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Bits and bobs about my life in my lovely home, Thatchwick Cottage, Pretoria, South Africa.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Wednesday 3 June '09: Next stop, next week: Amelie's Paris

With the wind in their hair, the fabulous Amelie (Audrey Tautou) is off to find her destiny in Paris with Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz) at the wheel of a scooter. Will they breakfast on croissants and coffee at a cafe in Montmatre or crack the brittle topping of a creme brulee somehere on the Left Bank?



This time next week I shall be following in Amelie's footsteps. More or less at this time I shall be awaiting the call to board my Jhb-Paris flight from International Departures at the OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg. Summertime in the southern hemisphere means conference time in academe. I am off to a deliver a paper at an erudite gathering in Riga, Latvia with a three day personal vacation in Paris.

To complement the information in my guide books, this evening I am going to watch The fabulous destiny of Amelie Poulain once again. If you have never smiled at the sweet quirkiness of our heroine in this 2001 French movie starring Audrey Tautou, you have a treat awaiting you. Amelie is a little lonely waitress at a Montmatre cafe who has a unique view of the world. Engaged in a quest to find the owner of a treasure box of childhood memorabilia which she accidentally stumbles across in her little apartment, Amelie decides to spread happiness to the lonely and eccentric. She plays a mischievous Fairy Godmother distributing random acts of kindness to a collection of odd Parisian characters until she meets her own destiny in the shadow of the Carousel, just below the Sacre le Coeur.


A movie worth seeing set in a city worth visiting - for me, the fourth time!
This award seems designed for me: roses and porcelein. Thank you, Poet Laureate of blogland, Kat!

14 comments:

Africantapestry and Myfrenchkitchen said...

so I caught you just in time! Enjoy Paris...the weather is wonderful, which makes all the Fench very happy and nice people!
Ronell

The Weaver of Grass said...

Hi Eleanor - thanks for calling in on my blog before your visit to Paris - enjoy - and call again on your return. Nice to hear from you.

Carol Murdock said...

Eleanor...you have the best of both worlds Cheri! Have a wonderful time!
xoxo

Gaelyn said...

Have a wonderful trip. The movie sounds inspiring.

Kat Mortensen said...

Ah, je ne regrette riens! Have you seen the Piaf film, La Vie en Rose? It's a bit over the top, but will really get your blood up for Paris, my sweet.

Amelie is such a charming film - almost as charming as yourself. I hope you have a wonderful time and a successful trip to Riga (what an adventure)!

The award is ideal for you, definitely!

Bon Voyage and have a safe trip,

Kat

Vicki Lane said...

What a wonderful trip you have in store! Safe journeying to you!

Avril said...

Paris - lucky you!! Safe trip and journey home. Have never been to Paris let alone anywhere in Europe :(
Yes - back to the Cape I go to see my Mum - with all these little trips - we could have gone overseas but I would never exchange trips to see my Mum for that! One day only to see Mum and then I am joining hubby and his colleague from Colombia to visit a few wine estates!

Anonymous said...

Hi Eleanor,
I'm a regular visitor to Dog Daze...I saw your post there today. Your furry babies are adorable. You have a beautiful garden and the birds are amazing. I've never seen such beautiful wildbirds. Your blog as been added to my list. I'll check in often
Cecilia, Southern USA

Jeannette StG said...

Glad you explained who Emilie is! You'll find when you walk the streets of certain parts of Paris that that city has a certain atmosphere - like you're walking historic streets. first time? Have fun, do not forget to have chocolate crepes in one of those stands on the street - delicious!

Janet said...

Oh lucky girl! I have never been to Paris. Sounds like the place to go!
Good idea! When your'e back, we should meet for coffee! Safe trip and look forward to your travel tales!

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

How wonderful for you Eleanor. Springtime in Paris. Reminds me of Gigi. No flirting with the guys please. :)

Mary said...

Bon voyage dear Eleanor - wishing you joyful Spring days in Paris and a great time In Riga when you present your paper.

Will look forward to hearing about your adventure.....and seeing your photos of course.

Take care - hugs, Mary.

Fifi Flowers said...

HOW EXCITING!!! ENJOY every moment of your trip!

Barbara Martin said...

Paris is lovely to visit in the spring and summer. Enjoy yourself and I am certain we will hear all about your trip when you return.