New Zealand
“Arthur’s Pass National Park is in the heart of the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Its high mountains, steep gorges and wide-braided rivers straddle the main divide, and are the ‘backbone’ of the scenic South Island.”
Norman T. Faner, Retired, LADWP
Florian Faner, Retired, General Services
Atlanta
Alive! editor John Burnes visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park during Black History Month. Behind him is the Horizon Sanctuary of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Letter From Paris
It’s April in Paris! Over the years, Paris has built up an incredible reputation as one of the most romantic cities on earth, so why not take that special someone in your life and discover it for yourselves?
Hollywood can’t be all wrong. Temember its classic romantic movies based around the City of Lights, like An American in Paris (starring Gene Kelly), French Kiss (with Meg Ryan), Gigi (with Louis Jourdan), Sabrina (with Audrey Hepburn), or Je T’Aime, with Jane Birkin singing the title song with such passion and feeling. Even Disney’s Ratatouille has a romantic note.
April and October are the best times to explore Paris as the weather is pleasant and there are no summer crowds. Contrary to popular opinion, not all Parisians are rude—they’re just in a hurry. They walk fast, talk faster, and don’t understand why you’re reading a map in the middle of the sidewalk.
The city is full of charming cafés on cobblestone street corners or on tree-lined boulevards spilling out onto the sidewalk, smelling of fresh coffee and warm croissants, all just oozing romance and lasting memories. Take a stroll along the banks of the River Seine, day or night, and views of Notre-Dame or the Eiffel Tower never fail to impress. In fact, why not dine at Madame Brasserie’s, the first-floor restaurant of the Eiffel Tower? You can enjoy a meal and a couple of glasses of wine while sitting between the tresses of the Iron Lady. The elevator ride to the first floor is included in your ticket price, and you can easily buy a second elevator ticket to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower when your meal is over.
There are also many other fun places to see in the city, like the top of the Arc de Triomphe, located in the middle of the Champs-Élysées, with avenues stretching out in all directions. Climbing 300 steps to the top is part of the adventure. There’s also an elevator if you’d rather skip the climb—but there are a few more steps to reach the panoramic terrace! The famous Parisian department store Galeries Lafayette also offers a 180-degree panoramic view of Paris from its two rooftop restaurants; take the elevator to the top floor. It’s free to visit and the food is great.
Montmartre’s white Sacré-Cœur church is a very popular spot for views of Paris. Walk down the narrow street behind and see the famous Clos Montmartre grape, which produces one of the few locally grown wines in Paris. There is a small pink restaurant called La Maison Rose nearby, once a popular bohemian haunt for painters, poets and musicians, including Pablo Picasso.
No trip to Paris would be complete without visiting the Louvre, especially after dark when the crowds are smaller. The Opera Garnier is just a 15-minute walk from the Louvre. This building inspired The Phantom of the Opera, with its grand staircase and foyer. Tip: If you’re coming for a daytime self-guided tour, the entrance is around the back-left side of the Opera House.
For couples who love bubbly, take a day trip to the Champagne region of France (about two hours from Paris) to visit vineyards and sample some locally produced Champagne.
Last, but definitely not least, check out a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge. Get your ticket in advance and prepare your senses for a once-in-a-lifetime glittering Parisian spectacular.
Au revoir. –Le Capitaine
