Buying books (and some other stuff of course)

Planning is now in full swing.  Alisma is starting to get serious about finding AirBNB places in Paris. She sent me links for 7 or 8 to look at on Friday.  I of course chose the cheapest one.  But it looks pretty decent and is close to the Metro (capitalized?).  Alisma has already contacted the owner so it looks like a go.  Here is the link if anyone cares to see: www.vrbo.com/1608183ha

For those with less time on their hands, here's a couple of pictures.

Alisma and I had breakfast this weekend with Andrea and Lana who AirBNBed through Europe a couple of years ago.   They had some good tips and some hilarious stories about getting around Paris:  tip # 1 - everything is further away than it appears.  The story that demonstrated that tip also included tips # 2 & 3 - don't try to get anywhere on Bastille Day and one can spend time in Paris and never actually reach the Eiffel Tower without the world ending. All good stuff.




BTW:   this is my first photo from my
phone tha tI have ever posted to my blog

Yesterday I went to Russel's books and bought a used Spain Lonely Planet so I could look up some of the cities Alisma is taking me to.  I also bought a small map of Paris that includes Metro stops.  And then today Mom and I went to the Times Colonist book sale where I bought guides on Paris, Barcelona & Versailles (which is on our list).  I have never been to the TC book sale before.  It was crazy and that was midday of day 2.  I can't imagine what it was like on day 1.  Anyway, here is where I spent most of my time.  Bonus, Jack Knox told me where to go (to pay for my books).

I also bought a new mini-computer.  My last travel computer really packed it in last year in Kenya.  It served me well and earned its keep but time to move on.  Plus my new one only weighs 2.2 pounds.  That will give me room to take another bag which I am sure I will need for something.

Spanish update.  I am taking Spanish level 2 though Camosun's Continuing Education.  The teacher scares me but it gives me a chance to practice more.  Duolingo says I am at 47% fluency now but Duolingo is clearly easily fooled.  I am not using the website as much now that I am in 'class'.  I am discovering that even if what is in my head is right, it is not necessarily what comes out of my mouth.  Definitely need more practice to re-establish those synapses.

I went to find a picture of synapes so I could look smart but I found this instead.  It explains how different parts of the brain function for the different parts of speech.  Now it makes more sense that I can read it, think it, hear it but not say it.  See, now we are all smarter.

And just because.  Here is a pretty picture of brain synapses to end today's post.