Frame: Paris Bound

In just over a month, Dave and I are headed to Paris. We’ve both been before, briefly, in younger and less moneyed days, and seen all of the major landmarks – Notre Dame, the Louvre, Champs Elysees. So we’ve decided, easily, that we will not be seeing them again. Instead, we’re planning a “locals” vacation, visiting markets, strolling side streets, channeling Hemingway and eating as much as possible. We have approximately two years worth of activities we’d like to squeeze into seven days, so we may not get to everything. Tant pis.

Top 5 Things I’m looking forward to in Paris:
1. The Markets: In particular, Marche Maubert, open Tues/Thurs/Sat until 2pm. But in general, I want to go to as many open air markets as possible.
2. A cooking class. It seems like there are plenty of options for cooking classes in Paris these days. I’d like to take one, perhaps actually learn to bake?
3. Versailles. (I know, not technically in Paris.) I’ve always been intrigued by Marie Antoinette.
4. Ile Saint Louis.
5. The Food.

Sub-list: Top 5 Foods I Want to Eat in Paris:
1. Roast Chicken. I’m not sure why. I just feel like Paris has really good roast chicken.
2. Cheese. To eat real, raw French cheese in France? A turophile’s dream.
3.  Bread and Croissants. I hear a typical Parisian breakfast is coffee, baguette, and croissant. I’ll be searching for the best.
4. Mussels and Oysters. I hear mussels taste different in Paris, and I’m particularly looking forward to something called “mouclade,” a dish of mussels baked in a cream and white wine. I already have a mile long list of oyster bars to try.
5. Sweets. Pain au Chocolat, macarons, iles flottantes, I want it all.
(6. Wine.)