Day 246: Writings

I've had an idea for awhile now to write a guidebook from the perspective of neighborhoods.  Right now the working title is Neighborhood Mosaic (too ordinary?).  I was thinking the cover could be a mosaic of my Paris pictures (black and white) that creates a scene in Paris or a map of the arrondissements.  I want to write nonfiction that will encourage people to travel to places and stand in the footsteps of what I have brought alive for them.  Growing up I remember planning trips around movies or books.  One year we did a “National Treasure” themed trip and I loved it.  There were some disappointments when I realized that there was not truth to all of the happenings and locations in the movie, but I felt something when I knew about these places and went to them.  I remember the last time I went to Paris we visited some locations featured in “The Da Vinci Code.”  Imagine if you went to places that were true and real.  While in Paris my second time, I read A Moveable Feast by Hemingway.  It is about his time in Paris and I loved how he brought Paris alive.  When I visited the places he described, it meant something to me because he gave the place significance.  What if I could write stories about people or events in certain locations that would encourage people to travel and see and feel that moment in time?  To me, this is where nonfiction is so powerful.  I find truth to be awakening.

I think I can take this book even farther by creating audio guides and an app that will be equipped with related images.  For example, if I am visiting Notre Dame and I discuss the relics, the app would have images determined by your location.

So today I started a draft.  I thought I'd post some of it on here to hopefully get some feedback and thoughts.  I've always heard that you should write for yourself.  If that is my goal, then this is how I would write.  I want to use it as a way to bring interest to others, but also preserve my memories and learn more about the places I love.  I have an idea someday that I might like to be a Paris tour guide.  This would only help me gain some of the background that I need. 

I wouldn't end this series with Paris though.  I would also really like to write one about Venice.  I think this format could work for all cities because each one has distinct neighborhoods with different character.   What do you think?

Here is a sample of my introduction.  It is in rough form, but gives you an idea.  I'll also include a segment from my Montmartre chapter.  I'd love some critiquing! 

Introduction

Cities are comprised of a number of neighborhoods that give the overall identity for the city.  Each personality of a neighborhood is like a new piece of glass coming together to make the whole image.  Closer investigation into these neighborhoods reveals a distinct character and vibe of its own.  To truly appreciate a place, one must delve into the corners and back alleys that are the veins for the beating city. 

Paris is broken into 20 arrondissements or districts.  You will find that each district will affect you in a variety of ways.  There are a number of contributing factors that lead to this village within a city feeling.  Looking into the history of the neighborhood is a strong indicator for the reasoning behind these differences.  The age, art, inhabitants, and politics all create the makeup of the area. 

Neighborhood Mosaic is a combination of a guidebook and personal anecdotes.  The neighborhoods I have selected are only a few of the many that can be found in Paris.  These sites have come alive in my visits.  As you read through the anecdotes and historical references, I hope that you find yourself unable to resist the urge to buy a plane ticket so that you can stand in the footsteps of the city that has made an impact on many lives and is waiting to impact yours.

Chapter 4: Montmartre

           Montmartre was my home during my first visit to Paris.  I had graduated from college and my aunts were generous enough to pay my way for a week in Paris.  We stayed in an apartment on Yvonne le Tac; a short walk to the nearest metro.  Apartments have such a great appeal to us.  For that week, we are living with the Parisians.  We smell the garlic roasting for dinner downstairs.  Small exchanges occur as you try to squeeze past a neighbor on the stairs, trying to wind down without winding down on the ground.  You may even have the opportunity to climb over a homeless man lying across your front door.  My favorite benefit of staying in an apartment is to shop like the Parisians.  Each day we search for the freshest baguette, cheese, wine, and every other cliché purchase.  We begin to become familiar with the man down at the little grocery.  We even set out our garbage like the rest.

If staying near the Abessess metro, be sure to pray on each journey for a working elevator.  This metro station is one of the deepest in Paris with over 200 steps to climb.  Great for exercise, but be prepared for a workout if you’ve got luggage.

Day 195: New Sights in Paris

Best Moments:
1. Seeing the Louvre with a guide
2. Understanding that the Louvre has a Naploean propaganda room
3. Ordering a carnet of metro tickets with the goal in mind of using all of them
4. Finally walking down Rue Mouffetard
5. Picking up a cheese and roasted tomato sandwich hugged with a delicious French baguette
6. Finding a quiet little park outside of a church to enjoy my picnic

7. Stopping at Ile St. Louis for a glace
8. Picking up scarves for myself and our guide
9. Walking through the very picturesque Paris Opera House
10. Visiting Montmartre
11. Understanding a little more of Montmartre's history through the Montmartre Museum
12. Looking around and seeing beauty everywhere
13. Walking down Abbesses and not realizing there was so much more to it
14. Enjoying the last dinner with my new friends (this is a best moment, but also a very sad one)
15. Coming back to the hotel for our last happy hour
16. Sharing our best moments with each other and realizing that they wouldn't have been possible without each other
17. Taking one last scenic night stroll in the rain

