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Post by tod2 on Oct 24, 2015 11:07:04 GMT
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Post by breeze on Oct 24, 2015 13:33:47 GMT
The Marquis de Lafayette is one of only five honorary citizens of the United States. (I would say six, since "one" of the citizens is a married couple.)
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Post by bixaorellana on Oct 24, 2015 14:18:50 GMT
This is a delightful tour, Tod, with great details and wonderful pictures. You got some super shots window shots, particularly the two of the Petite Ceinture. Looking forward to finding out if you got back to Saint-Helena. Thank you for the lovely cemetery pictures & history. I love the autumn vines, the angel's head, & the backlit trees. I didn't know that about LaFayette's tomb -- interesting! Were the beheaded bodies brought there at night because they weren't meant to have a decent burial?
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Post by tod2 on Oct 24, 2015 14:35:05 GMT
Thank you breeze for that info.
Bixa, the history is long and complicated but my guide book says that after 73 heads were chopped off at Place de la Bastille the guillotine was moved to Place du Trone ( Nation) where the guillotine could operate with complete impunity in this remote part. It became the instrument of a convayer belt industry which, between 14 June-and 27 July 1794 eliminated 1,306 human beings - a huge number for those days. More than half were pure commoners and ranged in age from 17-80. On one occasion Sanson the executioner surpassed himself and chopped off 54 heads in 24 minutes, a feat for which he was respectfully rewarded. Even the ghastly red tip-cart carrying the dead bodies was painted red to disguise the blood. The main reason to make the journey to the gardens of Picpus by night was to avoid being seen, for the goings on in the garden were kept secret from the public.
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Post by tod2 on Oct 24, 2015 14:51:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2015 15:02:14 GMT
Oh, that is a very adventurous way to go to Rosny, but you could have taken the train straight to the mall station -- Rosny-Bois Perrier -- with trains going out of Gare de l'Est every 15 minutes or so. It is an important enough shopping mall that metro line 11 is being extended to go there, too. But it won't get there until 2022 because it means six new stations. rosnyboisperrier.prolongementligne11est.fr/
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Post by tod2 on Oct 24, 2015 16:46:58 GMT
I like the way you call my transport decisions adventurous! That's the beauty of being totally ignorant about the RER - Of course when the bus stopped right outside I realised I could have RER'd it there and back but I love the bus and I'm sure you'll agree that I saw a lot more. Actually until I saw the list of Apple Stores on the internet I had never heard of Rosny . I think a whole bunch of iPhone users don't know about it either as they were just waiting for customers to come through the door of the absolutely gigantic shop. Lots of staff snapping up customers and keeping no-one waiting. I can see I'll be back there next year for the next phone....
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Post by lagatta on Oct 24, 2015 23:32:05 GMT
I think I've actually bought croissants at that boulangerie. I was at a a conference at the University of Nanterre, and staying with friends in Montreuil. These people bought a somewhat dilapidated house near Mairie de Montreuil and fixed it up - they are artsy people of very modest means and could never have afforded a house with a large kitchen/dining area even in nearby Paris. Of course they probably bought it at least 25 years ago if not 30 (I was staying there in 2001) and had friends afraid to set foot in the area, which is now becoming quite trendy. Tod, traditionally there was a distinction between "boulangeries" - bread, but often also "viennoiseries" such as croissants, and pâtisseries - pastry shops, but it is true that there is a growing overlap. Speed Rabbit Pizza is hilarious... Edited to add; it is a chain. Frankly, it sounds very very nasty. fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_Rabbit_Pizza en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_Rabbit_PizzaThis one sounds much nicer, but who knows? fr.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g1055975-d7264318-Reviews-Alimentari-Montreuil_Seine_Saint_Denis_Ile_de_France.html
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Post by Deleted on Oct 25, 2015 5:03:34 GMT
Speed Rabbit is the only French pizza chain that has survived against Domino's and Pizza Hut. As a non pizza eater, I have no idea of the quality.
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Post by tod2 on Oct 25, 2015 8:16:19 GMT
I took the photo from the bus on the way back - having noticed the it on the way to the mall. I was intrigued by the funny name~!
