Ballad of the Sad Cafes

My wife and I went to Paris years ago, and found that we couldn't share in almost any of the real life of the city; she has allergy-triggered asthma, and I just hate cigarette smoke. We never went back, despite the wonderful museums, etc., etc. Now that I know about the smoking ban, sounds like it's time for a return trip.

This story was so sad and so lovely. I read it twice. I have been to France on two occasions, when everyone smoked everywhere -- little cafes and bars were filled with throngs of people smoking and drinking at their leisure. There was something very special about all of it. When the smoking ban took effect in Paris, I couldn't believe it. How could there possibly be a Paris without its smokers? I realize that times are changing, but sometimes in our quest to live cleaner, healthier lives, we lose sight of what's really important. We lose the culture, we lose a way of life, we lose our past. I miss the old Paris.

It's too bad we can't just medicate anymore like we used to, now everything is turned into serious addiction. How did everything get to be so black and white?

What an amazing writer you are, Mr. Dickey! I will make it a point to read whatever you write from this pont forward.
Paris is an amazing city and the French have passion for everything and they would be proud to see how you have captured their spirit. A non-smoker myself, I do understand the culture and the carpe diem philosophy which Monsieur Peresse had and I am sad to read of his passing.

Thank for you the story... It was beautifully written. I haven't been to Paris in several years but this reminds me of the "good ol' days" While I don't smoke, it's sad to see this lifestyle be stripped from France; it is the vision so many foreigners have the country.

Freedom is an illusion. Beware of those that tell you "I'm doing this to protect you from yourself". We have the smoking ban here in Ohio Too. But the question is. Who goes to a bar for health reasons? Those that want to be in a clean air environment need to stay home. I am a non-smoker and if I choose to not breathe smoke I'll stay home. I choose to go out with friends and have drink and maybe get a little stupid but I don't complain about the smoke. It's my choice to be there.

This article was beautifully written. IT evokes in me my teenage years living in the cafes of France. How sad that this segment of my life will forever be a memory, and so many more will never truly experience it.
Thank you...

There is a small organic website for the U.S. smoking community that is like a Citysearch for smokers--tells you where you can still smoke legally..smokingtourist.com

What a beautiful, sad story.

I am saddened to read this. I remember my last trip many many years ago as a student...and just this last weekend I said to my sweetheart, " I want to see Paris again, it has been far too long". So sad that it may be best I stay away and keep the fond memories.....

http://tsitologiya.ru/

http://tsitologiya.ru/

This article is not just about Paris or smoking. it is about civil liberties. It is about big brother and the goverment watching everything you do wherever and whenever you do it. It seems like everything you do is bad for you or for someone next to you. I don't need the goverment to watch out for me. Life has become fun only for the rich few that can go somewhere with their money where the cameras are not watching them. I live in NYC. There are cameras pretty much on every corner. I am a respectable hard working citizen. I vote and have never broken the law. I can be responsible for myself like most people.

This article is not just about Paris or smoking. it is about civil liberties. It is about big brother and the goverment watching everything you do wherever and whenever you do it. It seems like everything you do is bad for you or for someone next to you. I don't need the goverment to watch out for me. Life has become fun only for the rich few that can go somewhere with their money where the cameras are not watching them. I live in NYC. There are cameras pretty much on every corner. I am a respectable hard working citizen. I vote and have never broken the law. I can be responsible for myself like most people.

Waxing nostalgic over cigarette smoke? Seriously? You are right, in fact, lets bring it back. And dont stop there, spitoons were romantic back in the cowboy days. Ah - that Ptooooh sound hitting the metal. Brings me back to my romantic youth.

Though I was born and raised in the U.S., my parents - both born Parisians - would often send me in the summer to spend time with Famliy in France. When I recently returned to Paris (after a long absence, I might add) I was overwhelmed by what I realized the city had smelled like to me as a child: diesel fumes, cigarette smoke and dog...well let's call it dog 'droppings'. Ahhh Paris! What a city! Easy on the eye, but a bit hard on the nose.

Though I was born and raised in the U.S., my parents - both Parisians by birth - would often send me to spend summers with family in France. I recently returned to Paris (after many years away, I might add) and was overwhelmed by what I suddenly realized was what Paris 'smelled' like to me as a child: diesel fumes, cigarette smoke and dog...well, let's call it dog 'poop'. Ahhhh Paris! What a city! Easy on the eye, but a bit hard on the nose.