A Meeting of Friends

M and I sat down to listen to orientation at a small table in the palm thatched bar and I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked over, and found a fantastic surprise that made my day: G and E, who I met in Roatan last year, are here. This, I […]

In Which I Consider The Wisdom of the Ancients

As we walked down the Miami jet bridge to our waiting airplane, a wave of heat brushed my face, reminding me that I wouldn’t need my jacket for another week, and leaving me wondering why I hadn’t thought of this already. I stepped to my first row seat and pulled the coat off, unceremoniously stuffing […]

France and Paris: Past Anxieties and Future Plans

I’m going home now, having had a fantastic trip to France, and comfortable with the knowledge that I’ve left far too much to do. Those things will have to wait for a future visit. I guess I’ll be back. I was worried about France. The residents have a reputation of not welcoming American visitors who […]

I’ve Absolutely Missed Gobs of Paris

This morning began with an early ritual of packing because D will be heading back to Frankfurt for his flight this evening, and because I only need a room for one. So we started the day by requesting an Uber to yet one more new hotel. Because of a strike, there was little traffic occupying […]

They Reuse Everything Here

Throughout my morning walk, twisting and turning across central, Paris, I was I escorted by a bone-chilling fog. At ground level it was frigid but clear, but a few feet up, I could see where the mists lingered. I had been planning to visit the Eiffel Tower today, and as my steps progressed I maintained […]

Paris Is Built On A Superhuman Scale

I have a confession. Yesterday was an absolutely lovely day, which was reflected in a certain dreaminess and optimism of the post. That doesn’t reflect the reality of what I’ve experienced here, however, as the weather has been mostly inclement, ranging from blustery and cold to grey and drizzly. To put it bluntly, I’ve spent […]