France

Well it appears as though I am being sent to a virology conference in Paris France. So, let me be up front, I suspect that Paris (and France) are for the most part wasted on a guy like me and it would not be my prime choice for places to visit on my first ever trip to Europe - but what the heck, it's free! That being said, there are a few places I want to check out in what little free time I will have, but I thought I might solicit some suggestions from the blogosphere. Where should I go? And please, no one had better suggest the "Da Vinci Code Tour."

Despite the coolness of a free trip to Paris, it shall not be an overly joyfull trip...rather lonely I should expect since I will not be able to bring my wife along with me. Life experiences unshared seem rather lack-luster to me. I'll miss my family greatly. Yes, all alone and pretty much measuring up to all of France's american stereotypes, it should be a real hoot.

I'll make sure to wear this shirt and ask for beer at every resteraunt (poo-pooing their silly wine) and asking for insights into what went wrong at Trafalgar.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I suggerst the Da Vinci Code tour. While wearing the shirt.
3:55 PM
Anonymous said…
Yeah, Trafalgar, or Waterloo, or...

Give you joy of your trip, though :-)

Liz
4:11 PM
Anonymous said…
Seriously, what about one of the Naval yards? They must have a few old frigates hanging about. Maybe you could rent a boat and attempt to bottle up Linois in Toulon for a few hours, or spike a few 12-pounders overlooking some harbor?
4:25 PM
fdj said…
I'll only do the Da Vinci Code tour after singing "God grant you many may beers"

"They must have a few old frigates hanging about."

No actually I believe they all ended up in England.
4:29 PM
Munkee said…
There are definitely some worthwhile Orthodox churches to check out from the days of the "Paris school" and the like. I would also recommend picking up some Calvados in Normandy if you have the opportunity. Besides being a trippy bottle with a pear literally grown inside, it houses some tastey brandy. I picked up a bottle that stateside would have cost me upwards of $100 for around $35 in Normandy where most of the stuff originates. The Louvre is definitely very worthwhile, it ain't just art, it's OLD art!

I'm just Sorry you have to go alone.
8:40 PM
Mark said…
In lieu of trackback you've request has been linked here
4:40 AM
Anonymous said…
Say what you will about the French, but hey, this is Paris we're talking about here--one of the most incredible cities anywhere! Just smile, be friendly and don't dress like an American tourist (white tennis shoes, baseball cap and gym wear) and you'll be just fine. The Louve, of course, is a must, but the best part of Paris is simply "being there." So many tourist miss that by trying to tag all the major sites. I enjoy the Marais District, particularly the Place des Vosges and the Place de Bastille. The Cafe du Phares on the Place de Bastille is a great place to drink a beer and watch the world go by. Just try and stay off the main tourist trails.
6:20 AM
fdj said…
I'm trying to avoid the big standard touristy things...at least unless it has some appeal to me personally. I can live with or without the Eiffel Tower. I've mapped out a number of places to see Roman Ruins which I am totally stoked about.

And the Orthodox Institute/Churches I am looking into as well.
9:38 AM
123 said…
You should check out St. Chappelle which is the ancient personal chapel of the Kings and Queens of France. It is the ultimate expression of what medieval, western architecture was about- a weightlessness to the walls and light everywhere. It is beautiful, and close to the Louvre and other tourist places.
11:01 AM
Anonymous said…
If I slip you a few Euro's, will you pick up a real beret for me? Someone also mentioned sites of the Paris Orthodox folks; that is a Schmemann & Meyendorf pilgrimmage. If you are a convert who never smiles and wears a chotki all the time, disregard this last suggestion....
--- Bob K.
11:30 AM
Anonymous said…
Ditch the conference, hop a bus, and in no time you'll be in Serbia...

Rade
1:30 PM
layne (herman) said…
i realize that this trip is "work related" and not too cool as you will not be able to share it with your wife and family... perhaps you can season the trip with a pilgrimage flavor...?

'Towards and Orthodox France' a sermon by St. John of San Francisco http://www.orthodoxengland.btinternet.co.uk/oefranc2.htm

Service to the Holy Hieromartyr Irenæus, Bishop of Lyons in Gaul http://www.orthodoxengland.btinternet.co.uk/serviren.htm

And apparently in Paris is the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute

Have a good trip!
8:34 AM
layne (herman) said…
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
8:37 AM
layne (herman) said…
sorry about the link problem for those two sites. Add a htm at the end of each of the addresses
8:40 AM
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