Category Archives: Paris postcards

The further adventures of the Nurse Who Wore Pearls

A friend recently asked us how we plan what to write about in our blog. The answer, in Norman’s words, is this: “Planning is what you resort to when chance breaks down.” And somehow, chance seldom seems to break down. … Continue reading

Posted in Paris postcards, World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A French family in wartime

Today, November 11, is the anniversary of the end of the First World War. In France the Jour de L’Armistice or le Jour du Souvenir is a day of military parades and ceremonies. But there is more to remembrance than … Continue reading

Posted in Paris history, Paris postcards, World War I | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

On reaching 100 – blogs, that is

When we posted our first blog on July 27, 2010, called “The Sounds of Paris,” we had fairly simple objectives. We wanted to use our photographs of Paris, our shelf of books on the city, and our small collection of … Continue reading

Posted in Paris markets, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

In Search of Lost Time

You don’t really need a wristwatch in Paris. For one thing, you are never far from a clock – on walls, towers, and in front of boutiques. Some are ornate. Some are utilitarian. Some are advertisements. Some are art. Of … Continue reading

Posted in Paris history, Paris nostalgia, Paris postcards, Paris streets | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Finding Typewriter History in Paris

My five-year-old grandson doesn’t know what they are. Actor Tom Hanks collects them. And I am so captivated by their beauty and their astounding variety that I am writing a book about them, in collaboration with Martin Howard, another well-known … Continue reading

Posted in Paris expositions, Paris history, Paris postcards, Paris typewriters | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

The bouquinistes and the photographer of shadows

To quote from last week’s blog by Norman: “The sense of continuity is part of the fascination of learning more and more about Paris.” But it’s not just about the continuity of major monuments and landmark buildings. It’s also the … Continue reading

Posted in Paris bookstores, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Food, drink, and lodging in Paris postcards

In a sense, all postcards are a form of advertising. Some advertise the sender’s good fortune or superiority: “Hi. I’m here. You’re not.” Others advertise the attraction itself: Kozy Kabins in Niagara Falls, the highest rotating restaurant west of the … Continue reading

Posted in Paris food, Paris hotels, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

How I learned to stop worrying and love Wikipedia

When I am not working on the blog or running my own business, I teach in the geography department of the University of Toronto. Among other things, I talk to my students about research skills, and I encourage them to … Continue reading

Posted in Paris history, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Postcards from a Snowy Paris

Although it snows occasionally in Paris, it seems to be rare enough that only a small amount wreaks havoc. The city just isn’t prepared for snow. Parisian winters are normally mild, but there have been some very cold ones that … Continue reading

Posted in Paris history, Paris parks, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Paris Gigantic Wheel and Varieties Company Limited

It was an intriguing postcard, titled simply “Paris. La Grande Roue” (Paris, The Big Wheel). I didn’t recognize it, but I liked it, so I bought it. Little did I know that this purchase at an antiques fair in Paris … Continue reading

Posted in Paris expositions, Paris history, Paris popular culture, Paris postcards | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments