Thankfully, some things never change...
Category: France
citizenM Hotel at CDG Paris Airport
I enjoyed my overnight stay at this modern hotel. I have pictures! [Originally posted July 24, 2018. Updated in 2020]
Meaningful Photos: a Mindfulness Practice
Meaningful Photos is one of many science-based practices for a meaningful life curated by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. For this mindfulness exercise, the how-to states: “[Take] 15 minutes per day for one week to take the photos.” Instead I did the following: From my phone's camera roll, I selected nine favorite … Continue reading Meaningful Photos: a Mindfulness Practice
Why I’m Not Donating Money to Rebuild Notre-Dame Cathedral
I just don’t have the heart to donate money to rebuild Notre-Dame because seeing it engulfed in orange and red broke it a little bit. By not donating, I'm not giving in to cheap, manipulative tactics by some to crowdsource funds. There are far wealthier sources
16 Music Videos That Were Filmed in Paris
Bonjour! Did you know? These 16 music videos for songs in English were filmed in the French capital! Watch the music videos below for a virtual trip to Paris and take in famous Parisian sights, including the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Cœur, the Louvre, the bridges along the Seine River, and more... [Disclaimer: All images belong to … Continue reading 16 Music Videos That Were Filmed in Paris
French Perfume
As I walked to my bus stop, someone outside the Alma-Marceau métro station in Paris handed me a perfume sample. I thought: For how many people will it become their favorite or maybe even their signature scent? For how many people will this fragrance be life-changing?
Les mouchoirs en papier
Pocket facial tissues and pink toilet paper in France
La Tour Eiffel
When visiting the Eiffel Tower, please set realistic expectations. Until the bulletproof anti-terror glass walls have been completely installed, don't expect to find the Eiffel Tower looking as beautiful as she does in your friends' social media posts.
Meudon Observatory Park
At the Meudon Observatory Park, I got to see artfully trimmed trees, manicured lawns, as well as a splendid view of the Paris skyline
A Francophile is Born
I describe how I became a fan of all things French. A 30-year love story in about 3 minutes.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
One Butte-iful day exploring Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur in Paris!
Paris: Strolling Around the Marais
With its street art, colorful doors, and famous square, it's easy to be charmed by the picturesque and historic Marais neighborhood in Paris.
From the Archives: Volunteering in Hérisson, France
In 1995, I spent almost a month working on an international volunteer project in Hérisson, a tiny village in central France. Our group’s goal was to spruce up the town's medieval castle
Toulouse: Walking Through the Old Town
After spending a few wonderful days in Paris, I hopped on a flight to the city of Toulouse, in southwest France. Toulouse, or La Ville Rose, is the capital of the region called Occitanie and the department of Haute-Garonne.
Building a Toy Airplane and Dreams
After my visit to Airbus in Toulouse, I went to the gift shop and bought a model airplane building-block kit of the Airbus A380! It's a fun souvenir that family and friends can put together. To assemble 70 blocks and build the cute replica, it took the Girls and me only 45 minutes, which included … Continue reading Building a Toy Airplane and Dreams
SBUX @ CDG
While there was no shortage of Starbucks in Paris, I resisted the temptation to go because I promised myself that I'd get out of my comfort zone. I did good on that promise until my last day in Paris, when I went to one at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport.
Let’s Visit Airbus
I took a tour of the Airbus final assembly site in southwest France, near the Toulouse-Blagnac airport.
Kilometer Zero Proust Questionnaire
Here are my answers to the popular placemat questionnaire
Farmers’ Market Near Toulouse
One of my favorite things to do is visiting market halls and open-air farmers' markets. I love the idea that many food vendors prepare their artisan cuisine on site using fresh ingredients produced by local farmers. I appreciate the abundance and the variety. Plus, I love the possibility of making new discoveries.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris
I'm a confirmed Catholic, but I must confess that I haven't been actively practicing. Still, visiting Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris holds a deep significance for me as it is one of the world's largest Catholic churches
