As much of a tourist trap as it may be, Montmartre still has its hidden charms. My little sister used to live there, so for us it is always a pilgrimage of sorts. Walking up the back streets. Avenue Junot, Rue des Saules, are good options. Follow me on the streets of Martha’s Hill (and…
Last Sunday, Theresa May(be) signed the Brexit agreement with the European Union. Regardless of what Parliament decides, it is time to bid farewell to London and our English friends. Above: the bridges will be closed to continental ships. At long last. “I see a red door and I want to paint it black…” Jagger and…
Previously on “An unexpected trip”: my mother Renée has joined the French Air Force at the end of WWII. A captain orders her on a mysterious mission. They are to board a military plane, taking off from Paris, destination unknown. “And you took off?” I asked. “Just like that?” “Just like that.” My mother said.…
The photograph came in the post. In a manila envelope, with a note from my brother: “Here’s a picture of the family star. You’ve probably seen it before. I had it enlarged. Ask her the story behind it. I hope it lifts her spirits. Hugs. Richard.” My brother’s handwriting was as bad as usual. But…
This coming Sunday, a hundred or so heads of states will celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the end of WWI. The meeting will be in France. The war started in August 1914, and ended on November 11, 1918. An approximate 16-20 million died in the conflict. 1.4 Million French, 1.1 million “British Empire”… und so…
Welcome! Welcome! Try our 65 Pesos menu! The Day of the Dead on November 2nd is possibly one of the oldest and strongest traditions in Mexico. I believe (no evidence) that it comes from the Chinese Ghost month, when ghosts and spirits, long-gone ancestors come back from the netherworld. In the Chinese tradition, shrines are…
“Uhura, Spock, Scotty, good morning. Orders for today? Yes, Lieutenant Uhura?” “San Francisco, Sir. At a cross-point between 19th and 21st century AD.” “Good. Ready to warp, Scotty? Hop then.” (Author’s note: the above was taken on Fisherman’s Wharf, early 21st century AD). Teotihuacán, Mexico. Pyramid of the Sun. Approximately 200 BC to 550 AD.…