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Post by nycgirl on Nov 2, 2015 1:06:47 GMT
I'm just now catching this terrific report. Good for you for doing this trip solo. Too bad you had to dodge a sleazy waiter, but it looks like you know how to take care of yourself.
The town of Pezenas looks so incredibly charming. I also enjoyed seeing your accommodations (I'd love to have a window overlooking a bustling Montmartre street), your tasty meals, and the off-the-beaten-track sights. That toy store sounds really neat. Now that I have a little one, I would probably seek out a store like that. This report really goes to show that there's an infinite number of things to see in Paris even for someone who has been many times.
Can't wait to see Kruger next!
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 9:14:04 GMT
Thank you nycgirl and congratulations on the new addition! I'm sorry if I missed the announcement.
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 11:11:24 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 11:36:14 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 12:34:35 GMT
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Post by bjd on Nov 2, 2015 13:37:08 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 14:22:20 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 14:35:15 GMT
Yes, she did a lot of photos but did not mention that big flat stone in the courtyard. I was interested in the stone after reading about it in "Unexplored Paris". I did not remember she stayed in an apartment there. I see she visited La Cour Des Shadoks as well. Thanks bjd, it all makes it more interesting as we tend to forget about photo-essays of years past.
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Post by fumobici on Nov 2, 2015 15:47:25 GMT
Thanks for the continuing dose of Paris, a reminder of how much is left for me to explore. I never get tired of seeing it. I thought about popping into La Madelaine for the lunch but never actually did, I like the table d'hote seating arrangement, what a nice way to make new friends.
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Post by tod2 on Nov 2, 2015 17:03:20 GMT
fumobici - Thank you for plowing through my essay...it's long but I was there for nigh on a month so naturally have loads to report and am pleased you are enjoying it. I hope you make it to Madeleine next trip. Great experience I thought.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2015 18:26:53 GMT
Punishment may be in store for people who keep writing Madelaine instead of Madeleine.
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Post by fumobici on Nov 2, 2015 20:13:10 GMT
Punishment may be in store for people who keep writing Madelaine instead of Madeleine. Ooops.
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Post by tod2 on Nov 3, 2015 6:41:23 GMT
OOOOOPS! I did a little edit, just so I won't get spanked....
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Post by tod2 on Nov 3, 2015 13:00:21 GMT
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Post by tod2 on Nov 3, 2015 14:24:21 GMT
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Post by mossie on Nov 3, 2015 14:29:31 GMT
Rue de Belleville is one of my favourite places, thanks for reminding me of somewhere I will most likely be visiting in just over three weeks time. Although my primary purpose is some leche vitrine along Printemps and Galeries Lafayette decorated Christmas window displays. Plus other Christmas things of course.
Have enjoyed following you on your perambulations, hope the knee is behaving.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 3, 2015 14:59:27 GMT
One of my closest friends lives on rue de la Mare, so I have often passed some of these historical treasures, totally oblivious of their existence.
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Post by htmb on Nov 3, 2015 20:49:46 GMT
Tod, I am astounded by how much you got around and the number of things you were able to do and see on this trip. This thread will certainly be one I read back through before my next journey to Paris. Wonderful report!
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Post by tod2 on Nov 4, 2015 4:51:31 GMT
Thank you htmb - I did not always know what my plans were for the next day. But, to make life easy when it came to setting off in the morning, I had brought 4 books with me and had ear-marked/hi-lited my interests. I usually only took one book with me - (as the day progressed the heavier the books became). On most occasions I did reach several different parts of Paris and on others I simply took a long bus ride.
Mossie - nice to hear you have a trip planned. Knee excellent!
Kerouac - I'm just scratching the surface. Odd places and things in my books will keep me coming back to Paris.
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Post by bixaorellana on Nov 4, 2015 6:05:42 GMT
Dear Tod, I am galloping to try to catch up with this masterwork of a thread! I am astounded and awash in admiration for your imagination in finding things to do and your enormous energy in getting them done.
I've been trying to finish up two of my own threads, so forgive me for not having given this one its due. Trust me, I am enjoying it thoroughly and will come back & enjoy it again from the beginning.
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