3 Micro-Neighborhoods of Paris You Need to See

Paris is home to 20 arrondissements, or "neighborhoods" within the city. Each one has a different feel to it, from the touristy, Eiffel Tower hub (7ème) to the vibrant, Jewish/LGBTQ quarter of the Marais (3ème/4ème) to the quieter and residential space of the Buttes-Chaumont (19ème). It can take a lifetime to discover every nook and … Continue reading 3 Micro-Neighborhoods of Paris You Need to See

5 Beautiful Villages I Want to Visit in France

Salut, tout le monde! Having lived in France for four years, I had visited a good handful of what are consider "les plus beaux villages de France." In other words, these are several dozen villages throughout the country which have been promoted by national tourism as having "rich, cultural heritage," as means of drawing visitors … Continue reading 5 Beautiful Villages I Want to Visit in France

Destination: Athens, Greece

The Parthenon (July 2006). Although Athens was not the final destination of our two-week trip along the Mediterranean, it was the last place that I had visited and did not return to during my time living in Europe a decade later. In fact, I did not return to Greece in my adulthood, and so all … Continue reading Destination: Athens, Greece

Destination: Santorini, Greece

Views in Santorini (July 2006). The island of Santorini needs no introduction: with its blue domes and white-washed houses perched along dramatic cliffs overlooking the deep-blue Mediterranean, this place is what many would describe as "paradise." It is no wonder, then, that plenty of films and paintings have been inspired by its views, as well … Continue reading Destination: Santorini, Greece

Destination: Pompeii, Italy

Inside the ruins of Pompeii (July 2006). Once a thriving city, Pompeii has become a well-preserved ghost town today. It is one of the most-popular sites to visit as a day trip from Naples, offering a fascinating look into the tragic history of its inhabitants over a thousand years ago. All the more fascinating is … Continue reading Destination: Pompeii, Italy