italy, France...) is a lesson for me that my life experience is entirely a reflection of what's going on between my own ears. For instance, Americans always say "The French are...
Impromptu Wine & Appetizers
"Maureen, there are a few of us having some appetizers and wine. Why don't you come join us?" It was Mario, the regional director for ONAV, the National Organization of Wine Tasters. We had met a...
Parade of Fur
Gotta love these Italians. They had two national, Catholic holidays at the beginning of December. Then two weeks off for Christmas and New Years. Then, today is the Feast of the Epiphany, also a...
Buttons Big as Plates
From my journal entry, New Year's Day 2010: I took off walking toward the Duomo at 4:10 today. It's New Year's Day. I needed to get out of the house and get my body moving. I decided to zig zag...
Lotsa Mink
I haven't seen this much fur ever, anywhere. Between Milano and Paris my eyes are full-up with fur coats! Women stroll arm-in-arm with a sweetheart or a girlfriend and browse the shop windows in...
Faces of Friends
New Year's Eve. "Capodanno" they call it here. Fireworks are going off in the distance. Having just come back from the energy of Paris, I don't feel compelled to go downtown tonight, but will follow...
Magic in Paris
By day's end, my feet were screaming. The "slow museum shuffle" is exhausting, more so than walking briskly for 5 miles. I had to get back to my room, unload the few things I carried and take a...
Savoring and Relishing
Journal Entry: "8:00 P.M. After a day at the Louvre. I've just eaten the most sumptuous dinner at a little restaurant/bar, "Louis Vins". The food had me melting at the first bite. Le Louis Vins, 9...
Midnight Mass at Notre Dame
It seemed to me that the ultimate Parisian, Catholic experience would be attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. (And it seemed the thought occurred to thousands of others, too.) It was raining...
Fast Food, Parisian-Style
Hungry in Paris? Good food is never far away. I like that the stores are specialized and are clustered near each other. Hop from one to the next and gather enough for a very good meal. Here's...
Christmas Eve Dinner
What was for dinner on Christmas Eve in Paris? Fast food, Parisian-style! From my journal yesterday: 5:30 P.M. Christmas Eve, Paris. I'm eating in my hotel room, after spending all afternoon at...