“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Proust
As this article posts, I’ll be boarding a plane and beginning my European adventure. The story of how it was on, then canceled, then back on again can be found in my previous post. Join me on a Journey.
I do so hope that you will all join me on this adventure. I found the perfect suitcase, so come along.
Our first stop is Dublin Ireland; however, I won’t even leave the airport, but I’m excited to look out the window and see how the green of Ireland compares to the green of Indiana.
Our first destination is Paris – the City of Light. “Paris is called the “City of Light: because it was a place of enlightenment in the 18th century. During this age of enlightenment, Paris became the center of education, philosophy and learning.
“Another reason Paris is called the “City of Light” is because it was one of the first cities to start using streetlights during the Great Exhibition of 1889. Having streetlights meant people could now do activities after dark that they could not do before.” (1)
It is fun facts like these that I hope to discover and share with you as I seek new landscapes. I adore history and believe it should be fascinating. I’ll try and share fascinating historical tidbits with you and links for your own travels and items that you will enjoy.
To begin with, did you know that The Pasha of Egypt gifted the King of France a giraffe? Find the true story here to delight your young readers.
“Here is the beguiling true story of the first giraffe ever to live in Europe. The year was 1826, and the giraffe belonged to the pasha of Egypt, who decided to give her as a gift to the king of France. The giraffe journeyed first by boat to Marseilles, then on foot through the towns and villages of France, all the way to Paris. Her arrival in the capital was celebrated with a splendid royal parade, and everywhere she went she caused a sensation. First published in 1992.”
Order your copy from Amazon.
“The history of Paris, France, dates back to the third century, which was a time in which the modern city was a relatively small town occupied by Celtic people who were known as the Parisii. By the fifth century, Paris was named the capital of France, and by the 12th century, it was the home of the University of Paris and the largest city in the entire western world.” (2)
One of the world’s great landmarks, the Eiffel Tower is one of the most used symbols to dangle from a necklace or to sit upon your mantle.
“The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and France and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel as the entrance arch for the International Exhibition of Paris of 1889.” (3)
FUN FACTS:
“Originally intended as a temporary exhibit, the Eiffel Tower was almost torn down and scrapped in 1909. City officials opted to save it after recognizing its value as a radiotelegraph station. Several years later, during World War I, the Eiffel Tower intercepted enemy radio communications, relayed zeppelin alerts and was used to dispatch emergency troop reinforcements. It escaped destruction a second time during World War II: Hitler initially ordered the demolition of the city’s most cherished symbol, but the command was never carried out. Also during the German occupation of Paris, French resistance fighters famously cut the Eiffel Tower’s elevator cables so that the Nazis had to climb the stairs.” (4)
Here are some other reading suggestions:
Eloise is quite precocious, but I do enjoy these books.
“Bonjour!
Paris has just been discovered by Eloise the little girl from the Plaza…
Here is what Eloise does in Paris: everything.
The effect is “rwather extraordinaire.” If you come to Paris with Eloise you will always be glad you did.
Eloise in Paris was first published in 1957, the second of the Eloise quartet, and an immediate bestseller. Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight traveled to Paris to research the book, and the illustrations are dotted with the celebrities they knew there: Richard Avedon takes Eloise’s passport photograph; Christian Dior prods her tummy, while his young assistant, Yves Saint Laurent, looks on; Lena Horne sits at an outdoor café.” (5)
Order your copy on Amazon and start planning your own trip abroad for literary research.
Another little girl who enjoys a little mischief is Madeline.
“In an old house in Paris
that was covered with vines
lived twelve little girls
in two straight lines
the smallest one was Madeline.”
“A complete collection of all the adventures of
Madeline, a fearless little girl full of mischief and vitality. Madeline, first
published in 1939, and its five sequels have charmed generations of readers,
and have become true classics.” (6)
I am a fan and advocate for reading aloud to the next generation. Be sure to introduce your favorite little ones to These wonderful classics.
The next stop on my adventure is the Loire Valley – the home of more than 300 chateau. As I travel, I look forward to the new eyes I will gain. Let’s all broaden our horizons so that we can look at our own horizon with new eyes.
Remember: Comment on this blog for your chance to win The Most Beautiful Villages in France. A winner will be chosen from the subscribers who comment during the month of August. Leave a comment – “What is your dream destination” or “share your favorite tidbit about Paris.”
Prepare to enjoy Autumn!
Download your FREE copy of 75 Seasonal Pleasures – Autumn.
Seasonal pleasures take on an entirely new color palate when autumn arrives with its abundant harvest and continual festivals. Pumpkins are everywhere, and we’re so glad that they are. We find that we are just as happy that school has resumed as we were when it let out. Sapphire blue skies frame bales of hay. Coziness becomes the goal, and contentment seeps into our bones. Autumn is delicious, a season of extravagant loveliness and abundance. The pleasures available are as simple as a lone amber leaf, the misty autumn fog or a smiling jack-o-lantern. Be stirred by these 75 autumn pleasures and join the fall party.
Click the LINK below
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ja0b0diz3u
Au revoir!
1 – https://www.reference.com/geography/paris-called-city-light-e7bb322e3a35ed3f
2- https://www.reference.com/geography/paris-famous-357d390447892408?qo=contentSimilarQuestions
3 – https://www.bing.com/search?q=eiffel+tower&FORM=EDGENA&refig=1645b1b8ac0944dfaee67ad5c71147a5
Yes, Madeline! Oh my, the hours I’ve spent reading those books to my girls!
Thanks for ‘bringing us along’ on your journey. Enjoy every moment!!
Thanks Diana. When I return I’m going to watch the Madeline movie with my Granddaughter.
What an adventure you’re having! I think I would have to see the French countryside and a small village in France. I want to sip coffee at an outside cafe and write in my journal. I want to see gardens colorful landscapes. I also need to interact with the people, buy bread and cheese for lunch, and immerse myself in the culture.
Jeanne, those were all my desires too. I do love interacting with the people, I just wish I could speak French!!!!
Did you know that Ernest Hemingway HATED the Eiffel Tower? He said it was thevugliest thing he had ever seen and that it destroyed the Parisian skyline. When they asked him why he would often frequent the café IN the Eifdel Tower, he said very simply, it is the only place in Paris that you dont have to look AT the Eiffel Tower.
Mary, how funny, I didn’t know that. Sorry Ernest, I’m a fan.