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5 Quiet Spots in Paris

I love the city of Paris.  It’s one of my favorite places on earth.  But there is only so much hustle and bustle of a big city anyone can take.  Even a city like Paris.  And though Paris’ parks are truly beautiful and well-maintained, they are also very popular and can still fill up with locals.

So, when you have had your fill of the crowds and museums, head for one of these quiet spots and decompress.

1. Place Dauphine

One of the cutest squares in Paris is actually shaped like a triangle.  Though it is smack-dab in the center of Paris, it’s a quiet oasis among the noise and chaos. Take a breather here.  Sit on a park bench and read a book or watch locals play pétanque or walk their pooches.  Just steps from the Pont Neuf, the square boasts a hotel, a wine bar and a few great restaurants.

2.  Back streets of Montmartre

Everyone visits Sacré Coeur and the Place du Terte.  But if you want to escape the crowds and sketch artists, just walk behind the white domes and head for the back streets of Montmartre.  Here the crowds thin, the people seem to melt away and you’ll find yourself in a quaint Parisian neighborhood.  Stroll the hilly streets in solitude while appreciating the local architecture.

3.  Hotel Sully

Tucked between the Hotel Sully and the Place des Vosges in the Marais district is a small courtyard with a passageway.  And in this perfectly manicured courtyard is a lovely stone bench surrounded by a wall of deep,verdant green.  It’s a sweet spot to rest, take a breath of fresh air and feel rejuvenated before moving on to explore the Marais.

4.  Square du Vert – Galant

Though technically a park, this tiny slice of real estate occupies the very tip of the I’le de la Cité.  You can either sit on one of the park benches that line the teardrop-shaped walkway or venture out onto the quay.  You can dangle your feet off either side and take in the equally stunning view of the Right or Left banks.  Head straight for the West-facing tip at dusk to watch the sun reflect off the Seine as it sets behind the Pont des Arts.

5.  Père Lachaise

You can’t get more calm than a cemetery now, can you?  Père Lachaise is well off-the-beaten-path, in the far removed 20th arrondissement.  It’s a perfect spot to wander around aimlessly, up and down the gravel paths, searching for tombs of well-known writers, poets and musicians that made it their resting place. It’s not only peaceful, but also a very picturesque setting, so don’t forget your camera!

Do you have a favorite quiet spot in Paris?

Traveling to Paris? Click here to see how I can help plan your trip.

Music Soothes the Travel Beast

Travelers at Newark’s Liberty Airport were once again negatively impacted by a security breach on January 3, 2010. Apparently, a man who was observed walking down the wrong side of a checkpoint exit, forced Terminal C into lockdown. This stranded passengers for hours causing many of them to miss flights. Each and every person in the terminal had to be rescreened by airport security. Argh.

That might be the legal definition of a travel nightmare.

I can’t even imagine how I would have reacted. {I can, but my Mom always told me not to use that kind of foul language in public!}

I can go on and on here about the breach, how or why something like this could have happened or just how inept the TSA and airport security is these days.

But instead, I’d like to share a positive and refreshing moment that happened as a direct result of the mishap.

One man, by the name of Josh Wilson, proved that there can be the tiniest ray of sunshine peaking through those dark clouds. He picked up his acoustic guitar, and with his jovial smile and abundant enthusiasm led his fellow passengers in an impromptu rendition of Hey Jude, from the Beatles.

It’s an inspiring sight to behold. When you hear the crowds clapping and chanting “nah-nah-nah, naaaaaah” you know that just for a moment, those passengers weren’t focused on being herded like cattle or smooshed like sardines.  They were actually having fun!

They were creating a memorable moment. One that someone (thankfully and wisely) decided to videotape for all the world to see.

You can watch the video here:

And on a personal note, I think I’ll try to hunt Josh down. I’d like to pay him to be my travel companion in the future. Or better yet, perhaps the TSA should offer him a position. Keep him on hand at high-traffic airports rife with issues. At the rate the airline industry is going, it wouldn’t hurt to have him around in case of emergency.

I guess it’s true what they say. Music soothes the savage (travel) beast.  Even if only for a moment.

Thoughts…..

8 Dream Destinations for 2010

I am always a dreamer.  Couldn’t get through life without that ability.  One of the things I dream about frequently is travel.  It’s true that I am in love with France and Italy, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have a deep desire to explore and experience other places the world over.  I really, really do.

So, I thought it might be fun to share a list of those top places, not in any particular order.  And surprise, surprise - not one is located in France OR Italy.  Although, I will discuss dream destinations for EACH of those countries in another post.

So many places, too little time (and money!).

Keep in mind these are dream destinations.  Some I have talked about before, some are new to the list. Some might be more attainable  for me than others.  I am not one to volunteer to fly half way around the world on 20 hour flights.  I have a hard enough time surviving 8 hours.

1.  Kyoto

From the time I read Memoirs of a Geisha, to the time the ending credits rolled by at the end of the movie, I have always been fascinated with Kyoto. The Geishas with their wooden shoes and gorgeous silk kimonos, Japanese tea houses, graceful landscaping, cobbled streets and unique architecture – it all lures me in.

