A Fork And A Suitcase

It is a sunny Sunday morning and I am walking down a quiet rue de Seine.  Most shops are closed for the day, but some cafes and restaurants are open.  I am in my element, a tourist, an observer.  I desperately want to slow down the days, remember each moment, notice every detail, every smell and sound.  I love Paris, there is just something about this city, something that puts me at ease the second I get here, but also fills me with excitement, with a promise of an adventure.  I never get tired of Paris, miss it when I leave, and plan out my next visit, whenever that might be.  I am sad that lately there has been so much sadness associated with this magnificent city. I am heading to a wonderful organic market on Boulevard Raspail, I know the way well.   North of rue de Buci, rue de Seine is lined with art galleries, a few restaurants, and some small shops.      I pass Fish - La Boissonnerie, a beautifully tiled facade of a r...

While visiting Paris our preference is to stay in an apartment.  I love the freedom of having my own space, the ability of making breakfast, or an occasional dinner, being able to store boxes filled with gorgeous pastries in the fridge and having a week or longer to live like a local.  There are minuses to that arrangement; I am the one making the bed, cleaning, washing the dishes, etc.  I would not recommend an apartment to someone visiting Paris, or any city, for the first time.  There is a great sense of security that comes with a whole staff ready to help with restaurant reservations, taxi calls and general touring and eating suggestions.  But, of course, one can get all that done with the help of a strong WIFI.  On a few occasions, when visiting for just a couple of days, we stayed in hotels.  I prefer small, boutique places rather than huge Hilton/Hyatt type hotels.  There is nothing wrong with those large hotels but I just like more of an...

Four days ago it was about 69 degrees in New York City, today it was almost 100!  Each year we seem to have a very short spring, the beautiful kind of 75 degrees and full sun, and we dive right into the sweltering days of summer.  Sad, spring is one of my favorite seasons, and it has become very unpredictable.  So, I either move to San Diego, or just get used to it and enjoy every moment of this beautiful season before the oppressive heat and humidity settle in for the long haul. As I head to Paris, a city known for its beautiful spring, even though it's June already, here are some photos of spring in NYC. Joanna

There are few special places that fill my heart with joy.  When I land in Warsaw, Poland, I feel like a kid again, I am happy that soon I will be walking down the familiar streets from my childhood, eating plum cake, seeing family and reuniting with friends.  Upon landing in Paris, I feel the excitement of that vibrant city, the anticipation of the delicious lunches and dinners, the afternoons of people watching from a park bench or a seat at a sidewalk cafe, and of slowly meandering through a stunning garden at the Rodin museum.  When I step out of the Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, I feel like I am home, even though I shouldn't since I was not born there.  Tel Aviv is so inviting, unassuming, and infectious, one can't help but feel a comforting sense of belonging. So, here are just a few reasons why I love Tel Aviv: Sunrises   Sunsets Friday traffic Saturday traffic Quiet places  Loud and fun places ...