En Route: Paris to London
“Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”
-Greg Anderson
Took the Eurostar from Paris to London here are a few shots.
J*
London cabs make you look fat
Paris Picks: 5 Unique Travel Guides to Ensure a Unique Parisian Experience
Before I was a travel writer I was, well and still am, a travel reader. I went through countless guides that were boring and almost read like text books, but I’ve been able to uncover a few gems that have guided me through my travels abroad. Here are my Picks for Paris.
Bon Voyage
J*
1. Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de la Fressange
Written by former model and fashion journalist Inès de la Fressange. She reveals the best shops, cafes and restaurants in the City of Light.
2. All You Need to Be Impossibly French: A Witty Investigation into the Lives, Lusts, and Little Secrets of French Women
by Helena Frith-Powell
Wonderfully written with British dry humor, this book is not only informative but also entertaining.
3. Practical Paris by Karen Henrich
Written by a Paris tour company operator that fills the book with tips you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
4. The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris by Professor Stephen C. Solosky
A less touristy guide to the more educational and cultural landmarks in Paris.
5. Stuff Parisians Like: Discovering the Quoi in the Je Ne Sais Quoi by Olivier Magny
A guide written by a Frenchman that offers insight to the Parisian culture with a dose of humor.
My Favorite Bookstores. In Memory of Mr. Whitman
The sole purpose of my trip to Paris this year was to go to Shakespeare and Company. My love of books began at a young age. In Nigeria we start to attend school at the age of three. I remember my first book, it was an English language manual filled with children’s stories.
When my family packed up and headed to the states, my parents attempted to leave my book collection, but I cried so hard that they allowed me to carry a separate little suitcase on the plane filled with my treasures.
When I moved out of my parents home in New Jersey, my father took on the task of sending me my book collection. “Chinonso you have over two hundred books!” He exclaimed in his accented English.
Okay so you get the point; I love books! I’m surprised that I’ve waited this long to become a writer.
Shakespeare and Company will always be my number one choice. But since I live in New York I had to find some local favorites.
Large selection of used books. They also have a great occult section.
They have a cute little outdoor area in the back where you can sit and relax.
I never feel too guilty buying a huge stack of paperbacks. It’s for charity!
I love this space.
Also hosts language classes.
RIP Mr. Whitman
J*
Joie de vivre
My time in Paris was short but douce. I didn’t spend my days on the usual touristy treadmill of museums, recommended eateries and landmarks. Instead my friends and I had a very relaxed and pencil written itinerary. We stumbled into a few local bars, bookstores and cafes where no one really spoke any English (or chose not to), which was both a wonderful and educational experience.
I’m looking into a few French language schools in Paris so that I’ll be able to apply whatever I learn in class immediately after it’s ended. No more two-hour long sessions where we go over a list of french vocabulary and then I take to uptown train home to watch a rerun of Stargate SG-1. As great as that show is it’s not going to help me navigate my way through the rest of France next year. I plan on returning to The City of Light and then driving around the country. Should be fun! Stay tuned.
J*
