Paris in July - Week 1 Review

The River Seine. One of the most romantic rivers in the world.

Following the Seine through Paris is a way of enjoying a thousand different escapades on the river, its bridges and islands. Daytime or night time, Left Bank or Right Bank, you will appreciate the buzz of activity along the quaysides and the lapping of the waves. There are any number of ways to relax – aboard a boat, cycling, walking briskly, sauntering lazily, or working out, dining, dancing on barges, exploring an area between two exhibitions, taking a post-shopping break, or sunbathing in a swimsuit. You never fail to be filled with wonder at these riverbanks, classed as a world heritage site by Unesco.

When I thought about the massive task of reviewing the first week of Paris in July, I just didn't know where to start. But as I was thinking about the magic of Paris, and all the mysteries that lay hidden in her alley ways, tunnels, history and architecture, I thought about the Seine. The river that runs through Paris, and is famed for it's bridges. My job this week has been to wander along a river like the Seine, crossing the bridges between our blogs to discover new and wonderful aspects of Paris and our love of this city. Thank you for being a part of creating this journey.With now over 35 participants, and still gaining, I found some 25 reviews this past week dedicated to the celebration of Paris. Lakeside Musing made reference to a quote that I really quite liked:

There's been so much said and written about Pars that it's daunting to hazard a statement of my own; that city just has something about it. I cant think of another place so idealized, so longed for, so sighed over... (Molly Wisenberg, p161-162)

Regardless of the daunting task - many of us have made a start. Each of us celebrates in a different way, and our posts have been as varied as our walks of life, and our geographic locations. We've had posts on the Tour de France, Tomato Tarts, computers that have turned to speaking french (???), French painters, current affairs in Paris, music we love, and Ladies of the Court of Paris. We've had book reviews, quotes from from classic french authors, fashion reviews, dvd and movie reviews, and my personal favourite - reflections and memories of our own travels to the wonderful city from Amy, Chat Noir, Mrs B, Sabrina, and ds. A highlight for many of us was Dolce Bellezza's post from her mother with memories of Paris.

Books reviewed this past week have included: Cheri by Collette, Murder in the Palais Royal, Monsieur Pain, Therese Raquin by Emile Zola, the French Mistress, French Milk, le Gran Meaulres, Suite Francaise, That Mad Ache, For the Kings, Luncheon of the boating party, le voyage de Barbar, and Le Petit Prince.

DVD's reviewed have included: Priceless, Seraphine, Sabrina and Paris J'taime.

So the Winner this week (drawn from a hat cos it's just too difficult any other way) is......

Sara at Wordy evidence of the fact
Felicitations Sara!

Now for Week 2 - Karen will post a review next weekend and wishing you all a happy Bastille Day!