I hate smoke and smoking but somehow don’t mind it on a Parisian terrace. 🥹 Part of the ambiance? Or maybe—unlike berets, stilettos, and baguettes under the arm—it’s a nice tie to the past? Just a bit of nostalgia? I remember seeing Ertha Kitt perform at the Carlyle soon after smoking was banned in NYC. I kinda missed the haze. And I really do hate cigarettes!
I starting eating Nutella as a child 60 years ago (Dutch/Belgian mother:) and what is available in recent decades seems much more sugary than what I remember. It is great that chocolatiers like JP Hevin produce their own and I try to bring some home after each visit to France. And I echo the sentiments of others; too bad they excluded outdoor cafes for the smoking ban. I have never understood eating and drinking delicious food and wine and ruining it with smoking between courses or right after/before the meal.
My husband commuted from Pantin to his office near Opéra exclusively by bicycle during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. He had the city to himself (as a doctor, he was free to move about). He continued for a few months afterward but then stopped. As a doctor, he'd seen too many bad injuries to and by cyclists. Too many people weren't wearing helmets. Too many people seemed to have no notion of the rules of the road. Too great a gap between the speeders and the wobbly on their wheels. He stopped and has taken the metro or the RER to Saint Lazare ever since. We never bicycle in Paris. We bicycle all the time in the country. Your retreat sounds divine! I should do it next year!
Honestly, I thought schools (especially lycées) should have been done a no smoking ban a long time ago. It was slightly surprising to see how many lycéens smoked during the day when they were given an extra 10 minutes mid-morning and mid-afternoon (this was between 2016-2018).
What a disappointment that they excepted cafe terraces! I was so looking forward to finally being able to sit outside at a Parisian cafe.
l’optidébarqueur - amazing 😂
We needed a word, clearly
I hate smoke and smoking but somehow don’t mind it on a Parisian terrace. 🥹 Part of the ambiance? Or maybe—unlike berets, stilettos, and baguettes under the arm—it’s a nice tie to the past? Just a bit of nostalgia? I remember seeing Ertha Kitt perform at the Carlyle soon after smoking was banned in NYC. I kinda missed the haze. And I really do hate cigarettes!
I see what you mean!
The Atlantic article was hilarious, thanks for the link!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I starting eating Nutella as a child 60 years ago (Dutch/Belgian mother:) and what is available in recent decades seems much more sugary than what I remember. It is great that chocolatiers like JP Hevin produce their own and I try to bring some home after each visit to France. And I echo the sentiments of others; too bad they excluded outdoor cafes for the smoking ban. I have never understood eating and drinking delicious food and wine and ruining it with smoking between courses or right after/before the meal.
Agreed, smoking and dining aren't the most appealing of companions!
The one place I want cigarettes banned is the cafes terraces. Oh well.
Can't wait to see what that restoration and inspiration brings.
ha! Me too!
My husband commuted from Pantin to his office near Opéra exclusively by bicycle during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns. He had the city to himself (as a doctor, he was free to move about). He continued for a few months afterward but then stopped. As a doctor, he'd seen too many bad injuries to and by cyclists. Too many people weren't wearing helmets. Too many people seemed to have no notion of the rules of the road. Too great a gap between the speeders and the wobbly on their wheels. He stopped and has taken the metro or the RER to Saint Lazare ever since. We never bicycle in Paris. We bicycle all the time in the country. Your retreat sounds divine! I should do it next year!
My first vacation morning reading is sorted. Every link in here is something I want to know more about. Thank you!
I’m SO so glad 🙏🙏🙏 (and then, in true vacation form, no more news!)
Honestly, I thought schools (especially lycées) should have been done a no smoking ban a long time ago. It was slightly surprising to see how many lycéens smoked during the day when they were given an extra 10 minutes mid-morning and mid-afternoon (this was between 2016-2018).
I agree! Shifting local habits is very slow.... even slower is getting people on board with necessary changes.