Flickr Set of Images

Day 194: Ja'Taime Paris

Best Moments
1.) Morning walk in Beaune
2.) Drinking wine as we entered Paris
3.) Our bus driver giving us a scenic tour of Paris before he dropped us off (even going through the crazy roundabout of the Arc de Triomphe)
4.) Saying our goodbyes to our bus driver and reflecting on all of the fun memories
5.) Purchasing a book similar to Where's Waldo with French descriptions of famous Paris sights
6.) Returning to Notre Dame and feeling the same sensation I did last time
7.) Wandering Paris in the crazy rain and cold
8.) Thinking I was ordering duck and getting turkey instead
9.) Taking a cruise down the Seine
10.) Having a buddy to keep me warm on the cold/wet walk back to our hotel (it didn't help that I wasn't dressed for this weather) 

Flickr Set of Images

Day 114: Dreams

I am so excited for tomorrow.  I have been wanting to teach elementary for a long time now and I feel like this may be my chance.  Five people have recommended me, so if it doesn't work out, something went horribly wrong. 

Today's image cannot be claimed by me other than I took a picture of it.  This photograph hangs above my bed.  Sweet dreams.

Day 110: Mementos

Tomorrow is a half day...for the kids.  Somehow any change in routine feels like the week is a little better than a normal week.  I actually am pretty excited I get some time to clean up/begin packing up my room before our meeting.  A lot of moving is going to be in my future, so I might as well get started.


Hmm, now that I'm starting to feel better, I need to start going to the Zumba classes that I bought a groupon for.


Today's picture shows the three scarves I bought in Paris this trip.  I just adore them.  My kids adopted a city today for weather observations and some of my students picked Paris.  I love when little trip reminders come up.  The other day I pulled my cell phone out of my purse and a metro ticket was stuck behind it.  I set it on my desk as a little memento.

Day 90: Trip for One to Paris

I woke up quite nauseous and unaware of how my journey on the train to Paris would go.  I did not sleep well because I had not tested my alarm (I know, stupid) and I was concerned that it wouldn't work.  Of course, it worked just fine and I was up at 6:00.  

I don't know if I was feeling unwell because of my lack of sleep, my nerves, or something I ate the previous day, but I was focusing really hard on not getting sick.  I fixed a beautiful breakfast, but I could not eat it.


Before leaving for the train I went to the bathroom one last time so I wouldn't have to go on the train.  As I sat there, I saw something large and black moving out of the corner of my eye.  As I looked over I stood up abruptly and screamed.  Luckily I was in the bathroom not connected to the apartment, so no one heard me.  This beetle-like thing was the length of my thumb and a little wider.  Freaking out, I grabbed the nearest object that would have killing power and heard the crunch that ended the life of the bug.  I should have picked up the object and the bug under it, but I could not bring myself to do it, so I left it.  Sorry to my aunts if they lifted that cup and found it.


After this scariest moment of the trip, I loaded up and walked with my aunts down to the shuttle.  It was a windy morning, perhaps even mistral-like.  I secured a seat on the shuttle and waited for take-off.


As I waited at the train station I started to get hungry, which was a good sign.  I did not need my back up vomit bag.  The train ride was kind of long because I was now ready for the last leg of my adventure.


The arrival in Paris caused my adrenaline to kick in.  Note to self, don't bring two carry bags, it is too much work.  Note to note to self, don't rely on a "pretty" bag because it is probably not durable and the straps will break.  I had to make two connections, walk probably two miles, and follow the assistance of a helpful Parisian to get to my hotel.  Once there, I dropped off my baggage and with less weight on my shoulders, I was ready to explore.


I have to tell you before I go into the details of this day that this was one of the most amazing days in my travel history.  In case it does not come off in my explanation, I need you to know that.


I had created a rough plan of what I wanted to do before the arrival, but I thought it too ambitious, so I just tried to do what I could.  The first necessity was lunch.  On Rue Cler (the street I stayed on) there was a wonderful smell coming from a boulangerie and I picked up a poulet sandwich to eat as I walked.  This was one of my "to-do" items and I was so happy to come across it.  I ate half and stowed the other half for later.


I got on the metro and went to Hotel de Ville to see the Doisneau photography exhibition.  When I arrived I found the line way too long, so I tried to make my way to Carnavalet.  I wandered for awhile, and I finally reached the musee.  I walked around a bit in this museum of Paris history.  I thought the museum was okay, but it does not rank up there with the Louvre, L'Orangerie, or Rodin.  

I thought I'd try to make my way over to the islands, but seemed to lose my sense of direction, so after walking the streets of Paris a bit, I got on the handy metro and took it back to Hotel de Ville.  I found the line to be much shorter this time, so I waited.  After about a half an hour, I was let into the exhibit.  The focus of the photographs was Les Halles (the market).  He captured some amazing photographs of the vendors.  I really liked how this exhibit focused on the one theme of the market.  It inspired me to select a theme for my day of photographing adventure.  Although I took pictures of whatever I thought was interesting, I tried to capture more of the people.


