I enjoyed this article so much because my American daughter was proposed to by her French fiancé in that section of Paris. I’ve been to France twice, once as an 18 year old nanny a very long time ago and again as a tourist 9 years ago. I absolutely love all things French!
Hello! Reading about your trip to Guernsey made me think of the book/film "Guernsey and Literary Potato Peel Society" (mainly, that's my only reference to Guernsey prior to your letter).
The battle for the soul of Montmartre is so... French. Lol. I'm in the midst of listening to Lindsey Tramuta's podcast episode with Brent Longley about transforming the city. I can understand both sides to the conflict, but I feel that complaining and protesting is all part of the French process.
"Demon Cooperhead" is on my tbr after this going down the rabbit hole of Appalachia culture. Currently reading Tess Gunty's "The Rabbit Hutch," which (potentially) gives overarching vibes to "Demon Copperhead."
Such an interesting penfriend as always. I spent my first honeymoon ,light years ago in Guernsey and was utterly charmed by Victor Hugos house. I be,ieve that he stood at a podium with a small set of steps and could write two books at a time? Perhaps memory deceives me here but I thought that was a real thing?
The decor influences my own jumbled " Uber maximallist" style to this very day and the whole Island of Guernsey has very special memories. It sounds as if you too fell under its charms!
As for Clap... having visited your neck of the woods quite often now, my heart is very much with th French preserving their home as is. People are often ( quite endearingly) so busy Instagramming themselves into a frenzy whilst filming their entire life! It sometimes seems to me that real life on the other side of the camera is being sorely missed. One would have to live ones entire life again to look at all the footage!
As both a tourist and an honoury ex pat visiting my daughter in Paris often, one of the things I love most is early morning as Paris wakes up. Then, the real energy of the place unfolds as people zoom by on their bi cycles and vespas, the streets are swelt and washed by the shopkeepers and perhaps you and Babs might be seen parading from my bus seat.
Keep Paris parisian I say. It ,like so much else in our modern world should never become a film set .
Super read Hannah, always so much to think about following youe Penfriend. X
Wow, so much interesting stories in this letter Hannah. First, it made me smile that you went to Victor Hugo’s house. My dad did the same thing this week but in Place des Vosges.
Apparently, Hugo was a friend of Napoleon also, probably something personal happened between them because Hugo Hated him so viscerally: he devoted an entire book of poems to this hatred lol. I remember I had to read and study it in high school. It was funny and clever but full of insults… strangest poems ever.
Made me want to visit Guernsey.. also the part where I can go to M&S which I miss so much. Is there a Waitrose?
On the Montmartre story, I am very much torn. But I want to sat with the Clap people. Could they open the club to the public? It seems this is the only argument that would made their cause perfect? I’m surprised to journal here is talking about it. Or maybe I missed it. I feel for them and they should fight with civilian organisations and media. I don’t see how they could win this otherwise.
This is all so good. You’re so talented x
I enjoyed this article so much because my American daughter was proposed to by her French fiancé in that section of Paris. I’ve been to France twice, once as an 18 year old nanny a very long time ago and again as a tourist 9 years ago. I absolutely love all things French!
Thank you!!!
Hello! Reading about your trip to Guernsey made me think of the book/film "Guernsey and Literary Potato Peel Society" (mainly, that's my only reference to Guernsey prior to your letter).
The battle for the soul of Montmartre is so... French. Lol. I'm in the midst of listening to Lindsey Tramuta's podcast episode with Brent Longley about transforming the city. I can understand both sides to the conflict, but I feel that complaining and protesting is all part of the French process.
"Demon Cooperhead" is on my tbr after this going down the rabbit hole of Appalachia culture. Currently reading Tess Gunty's "The Rabbit Hutch," which (potentially) gives overarching vibes to "Demon Copperhead."
À bientôt.
Hi Darling Hannah
Such an interesting penfriend as always. I spent my first honeymoon ,light years ago in Guernsey and was utterly charmed by Victor Hugos house. I be,ieve that he stood at a podium with a small set of steps and could write two books at a time? Perhaps memory deceives me here but I thought that was a real thing?
The decor influences my own jumbled " Uber maximallist" style to this very day and the whole Island of Guernsey has very special memories. It sounds as if you too fell under its charms!
As for Clap... having visited your neck of the woods quite often now, my heart is very much with th French preserving their home as is. People are often ( quite endearingly) so busy Instagramming themselves into a frenzy whilst filming their entire life! It sometimes seems to me that real life on the other side of the camera is being sorely missed. One would have to live ones entire life again to look at all the footage!
As both a tourist and an honoury ex pat visiting my daughter in Paris often, one of the things I love most is early morning as Paris wakes up. Then, the real energy of the place unfolds as people zoom by on their bi cycles and vespas, the streets are swelt and washed by the shopkeepers and perhaps you and Babs might be seen parading from my bus seat.
Keep Paris parisian I say. It ,like so much else in our modern world should never become a film set .
Super read Hannah, always so much to think about following youe Penfriend. X
Wow, so much interesting stories in this letter Hannah. First, it made me smile that you went to Victor Hugo’s house. My dad did the same thing this week but in Place des Vosges.
Apparently, Hugo was a friend of Napoleon also, probably something personal happened between them because Hugo Hated him so viscerally: he devoted an entire book of poems to this hatred lol. I remember I had to read and study it in high school. It was funny and clever but full of insults… strangest poems ever.
Made me want to visit Guernsey.. also the part where I can go to M&S which I miss so much. Is there a Waitrose?
On the Montmartre story, I am very much torn. But I want to sat with the Clap people. Could they open the club to the public? It seems this is the only argument that would made their cause perfect? I’m surprised to journal here is talking about it. Or maybe I missed it. I feel for them and they should fight with civilian organisations and media. I don’t see how they could win this otherwise.
Anyway love this letter 😌💌
Sorry for the late reply, but I must confirm there is Waitrose on Guernsey!
Thank you so much for reading xx