I’ve hesitated to write about the coronavirus situation in general and here in Paris specifically. It is everywhere in the newspapers, on television, and online, as it should be. We haven’t faced a more serious crisis in a very long time. I just didn’t think I could add anything to the global conversation, and I … More Coronavirus and Life in Paris
A recent conversation with a Parisian grande dame was enlightening. She frequently hosts Parisian soirees that include a train-wreck of guests from all walks of life. The list of attendees runs from the owner of the local tabac who has had two books of poetry published to the odd French government minister with an artist … More The Guest Requirements
After 3 years of living here in Paris, I’ve begun to pick up on some of the more obscure but fascinating details of this unique culture. Parenting is a prime example, and I may have discussed it here before. I know I’ve discussed it with French and American friends at length. The overall behavior and … More Parisian Parenting: The Basics
My wife and I had coffee with some American neighbors last weekend. The conversation ricocheted wildly between current events, where to find good Indian food, and the ins and outs of (them) raising two young children in Paris. We shared knowing nods about how different the city is for tourists: it’s a dazzling, romantic, breathtaking, … More The Difference Between Visiting Paris, and Living in Paris
One of the joys of Paris is running across little treasures that escape the itineraries of most tourists, and even some Parisians. One such ‘hidden gem’ is the Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry school, located just off the Place Vendome in the well-heeled 1st arrondissement. Here, aspiring artisans come to learn their craft from the … More Hidden Gems
I recently found myself out of place, i.e., at an art exhibition. My default strategy: grab a plastic flute of the free champagne, find a neutral corner, decline the hors d’oeuvres, ignore the art, watch the people. I was soon joined by a kindred spirit. The Brit was clad in the standard issue ‘English country … More How To Fill A Hole
When you arrive in a new city, especially one as unique and international as Paris, you become hypersensitive to your surroundings. At least I have. Paris is ‘foreign’ to me, in the sense that the natives do not speak English as their first language, and some of their customs and habits are unique. Unique not … More Paris…For Parisians
I was sitting in the airport in Houston, waiting for my flight, when the news came. A friend sent a message: Notre Dame was on fire. I forwarded the WhatsApp note with a “??!!” attached to my wife, who was at home, working in our apartment in the 4th arrondissement, less than 100 yards from … More Notre Dame: A Monumental Loss, An Inspiring Response
At a cafe in the gold-plated first arrondissement, the expatriate writer perched at the corner of the cafe counter. At a right angle from him sat the Parisian. The Parisian and the expatriate had always nodded, but, not unusual for cafe life, had never introduced themselves. The Parisian always looked like he’d slept in his … More Go Day
I was recently asked to comment privately about the pros and cons of living in Europe. My wife and I have lived in Paris for the past five years, and the Inquiring Mind wanted to know about the relative merits of the experience. After sharing the information privately, I thought it might be a good … More Why Live in Paris?