After the exhibit I went to Isle de la Cite to see Notre Dame.  This is my favorite church in the world (so far).  It was so busy and I contemplated not going in.  I started to walk away, when I thought I better go in now.  I waited in line for a short while.  I noticed a sign going in with a picture of the relics from the Passion.  I was hoping I would see them, but I figured the sign was for Palm Sunday.  There was a mass beginning as I walked in, so I looked around and enjoyed being in the church.  As I approached the middle of the church by the rose window, I stopped to take some photographs.  A man came up and pushed us all to the side.  I thought he just wanted to get us out of the way so that others could walk past, but I did not realize that the others would be the head of the church, nuns, fathers, and THE relics.  I began snapping like crazy.  As the relics began to pass me, maybe two feet away, I began to feel a tingling sensation.  I found myself tearing up and I could not believe that I just happened to be there at that moment.  I always wish I felt more when it came to religion and I have to say this is the first time it felt like there was something else.


I continued to walk through the church and listen to some of the mass.  As I left the Notre Dame doors, I was in such a good place.  What a moment.  This moment called for something extraordinary: Berthillion Glace (ice cream).  I walked past the side of the church, finishing my sandwich.  My next stop was across the bridge to Isle Ste. Louis.  I passed the street musicians and walked up to a line full of people with the same thought as me.  I devoured my cone of cafe and chocolat.  I walked the streets where we stayed the last time in Paris and did a bit of shopping.  


There was one more sight to see in this area, so I crossed the bridge to leave the islands and walked up the seine.  I looked at the book stalls to see if anything caught my attention.  I found a CD for 5 euros with French love songs.  The owner of the stall tried to talk to me, but all I could really understand was that he played the drums.  He pat me on my shoulder as I walked away.  


I found the Shakespere and Company bookstore.  The last time I was here I bought "A Moveable Feast."  This time I bought Julia Child's cookbook.  It was approaching the time to check in, so I got on the metro and headed back to the hotel.  


I stayed in a nice little one bed room with a sink.  The toilet was next door and the shower was up two flights of stairs.  It was a safe hotel that worked perfectly for my needs.  I dropped off my bags, refilled my water, and headed back out to the streets.


I could see the Eiffel Tower from my street, so I started to walk in that direction.  I walked through beautiful residential neighborhoods.  Each time I sneaked a peak of the Eiffel Tower through the side streets, it looked more and more beautiful.  The first time I saw it, I was not too impressed, but as I see it from different perspectives, I enjoy it more and more.  I came up on it in a different angle this time and there was a lovely little garden and pond next to it.  I had never seen it from this side, so I snapped a bunch of pictures.  

At this point my stride was slowing, so I had to make a plan.  I was originally going to eat on Rue Cler, but the sun was still out, so I took the metro up to Montmartre.  I had wanted to do this, but I just couldn't see how I could fit it in with time.  Time was on my side, so I walked up by the Place de Tetre and planted myself at a cafe.  I ordered wine and escargot.  I watched the people walking by and artists trying their best to get some business.  I also did a bit of shopping at my favorite store up there: Anoki.  I didn't think I had anymore room in my luggage, but I knew I'd find a way.


I walked to Sacre Coeur and found a nice spot on the crowded stairs.  I listened to some music as the sun began to set.  I couldn't believe that I was so lucky to sit on these steps and take in all of the things that I love about Paris.  As I looked over I saw a guy that Valerie and I saw every night when we were in Paris four years ago.  It was kind of sad that he is still doing the same thing and trying to pick up ladies on the steps.  


It was getting dark, so I took the metro back to my hotel.  I found a very busy cafe and decided to have one more glass of wine.  I ordered champagne and a cheese plate.  I watched the Parisians enjoying their Friday night.  I wish I could bring this cafe home with me.

Day 78: Steel Magnolias

I don't think I've ever seen magnolias bloom this fast.  There used to be a tree right outside the education building at NIU and I loved looking at its blooms.

Today was all about preparation.  I woke up early so that I could do my school work and I was able to finish before 9:00.  I made lists, started using them to pack, made more lists, talked to my aunts, then packed more.  I don't remember doing so much planning for the departure in my early traveling days, but I definitely feel like I do much more now.  I think it is because I have realized how valuable every second is while abroad and I don't want to have to waste it on anything silly.

I think this trip ranks pretty high with excitement.  I'm so excited to see new areas and visit my old favorite, Paris.  I was talking to my Aunt Linda about what I want to see in Paris and we both came up with these lists that are unrealistic, but I just think that shows how much there is to do there.  This will be my third time visiting and I think that even if I lived there I would not be able to see everything I want.  Here are some ideas though:  Old Favorites-Notre Dame, Seine, Tullieries, Montmartre, New Sights-Carnavalet, Hotel De Ville (photography exhibit), Rue Cler, and who knows what else.  Adventures lie ahead and I'm ready.