nineveh_uk (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
nineveh_uk) wrote2008-03-30 05:42 pm
nineveh_uk) wrote2008-03-30 05:42 pm
Paris in the Springtime
Against the promise of the weather forecast, it is a lovely sunny day today, and I did various unexciting household tasks, walked round the University Parks (planting displays, what planting displays?) and finally worked out what Peter Wimsey is doing in the Wizarding World in the first place.
I’ve been dabbling in Margery Allingham’s Albert Campion novels, but I don’t think I’m going to be taking the plunge. Campion himself is considerably less absorbing than Andrex, and though Allingham can certainly write, the two I’ve tried so far “Sweet Danger and A Fashion in Shrouds are not really solvable mysteries, but mild thrillers. The Inevitable Manservant is a mere collection of ticks. Of the conclusions to the book’s two romances, one made me want to fling it across the room with its “essentially feminine” and the other was so tepid it had skin on it. I am relieved that WWII being around the corner* the love-interest Lady Aeronautical Engineer Amanda Fitton is at least unlikely to end up giving her career when she marries, as is at one point implied to be inevitable. I shall probably look out for the next couple of books with Amanda in, but at the library.
Now the important bit. I am going to Paris at the end of this week for a long weekend with Middle Sister, to buy her a dress for the many weddings she will be attending this summer, given that she last bought a new posh frock nearly three years ago, and has since been seen in it at many and various nuptial festivities throughout this green and pleasant land (and London) and for me finally to see Paris. (MS has been to Paris several times, usually to watch internationally sports matches.)
So, what and where should I see, eat, drink, and buy in Paris?
*Something one would never divine from the novel, despite a major plot strand involving the manufacture of aeroplanes.
I’ve been dabbling in Margery Allingham’s Albert Campion novels, but I don’t think I’m going to be taking the plunge. Campion himself is considerably less absorbing than Andrex, and though Allingham can certainly write, the two I’ve tried so far “Sweet Danger and A Fashion in Shrouds are not really solvable mysteries, but mild thrillers. The Inevitable Manservant is a mere collection of ticks. Of the conclusions to the book’s two romances, one made me want to fling it across the room with its “essentially feminine” and the other was so tepid it had skin on it. I am relieved that WWII being around the corner* the love-interest Lady Aeronautical Engineer Amanda Fitton is at least unlikely to end up giving her career when she marries, as is at one point implied to be inevitable. I shall probably look out for the next couple of books with Amanda in, but at the library.
Now the important bit. I am going to Paris at the end of this week for a long weekend with Middle Sister, to buy her a dress for the many weddings she will be attending this summer, given that she last bought a new posh frock nearly three years ago, and has since been seen in it at many and various nuptial festivities throughout this green and pleasant land (and London) and for me finally to see Paris. (MS has been to Paris several times, usually to watch internationally sports matches.)
So, what and where should I see, eat, drink, and buy in Paris?
*Something one would never divine from the novel, despite a major plot strand involving the manufacture of aeroplanes.
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Go to the Louvre. Excellent archaeological bits, and it contains my favourite artwork anywhere, the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Mortgage your soul to eat at Les Ambassadeurs at Le Crillon.
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The Winged Victory is possibly no. 1 on the list!
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The Sainte-Chapelle. The first time I walked into the upper section, I cried for the beauty.
The Musée de Cluny. The Unicorn tapestries, loads of gorgeous medieval art, and it doesn't get nearly enough love.
I've found loads of wonderful restaurants between the Ile-de-la-Cité and the Boulevard Saint-Germain. There are literally about four streets of tiny places competing with one another, including a wonderful fondue restaurant. Also, most of my meals last time I was in Paris came from little markets and involved baguettes, cheese, and a bottle of Bordeaux. Admittedly I was there in the middle of summer when eating outside was a Good Thing.
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Sightseeing -- outside of the usual suspects, the Musée Cluny if you like the middle ages and have the time? (Personally I have an absurd fascination with the prefecture of police across from Notre Dame, on account of the Gherkins/Hilary fic that I'm perpetually attempting -- and failing -- to re-write.)
And parenthetically, a recent article on eating alone (which you won't be) in Paris -- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080314.alone15/EmailBNStory/specialTravel/home
Have fun!
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When I went to Paris I just goggled at everything, so I can't be much help - but I hope you have a lovely time...