Of Reading
A friend bought a Lonely Planet France Travel Guide Book and I borrowed it to read. He was very willing to spend the $51 on it, and I hope his next free and easy tour to France would be a splendidly planned one. Anyway, the travel guide was marvelously written. It enticed me and painted vivid images in my head as I read through lines of informative contents and captivating vocabulary. Shall share some excerpts which I like.
Paris - Why Go
Paris has all but exhausted the superlatives that can be reasonably be applied to any city. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine - at sunrise, sunset, at night - and Left-Right Bank differences have been described countless times. But what writers haven't quite captured is the grandness and magic of strolling the city's broad avenues past impressive public buildings and exceptional museums to parks, gardens, and esplanades.
With more famous landmarks than any other city, the French capital evokes all sorts of expectations: of grand vistas, of intellectuals discussing weighty matters in cafes, of Seine-side romance, of naughty nightclub revues. Look hard enough and you'll find them all, Or set aside those preconceptions of Paris that are so much a part of English-speaking culture, and explore the city's avenues and back streets as though the tip of the Eiffel Tower or the spire of Notre Dame weren't about to pop into view at any moment.
The French Riviera - Why Go
With its glistening seas, idyllic beaches and fabulous weather, the Riviera encapsulates many people's idea of the good life. The beauty is that there is so much more to do than just going to the beach - although the Riviera does take beach-going very seriously: from nudist beach to secluded cove or expensive club, there is something for everyone.
Culture vultures will revel in the region's thriving art scene: the Riviera has some fine museums...Foodies for their part will rejoice at the prospect of lingering in fruit and veg markets, touring vineyards...whilst outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with coastal paths to explore, and snorkelling and swimming galore.
Here's something about cheese:
With more than 500 varieties - which can be raw, pastuerised, or petit-lait ('little milk', the whey left over after the fats and solids have been curdled with rennet) - buying cheese can be an overwhelming affair...
Wine and cheese can be a match made in heaven. In general, strong pungent cheeses require a young, full bodied red or a sweet wine, while soft cheeses with a refined flavour call for more quality and age...
Last one, about a recommended bistro named "Jadis"
This upmarket neo-bistro with sober Bordeux facade and white lace curtains on the corner of a very unassuming street in the 15e is one of Paris' most raved about (reserve in advance to avoid disappointment). Traditional French dishes pack a modern punch thanks to rising-star chef Guillaume Delage who dares to do things like braise pork cheeks in beer and use black rice instead of white. The lunch menu is extraordinary good value and the chocolate souffle is nothing other than to-die-for heavenly...
Don't the above descriptions make to want to visit France already? The travel guide is very comprehensive and persuasive, content-heavy but delivered in a very organised and clear manner. I would want to travel to France someday. but probably not in the near future.
I am not one who usually reads, but reading seems to be a good way to pass time in camp. Prior to this travel guide (which I have not finished, of course), I have also read Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", and re-read "Frankenstein" and "The Thirty-Nine Steps". Maybe I will share my thoughts on the two books by Mitch Albom in another post.
Paris - Why Go
Paris has all but exhausted the superlatives that can be reasonably be applied to any city. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Seine - at sunrise, sunset, at night - and Left-Right Bank differences have been described countless times. But what writers haven't quite captured is the grandness and magic of strolling the city's broad avenues past impressive public buildings and exceptional museums to parks, gardens, and esplanades.
With more famous landmarks than any other city, the French capital evokes all sorts of expectations: of grand vistas, of intellectuals discussing weighty matters in cafes, of Seine-side romance, of naughty nightclub revues. Look hard enough and you'll find them all, Or set aside those preconceptions of Paris that are so much a part of English-speaking culture, and explore the city's avenues and back streets as though the tip of the Eiffel Tower or the spire of Notre Dame weren't about to pop into view at any moment.
The French Riviera - Why Go
With its glistening seas, idyllic beaches and fabulous weather, the Riviera encapsulates many people's idea of the good life. The beauty is that there is so much more to do than just going to the beach - although the Riviera does take beach-going very seriously: from nudist beach to secluded cove or expensive club, there is something for everyone.
Culture vultures will revel in the region's thriving art scene: the Riviera has some fine museums...Foodies for their part will rejoice at the prospect of lingering in fruit and veg markets, touring vineyards...whilst outdoor enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with coastal paths to explore, and snorkelling and swimming galore.
Here's something about cheese:
With more than 500 varieties - which can be raw, pastuerised, or petit-lait ('little milk', the whey left over after the fats and solids have been curdled with rennet) - buying cheese can be an overwhelming affair...
Wine and cheese can be a match made in heaven. In general, strong pungent cheeses require a young, full bodied red or a sweet wine, while soft cheeses with a refined flavour call for more quality and age...
Last one, about a recommended bistro named "Jadis"
This upmarket neo-bistro with sober Bordeux facade and white lace curtains on the corner of a very unassuming street in the 15e is one of Paris' most raved about (reserve in advance to avoid disappointment). Traditional French dishes pack a modern punch thanks to rising-star chef Guillaume Delage who dares to do things like braise pork cheeks in beer and use black rice instead of white. The lunch menu is extraordinary good value and the chocolate souffle is nothing other than to-die-for heavenly...
Don't the above descriptions make to want to visit France already? The travel guide is very comprehensive and persuasive, content-heavy but delivered in a very organised and clear manner. I would want to travel to France someday. but probably not in the near future.
I am not one who usually reads, but reading seems to be a good way to pass time in camp. Prior to this travel guide (which I have not finished, of course), I have also read Mitch Albom's "Tuesdays with Morrie" and "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", and re-read "Frankenstein" and "The Thirty-Nine Steps". Maybe I will share my thoughts on the two books by Mitch Albom in another post.
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