L' HOTEL SAINT-GERMAIN DES PRES

Dear Readers,

Today I am writing about a small boutique hotel in the heart of Paris where I stayed for
the first time eleven years ago.  It is called The Hotel Saint-Germain des Pres.  This jewel
of a hotel is located on the left bank near L'Ecole Des Beaux Arts and a block from the
famous literary cafes Les Deux Magots and Le Flore where Jean Paul Sartre and Flaubert,
among many other great writers, used to hash it out.  No pun intended.

Imagine a very small bedroom with closets, cable TV, a writing desk with mirror, a chair and
a well-stocked mini bar.  The wall paper is actually a half inch of attractive battened fabric
matching the curtains.  The windows open on to the rue Bonaparte and have an electric
shutter to keep out the sound of the street and the light at night.  The bathroom is marble.
Comfort is king here.

In France, breakfast is a very important meal.  In hotels it is free of charge to have breakfast
"au lit," in bed.  The HSGDP offers a complimentary "petit dejeuner" of small baguettes,
pain au raisins, croissants and sometimes brioche.  There is a plate of cheeses, a pot of
rich coffee, a pot of steamed milk, jams, butter and everything else that makes breakfast
delightful.  Once I spilled the whole tray on to the bed.  I called Dominique downstairs and
Jean quickly arrived with a cleaning lady to change the sheets and blanket and restore my
"dejeuner en paix," my peaceful breakfast in bed.

If you desire to eat breakfast in the lounge downstairs that is quite acceptable.  As attractive
as your room, the lounge is inviting, well appointed with friendly staff.  Overall, it is
very pleasant.  During the day you can enjoy the lounge at your leisure with a coffee or
computer.

Needless to say, I have sent many of my friends and their friends to stay at HSGDP,
all with great things to say afterwards.  Maybe that is why I get such a swell deal when
I stay there.  If you book for many nights they may give you a deal.  I suggest calling or
emailing way ahead of time too.  The HSGDP books up early.  And by the way, Saint-
Germain des Pres used to be a field.  Imagine!  Now it is the most sought after real estate in
La Capitale.  Enjoy!

All the best,

Billy

DREAM BIG!!!

Greetings from the Deep South!

So my blog is about the culinary arts, travel, art, artists and whatever I need to tell you at that
particular moment.  Today I just want to mention a newsletter that Francophiles would be
interested in.  Oh, what's a Francophile?  Someone who adores all things French.  A
Francophone is someone who speaks French.  I am both.  My dream is to live in France,
spending a lot of time in the City of Light and visiting nearby Provence regularly.  DREAM
BIG!!!  Otherwise your life will probably be a long series of small dreams that are
disconnected.  I want to be connected and DREAM BIG.  So, the site to google is
Chocolate and Zucchini.  It will be worth your time, especially if you are going to Paris
anytime soon or want to DREAM about it...

ALL THE BEST,

Billy