Topics

Jan

A New Year’s Resolution for Notre Dame

by Meredith Mullins on January 13, 2020

Savoring the moment (two days before the heartbreaking Notre Dame fire).
© Meredith Mullins

Restoration of an Iconic Paris Cultural Symbol

Renew. Restore. Revitalize. Renovate. Refresh. Rejuvenate. Rebuild.

The new year invites certain words into our sphere of action, as we concentrate on new beginnings and life-changing resolutions.

This focus is particularly timely for the monumental restoration project of the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral—a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a historic cultural symbol for Paris, France, and the world. No matter what religion or spiritual beliefs are personally held, Notre Dame touches people’s souls. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 2 Comments

Cultural Symbols/France/France (Paris)

Dec

Cultural Encounters on the Banks of the Seine

by Meredith Mullins on December 2, 2019

Les Bouquinistes
© Meredith Mullins

The Bouquinistes: Icons of Paris Culture

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night . . .

From this familiar and inspiring creed, you may think this story is going to be about a diligent U.S. postal carrier. Not so.

For this “Oh, I see” adventure, we travel to the banks of the Seine for cultural encounters with the riverside Paris booksellers—the bouquinistes (pronounced boo-kin-eests).

Through snow and rain . . .
© Meredith Mullins

This iconic community, like postal carriers, are dedicated to their job—in all seasons, in all kinds of weather. The bouquinistes have been officially authorized in Paris for more than 160 years. Read more...

Meredith Mullins 6 Comments

Cultural Encounters/France (Paris)

Nov

Cultural Diversity at Ground Control in Paris

by Meredith Mullins on November 18, 2019

Discovering the Flavors of the World

Traveling to Syria, Italy, West Africa, India, Taiwan, Denmark, China, Greece, Mexico, and the U.S. has never been easier. Especially if you’re hungry.

The Paris phenomenon, Ground Control, offers cultural diversity in a one-stop space, with an overarching mission of encouraging a free and curious spirit (libres et curieux) and an innate concern for the planet.

Meredith Mullins 4 Comments

Cultural Diversity/France (Paris)

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