Tag Archives: Paris

Feb12

Paris, the Walmart of Love?

Posted on February 12, 2014 by LookingfortheSweetSpot

Des Arts Bridge

After reading recently how we Americans waste too much time playing video games and social networking, I decided to step away from the Candy Crush, with my hands visible at all times, long enough to attempt to hash out an article. The truth is, I have been procrastinating (i.e. trying to beat the next level) on writing this particular post. You see, I love Paris (for proof, go here, here and here!).-– even with all the escargot eating (although the Nutella crepe eating ain’t half bad), having to bag my own groceries (it is good to be useful, even when you are the one paying the money), the one waiter haughtily thinking it necessary to inform Teen Steak Tartar was in fact ‘raw meat’ (possibly Teen’s quip “oh, just slap it on the grill, then” was not well timed), Parisians mostly preferring kids be seen and not heard (ok, secretly, I envied that part – see aforementioned quip). Nonetheless, I love Paris in all its’ facets (especially the Parisian Grandma who “photo-bombed” Teen & Pre-Teen) which is why it pains me to offer this slight criticism of the beautiful city.

Last year on Valentine’s Day, I shared a discovery made during a trip to Italy concerning the Love Locks (We Got to Let Love Rule). In essence, it is the practice of “locking your love” with a padlock onto a romantic bridge and throwing the key into the river below, thus sealing your everlasting love. (For more information on rules of engagement and origins of the Love Lock ritual, go here!).

Therefore, it was no surprise to again see Love Locks adorning bridges during a subsequent trip to Paris – all those bridges over the River Seine to choose from! However, coming upon the Love Lock operation on the Des Arts Bridge felt like (I am sorry to say) the Walmart of Love (even though it is completely criminal and not a little bit gross to put those two words together in a sentence).

The whole deal is becoming like a one-stop shopping for the love masses (with a better dress code). Locks can be purchased for a discounted price from dueling street vendors right there on the bridge (after waiting in line, of course). And no longer is the ritual just for the hopeless romantics, but all are welcome – bffs, mom’s and daughters, people who just met for the first time over a latte. The amount of locks weighing down the bridge is, in a word, outrageous! Observe. (I swear that really isn’t Pre-Teen kicking the Locks of Love, honest.)

(Video by Teen)

Well, right then and there, Teen, Pre-Teen and I decided if Love Locks were going to be taken to this extreme, clearly, some guidelines needed to be established – a list of DO’s and DON’Ts as it were. I think you will see what I mean…

Here are 6 of our suggestions!

1. DON’T use a combination lock to express your devotion. A key lock says forever, a combo lock says 6 months, tops.

2. DON’T lock your love onto another’s lock. Seriously, do you really want the success of your relationship hinged on the backs of several others? That is like depending on Bieber to stop getting arrested and taking up valuable news time.

3. DO make sure your key, when thrown, actually makes it into the water (Teen and Pre-Teen wanted to help out this unfortunate, doomed couple by scooting their key over the edge and into the river, but I told them you can’t mess with providence).

4. DON’T accidentally throw your car, home or hotel keys into the water instead of the keys to your Love Lock – clearly an omen no relationship could survive.

5. DO, if you are locking your love to a bridge in celebration of a momentous event or anniversary, get the largest lock you can find – because, yes indeed, size matters.

6. DO make sure your lock has a good view. After all, it is for eternity…or until the next bolt cutter comes around.

In the wonderful words of Lenny Kravitz – “We Got to Let Love Rule“…

Only, maybe, with a few guidelines – just to keep the beautiful ritual from becoming any more Walmart-esque, like people showing up in pajamas, or worse yet, locking their love amidst a parade of body parts never meant to see the light of day.

That rumble you hear is Napoleon turning over in his (very large/could fit 20 men) tomb

Happy Valentines Day!

A Paris Perspective: The River and Bridges

Posted on December 11, 2013 by LookingfortheSweetSpot

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It is impossible to complete my perspective until I have paid homage to the River Seine and beautiful bridges of Paris. Without them, Paris would, well still be spectacular but somehow less so.

In keeping with my usual travel routine of always having a movie location to find in famous cities, Paris was no different. For example, in Rome, I searched for the Mouth of Truth from Roman Holiday, in Venice – The Italian Job, in Vera Cruz – Romancing the Stone, and in Paris – The Bourne Idendity . More particularly, Pont Neuf (Jason wasn’t there, I checked) . Along the way, however, I discovered Pont Neuf was just one of many unique and wonderful bridges in Paris. Here are a few of my favorite perspectives:

Part Three: The River Seine and Bridges

A view of Pont Neuf from the Love Lock encrusted Des Arts Bridge.

Pont Neuf

The River Seine and the stairs to nowhere.

Pont de Bir Hakeim – A two level bridge – one for pedestrians and the other for vehicles.

And here the pigeons of Venice thought they were the only ones that could swarm.

And here the pigeons of Venice thought they were the only ones able to swarm for the camera.

Pont St. Louis from Ile St. Louis to Notre Dame.

And now, my photo story is all told out – until I am lucky enough to be in Paris again.

Long live snails…because I would rather they live than have to eat them.

For more on Paris:

A Paris Perspective: The Monuments

A Paris Perspective: The City

Paris, the Walmart of Love?

For more Sweet Spot Travel Posts: Sweet Spot Travels

Dec5

A Paris Perspective: The City

Posted on December 5, 2013 by LookingfortheSweetSpot

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When traveling, I randomly (and my family would say – excessively) shoot picture after picture after picture. My mantra excuse is always I never know quite what I will want to share about a city or place – what will stand out, make me laugh, make me want to return.

Likewise, I never know what Teen and Pre-teen are going to glean from our experiences. In my last post A Paris Perspective: The Monuments, I shared Part One of my photo perspective and Teen’s short but to the point assessment of Paris. Pre-teen, however, in a moment of rarity, was more loquacious on his impressions.

Pre-Teen’s 4 Parisian Summations:

1. Napoleon, as basically the only French war hero, pretty much has it made in the eternal “hero-worship” department.

2. The most memorable experience in Paris is climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower where the telescope glasses allow you to stalk tourists in the plaza below.

3. Escargot tastes like, well, eating a snail.

Last, and unarguably the most important…

4. When in Paris, Nutella filled crepes should be consumed at every possible opportunity, morning, noon and night.

As for mine, again, Paris can speak for itself.

Part 2: The City

The carousel at Hotel de Ville

A city street

The Metro at Saint Michel

The Moulin Rouge

Jardin de Tuileries

View from the Pantheon steps

Galerie Vivienne

Inside the Galerie Vivienne

Place de Concorde

And yes, there is a Part Trois – Rivers and Bridges – coming next!

Other Paris perspectives:

A Paris Perspective: The Monuments

A Paris Perspective: The River and Bridges

Paris, the Walmart of Love?

For more Sweet Spot Travel Posts: Sweet Spot Travels

Dec3

A Paris Perspective: The Monuments

Posted on December 3, 2013 by LookingfortheSweetSpot

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There are three things to know about visiting Paris in November:

1. It will be cold – meaning many of the fountains will be dormant for winter and the gardens will be limited to a fall array of colors and falling leaves.

2. BUT – There will be no lines or crowds for anything, anywhere, no matter what the monument, museum, or historic landmark!

3. No matter what the time of year, every corner you turn in Paris will take your breath away.

This was our first time in Paris and as I labored over what to write it finally dawned on me (in much the same way as discovering no matter how prepared or what they are called, Escargot is still a snail) – Paris can quite effectively speak for itself.