Lake Shasta Dam

When we visited Lake Shasta Dam they were doing maintenance on the interior, so we couldn't go inside. But, it was a gorgeous day, and the scenery was beautiful.   

Weaverville Saw Mill

We went to Weaverville's Trinity County Museum where we chanced upon an old, functioning saw mill. Their museum has got to be one of the strangest I've ever been too. We wandered around a building and its grounds without any expectations, because there were no brochures, maps, or tour guides. Items weren't so much curated as they were stockpiled. It was as if they were still amassing items for their museum, and they had not  finished the exhibits. The plus side was that we could really look at and interact with whatever we found. These photos are the result of no one preventing me from getting all up close and personal with a "Portable American No. 1 Saw Mill." 

Heavy Groceries

Grocery shopping differs quite a bit between France and the U.S.

In Paris, we would walk ten minutes to the metro and ride it for two stops, before exiting and walking a block to reach our favorite Monoprix. We usually exited with both our reusable shopping bags bursting at the seams, and sometimes left with an extra bag. Usually, we rode the metro back home. But, on more than one occasion, we simply walked to the store, or, gasp, walked home carrying the groceries.

Today, since the boyfriend is sick, I got in the car and drove to Safeway to get supplies. I grabbed one of those black baskets at the door and filled it with eight yogurts, four powerades, and two raisin breads. I then swung by the water aisle and picked up two and a half gallons of water. Next, I walked straight to a cashier, put my items on the counter, and waited for the person in front of me to finish checking out.
 
This conversation with the male, fifty year old cashier followed:

Checker: "Is the water yours?"
Me: "Yes it is."
Checker: "Because I didn't see a cart...did you carry that over here?!"
Me: "Yes, I did."
Checker: "Isn't that too heavy?"
Me: "I just returned from Paris where you carry your groceries home, so I guess I just got used to that."
Checker: "So, you've been training..."
Me: "I suppose so..."
Checker: "Well are you sure you wouldn't like a cart or at least help outside?"
Me: "I'll be okay."
Checker: "Alright...well, you are certainly stronger than I am!"

Exiting the store, I carried my two bags of groceries and water to my car parked less than a block away. It only took me five to ten minutes to drive home, park in the garage, and walk through the front door.

I was so befuddled by the encounter, I made my sick boyfriend get out of bed and assess the groceries before recounting the story. He responded with a shrug, "Americans..." After a moment, "I guess you've turned Parisian."

English Bookstores

I have a yen to go on a literary jaunt through Paris. The logical first stop is Shakespeare & Co (Address: 37, rue de la Bûcherie, 75005 PARIS) but while the bookstore is lovely with an awesome selection, my last visit nearly drove me to obscenities. Two annoying teenage girls were discussing how Kerouac's "On the Road" is I quote, "like the worst book ever...I mean it doesn't even have punctuation!...eww, I just don't understand why anyone would want to read that." Do picture a sneer and a valley girl accent as they complete the image. Maybe the next visit will be different?

However there turns out to be a plethora of English bookstores in Paris. Who knew?

Abbey Bookshop - La Librairie Canadienne
Address: 29, rue de la Parcheminerie, 75005 PARIS
Conveniently this bookstore is around the corner from Shakespeare & Co, and if my research is correct, they serve free coffee!

American University of Paris Bookstore
Address: American Church — 65, quai d'Orsay, 75007 PARIS
Being a university, I assume they only carry course work for classes. But, now I know where to find Americans!

Attica-la librairie des langues
Address: 64, rue de la Folie Méricourt, 75011 PARIS
The website is written entirely in French which is daunting, but they do have a section devoted to "Anglais americain".  

The Book Cellar
Address: 23, rue Jean de Beauvais, 75005 PARIS
I cannot find a website for this one. I am intrigued...

Galignani
Address: 224, rue de Rivoli, 75001 PARIS
The oldest English bookstore on the continent!

Nouveau Quartier Latin
Address: 78, boulevard Saint-Michel, 75006 PARIS
This one also does not have a website.

The Red Wheelbarrow Bookstore
Address: 22, rue Saint-Paul, 75004 PARIS
The name alone offers ample reasons to go.

San Francisco Book Co.
Address: 17, rue Monsieur-le-Prince, 75006 PARIS
I am saving this one for a day when I am feeling particularly homesick. They also buyback books!

Tea and Tattered Pages 
Address: 24, rue Mayet, 75006 PARIS
I could not be more excited. A tea room and a second-hand bookstore in one! This may be heaven. 

Village Voice Bookshop
Address: 6, rue Princesse, 75006 PARIS
It is open on Sunday!

W.H. Smith
Address: 248, rue de Rivoli, 75001 PARIS
They sell British food and confectioneries on the upper level.