the big fat world

The Paris Metro system is a labyrinth of 16 city lines with suburban RER lines snaking themselves all around the city. It looks pretty daunting, but the system is quite robust and can really aid to the aching pieds (feet) after a long days of site seeing. Oddly enough, the name Metro comes from the [...]

You walk around Paris long enough and you will see just about everything. I saw illegal immigrants bolting from the Eiffel Tower when the cops showed up, I saw teenagers doing everything but the big ‘S’ with their clothes on in the Metro, and numerous bizarre Parisian signs. So, on my next to last day, [...]

Paris, oh Paris. Literature and fantasies live up to this city being the most beautiful in the world. She has been through a lot throughout the years with civil wars and foreign occupations. Just think that Hitler ordered Major General Dietrich von Choltitz to destroy Paris if the Allies forced the Nazis out. Much to [...]

In a continuing effort to bring you the very best in funny road signs, I have my Paris collection part deux (click here for part un). These are real signs and have in no way been doctored so I appear funnier or more sage. OMG, the French now have a warning label on their wine [...]

One thing a visitor must do whether they can afford it or not and to stop inside the hallowed halls of Galleries LaFayette, the most elegant and shi-shi department store Paris has to offer. Built about 120 years ago, this place is pure sin for the shop-aholic. You will be seduced by the perfume and [...]

I have such an affinity for foreign signs, so much that this collection is strictly Paris. This city has an over abundance of quirky signs that would delight anyone. Please enjoy!! 1. Yikes! Found this in the Metro, kinda looks like your soul is being zapped from your body, kinda like how the French make [...]

Well, it’s true. Paris has been seduced. One of the last bastions of Anti-Americanism has fallen victim to 3.50 euro coffee beverage (No news whether Italy has suffered the same fate).  Yes, the coffee behemoth has found the almighty Paris and it’s been love at first sight. For the bargain price of $5 you can [...]

You don’t have to be in Paris very long to witness true democracy, or socialism. By this I mean, LA GREVE, or a strike. Everyone does it, teachers, postal workers, bus drivers and even students! So it was with great pleasure(the disdain came after), that I experienced my first greve of the vacation. Now this [...]

Figuring out what to eat in France is hard enough without worrying how to eat. So I had my first serious encounter where I played the starring role of the rude American. This is a role we all play from time to time in Paris and one I have escaped for several visits. I’ll set [...]