Pierre in the Air!

by Andrea Beck 29p.

This book was a delight. The story was cute and the illustrations are delightful. The story is of a poodle who is a born adventurer, but unfortunately his owner insists on keeping him at home or in hotels and making him get constant grooming. He is a determined dog and takes his travels into his own paws when they go to Paris for a dog show. Nothing is stopping Pierre from seeing the Eiffel Tower! Apparently this is Pierre's third adventure, I hope they are as cute as this story book.

Kel

Paris 2011

by Rick Steves, Steve Smith, and Gene Openshaw. 670 p.

Stacked precariously next to my bedside is a pile of dog-eared, be-sticky-noted, travel books, crowned by the wonderfulness of Rick Steves' Paris. His packing advice is phenomenal, his knowledge of public transit is fab, and his cultural insights are priceless. I know that my last two posts have crowed about the loveliness of his books, and for that I will never apologize.

And now, and Ode to Rick:

I love the way you help me travel,

So my brain does not unravel.

Oh how savvy you are, Rick Steves,

Your travel intellect makes my heart cleave.

London 2011

by Rick Steves & Gene Openshaw, 571 p.

I'm still planning my trip, and I feel a bit like I'm being buried under a pile of travel books. Since a large portion will be spent in London, I've been reading this poor book cover to cover at least once a week. But it has such fantastic city walks, self-guided museum tours, and non-touristy information that I think it will make all the difference.

I just love Rick Steves so much. *sniffle*

Great Britain 2011

by Rick Steves, 867 p.

In preparing for the Great European Vacation of 2011, I'm researching as much as I can so I don't start World War III (or reenact National Lampoon's European Vacation).

Rick Steve's guide to Britain is fantastic. He's very good about reminding readers that 1) you can't see everything; 2) not everything is worth seeing; 3) and to travel like a local.

So, Rick, if you're reading this.... PLEASE HIRE ME AS YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL LIBRARIAN.

Frommer's 24 Great Walks in Paris

176 p.

I'm gearing up for a short trip to Paris this summer, so I'm trying to do as much research as I possibly can before I leave. So far, this book is awesome. It has "themed walks," like the Da Vinci Code walk, and art museum and neighborhood walks. Plus, it tells how long/strenuous the walks are, where to eat, and a little history of the sites on the path. I'm super excited about the Pere Lachaise cemetery map - here's hoping I don't get lost there...