2.  India

I have always been intrigued by India, and I must admit that a certain favorite movie of mine {Slumdog Millionaire} pushed me even further into wanting to visit. Drooling over photos of chat and other Indian delicacies for an article I wrote didn’t exactly put a stop to the dreaming.  I could smell the flavors just jumping off those pages.  I know India is a big country, and I am not quite sure exactly where I like to go, but a visit to the Taj Mahal and areas with reportedly good street food would be at the top of the list.

3.  Marrakesh

I think Morocco is a feast for all the senses.  I am mesmerized by the architecture – the gracefully round shaped arches, the miniscule bright inlaid tiles and brightly colored doors.  I could wander the small narrow streets and the souks searching for deals on handmade crafts, tangines and spices.   A visit to the Majorelle gardens, several mosques and palaces would also be in order.  A photographer’s Candyland!

4.  Barbados

My dreams of the Caribbean are generally of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’  variety.  You know, out in the middle of nowhere, washed up on a deserted island. A Barbados holiday totally fits the bill! Pristine white sandy beaches on an unspoiled lush island in the middle of the crystal clear aquamarine Caribbean sea.  And lovely warm locals who are ready to please.  Tiny houses the colors of sherbert shaded in palms bursting with clusters of coconuts. Need I say more?

5.  Fiji

Every picture of Fiji I have ever seen has been downright jaw-dropping and drool-inducing.  I’ve dreamed of  staying in a private thatched hut that seems to float atop the South Pacific complete with a glass bottom. Just imagine what you could see beneath you.  A cocktail or two would most certainly make an appearance.  I could lose my very soul in a place like that.

6.  Istanbul

This one is definitely a food-motivated pick.  Last year, while researching an article on street food, I came across so many mouth-watering photos of Istanbul’s cuisine, I couldn’t help but dream of visiting. Definitely a city I’d like to eat my way through!  I’d especially enjoy a Turkish breakfast. Aside from eating, I’d imagine visits to the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque.  I’d ferry around the Bosphorus and run to the nearest  authentic Turkish Hamam. Maybe even smoke a little hookah. When in Rome…

7.  Santorini

Let’s be honest here.  I’d pick pretty much ANY Grecian Island, but I suppose there has been so much buzz about this one – it’s my first pick. I’d love to be staring at the stunning white cubed architecture with blue domes that just drip from the rock faces high above the Aegean Sea. I’m in love with the chalky white steps that twist and turn to reveal balconies dripping with dark fuchsia Bougainvillea.  And how ’bout that Greek cuisine?  Fresh fish and  local grown fruits and veggies like figs, tomatoes and cucumbers.  I’m also a sucker for a good sunset, and Santorini boasts some of the world’s finest.

8.  Prague

I am not a fan of wintery cold weather.  Not really into snow either.  But if there is one place I’d consider making my Winter wonderland, it would be Prague.  It just looks so damned romantic in snow!  It has that European look and feel that I have grown to love – a river with many bridges, domed architecture and loads of charm and history. Days might be spent just strolling the streets. A visit to Prague Castle and at least one brewery would be in order.  At night I’d curl up in front of a toasty fire in my hotel.

Where would you like your travels to take you this year?

And just wanted to mention, I have created a new Facebook fan page for My Melange.  I will be having some special recipes and promotions for just fans, so if you are interested in becoming a fan, just scroll down on the blog to the Facebook fan box in the right sidebar and click Become a Fan.  Voila! Easy, right?

Photo Credits : Flickr Kyoto/India/Marrakesh/Barbados/Fiji/Istanbul/Santorini/Prague

Travel Photo Friday : Colletta di Castelbianco

Our photo today comes from a great blogging friend of mine, who happens to live in the UK, and shares my passion for both Italy and France, well Paris at least!

The difference is, she lives much closer which makes her visits more frequent and certainly less expensive! {Jealous}

Here is Anne’s photo along with her commentary :

In November 2008 I chose Colletta as the place for our holidays. I really wanted to go back to Italy but not a city holiday.  I searched and researched months ahead, as to which area to visit, as we have to holiday in November, due to my husband’s work. You are really limited weather wise!

I finally settled for Liguria…and seeing that it was on the same coast line as Monaco, I thought it would give me a chance to go there too. But then where to stay? We always rent an apartment; the prices are really low then, so we get one that can sleep four to six! Each search brought me to one more than others. and that was it…I was sold, and this link will bring you to the apartment , the first picture is the one that drew me there.

Colletta is out of this world – peaceful, unusual, never have I seen anything like it before. It is quite indescribable, a village yes, but nothing there, no shops, but that did not worry me one bit..I didn’t go to shop, I went for an adventure! We did have a restaurant with a bar, and as we were the only people staying, we were treated like King and Queen. The staff were brilliant!

Coletta is 15 to 20 minutes to the coast, 10 minutes to a small town, and about 1 hour 20 from Nice, Monaco is 1 hour and the other direction you have the beautiful town of Portofino.

The whole 10 days there, were spent exploring the surrounding areas, with walks or driving to the small coastal towns, I could go on and on, it is out of this world, and if you want a peaceful break, go here out of season!

Thank you Anne!  It looks and sounds delicious.  Dripping with charm, just the way I like them!

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Join me for our next Travel Photo Friday on February 5th.

Do you have a travel photo to submit? Send it along with a short description to mymelange {at} yahoo {dot} com.

And now I would like to take time to wish all of you a Very. Happy. New. Year.  Make it a great 2010!