Notre-Dame Cathedral re-opens to the public on 8 December 2024

Notre-Dame Cathedral re-opens to the public on 8 December 2024 The Notre-Dame Cathedral fire on 15 April 2019 was devastating. Fire, smoke, and water extensively damaged the cathedral, the spire fell, and the roof collapsed.  On 8 November 2024 the bells of Notre-Dame rang for the first time since the fire, celebrating the intention toContinue reading “Notre-Dame Cathedral re-opens to the public on 8 December 2024”

After the Paris 2024 Olympics – what does Paris have now?

After the Paris 2024 Olympics – what does Paris have now? Paris was a party. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo, expressing gratitude to the people of Paris, said, “Thanks to the Games, we have found the joy in being together.” After the social distancing of the pandemic from 2020-2022, it was surely time to party hardContinue reading “After the Paris 2024 Olympics – what does Paris have now?”

NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: GLAD, MAD AND SAD – Blog # 27        

NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: GLAD, MAD AND SAD – Blog # 27. Glad, mad and sad – emotions, emotions, emotions! In every novel, there are characters full of emotions. How are characters’ emotions written on the page? What emotions does an author want readers to feel – blissfully happy and excited for a character,Continue reading “NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: GLAD, MAD AND SAD – Blog # 27        “

Paris periphery

Paris periphery. An electric tramway operates around the perimeter of Paris – le périphérique – the periphery, locally known as the “periph.” Alongside the tramway rail circuit are pathways and streets that, more or less, follow the rail circuit. It’s a good circuit for running, walking, cycling, or taking the dog for a stroll.

When feeling depressed, visit the Paris Opera

When feeling depressed, visit the Paris Opera. Irish author James Joyce had a routine throughout most of his twenty years living in Paris: ‘He gets up around nine, writes a little, but spends most of the morning on the phone, and chins with his friends by the hour. Before lunch he plays and sings, andContinue reading “When feeling depressed, visit the Paris Opera”

NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: THE LOVER OR THE CLICHÉ – Blog # 26        

NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: THE LOVER OR THE CLICHÉ – Blog # 26. This is Paris. There must be a lover in my new Paris book. Why? Because this is Paris. Oh, the cliché! Oh, the dilemma!  ‘Cliché’ means that a phrase or idea or opinion – or even a character – is  over-used. We’veContinue reading “NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2024: THE LOVER OR THE CLICHÉ – Blog # 26        “

The Birth of Department Stores exhibition, Paris

The Birth of Department Stores exhibition, Paris. The exhibition “The Birth of Department Stores” – “La naissance des Grands Magasins” – at the Museum of Decorative Arts – Musée des Arts décoratifs (MAD) – in Paris from 10 April to 13 October 2024 explores the evolution of Parisian department stores from 1852 to 1925. It focuses on fashion, design,Continue reading “The Birth of Department Stores exhibition, Paris”

We did it, We did it! J’ai fait les Jeux! (I was in the Games!)

We did it, We did it! J’ai fait les Jeux! (I was in the Games!). I’ve received my official Badge for volunteering at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. ‘Paris2024’ and its Official Partners have awarded the volunteers of the Olympics and Paralympics with a J’ai fait les Jeux (I was in the Games) Open Badge in recognition ofContinue reading “We did it, We did it! J’ai fait les Jeux! (I was in the Games!)”