Dear Ira......
 

Iam currently reading an interesting book by Diane Johnson:
"Into a Paris quartier", concerning the history in and around St.Germaimain in the 6th arrondissement and the history of same. So..... I came to think about you, as you stay in the Hotel Bonaparte, which I suppose is near (or on) rue Bonaparte. My question to you is : "What guided you there?"
My best regards to you, always....Louise

Oops...I meant to write"St.Germain".
Sometimes my fingers take liberties. Sorrry

Can't wait for Ira's reply either!
Parfym have you read "From Paris to the Moon" by Adam Gopnik? I found it absolutely delightful - he also stayed in the Saint Germain area. At the moment have just finished Sarah Turnbull's book "Almost French" and loved it.

ttt

I'm sure Ira will answer, but I don't think it's anything exotic. As I recall, he simply found it in a guidebook many years ago and has gone ever since (I think Frommers $5 a day or something).

Hi P,

Christina gave it away.

(I'm impressed that she would have remembered.)

The reason that we have continued to return is that they treated us so well the first time, and every time since.

Also, my Lady Wife's father studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts.

((I))

Ira, you are such a class act!

I have a very good memory--sometimes it comes in handy, and sometimes people think it's scary. It's not one of those weird photographic memory things, though.

Christina - is it the same as my memory?

I can remember the smallest insignificant facts that are useless in daily life, however I'm not sure what I had for breakfast yesterday :-)

I can remember yesterday's breakfast, I can't remember why I just went into the next room
:)

Ira,

Do you remember the Café des Beaux Arts?

>Do you remember the Café des Beaux Arts?<

Yes, U.

The whole neighborhood has been gentrified, so a lot of the old faces aren't there anymore.

((I))

Ira,

Thanks for satisfying my curiosity.

Nice that you found a "permanent" home to return to when in Paris.

We found a small cosy one around Les Halles, that has a village feel to it.

Tod,

Yes, I had a hard time putting down "Almost French", and wished it had been longer. After that book, I found "Paris to the Moon" a bit dry.

Next up on the list:
"Paris,Paris:Journey in the City of Light" by David Downie and

"The Essence of Style: How the French Invented high Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication and Glamour" by Joan DeJean.

What is next on your list?

Hi P,

>I had a hard time putting down "Almost French", ...<

My Lady Wife liked it so much that I have had to schedule a day in the Sentier district.

((I))

Ira,

I remember toasting you in Venice over a glass of Prosecco.
Do you want to toast eachother over un verre blanc in le Sentier district next spring? I am nice, I now how to make Swedish pancakes and love to dance. My DH is
interesting without being overbearing and unessecarily
opinionated.
We live in Northern California,.......a real challenge, but the weather and the wine is (are) excellent.
Still.....enjoy your day.(sorry but some of these cliches get inbedded. regardless how well they are meant. And.....they are.)

Hi P,

I don't think we will be in Paris next Spring.

However, let me know when you will be there and I will have a Kir in your honor.

((I))

Parfym - I will put those books on my list. Trying to ease myself into the Da Vinci Code after reading all those negative posts a little while ago! If I want to do the tour I'd better start soon as I fly on 29th. Instead, my hand reached out and grabbed a little thin book by Michael Sadler called "An Englisman a la Campagne" It looks like a quick read before the "monster mash"!
Ira - After reading Susan Loomis' two Tarte Tartin books I made up my mind then and there to take a day trip to Louviers and go and see the beautiful old house she & hubby have restored.
I'm also heading for restaurant Balzar to see what all the fuss was about in Gopniks book!

Hi tod,

>I'm also heading for restaurant Balzar to see what all the fuss was about in Gopniks book!<

I'll be interested in your views.

((I))

Ira,
Thank you, it is a deal :)

Tod,

So many books and so little room in the suitcase!
I'm looking forward to reading about your visit to Balzar after your return from your upcoming wonderful trip. Have fun and be safe.