This is the age-old question asked by multiple tourists wanting a good bite to eat in Paris in the month of August. You see, Paris virtually shuts its doors in August. Not that you’ll really notice, it’s still busy (but not as crowded) and there ARE places open, but for most restaurateurs this is the time to hang up the old apron, head to the south, drink wine and play boules.

So, if you intend to head to Paris in August and want to know for sure what will be open, here is a list of 40 Parisian restaurants open in August:

I was given this link by an online acquaintance. It is a wonderful video of a fun-loving “Life is beautiful” kind of guy, dancing throughout the world. Optimism is oozing from this man’s pores. What I love about the video is that it is so uplifting, and without saying a word it focuses on the ways we are all alike on this Earth, rather than on our differences. And, it shows how contagious joy can be. If you have a second, take a look at this video, and your day will be better for it. Click on “Dancing 2008″.

Time.com just put out a list of the most obnoxious tourists in Europe and then in the world. Who takes top billing? The French do! I have to say, I’m kind of surprised by this. Not because I feel like I must defend all things French, all the time, but because I have seen French tourists during my travels in the U.S., Canada and Europe, and I have never thought “obnoxious”. The survey went to hotel workers, so I assume they have a perspective I do not. But I would say the French tourists I have encountered tend to be on the more discreet side. I better not get a job in a hotel, my impressions may be blown!
To see the article, go to this link.

To celebrate France’s presidency of the European Union, France has dressed her most famous monument in EU blue, with 12 yellow stars representing the various peoples of Europe. The tower will be blue for two months, and in January the presidency is turned over to the Czech Republic.

You will notice the EU flag throughout Paris in the next six months, most notably flying next to the French “tricolore” flag under the Arc de Triomphe.