Rings And Things: Paris, The City
1Digest
This episode of the One-Aid podcast, "Rings and Things," focuses on Paris, the host city of the 2024 Summer Olympics. The episode begins with a personal journey of becoming a Parisian by Simon Cooper, a journalist and author of "The Impossible City." He discusses the city's density, the challenges of making friends, and the unique Parisian culture. The episode then shifts to the food scene in Paris, with Priya Krishna, a food reporter for The New York Times, discussing how the city is preparing to feed the influx of visitors for the Olympics. She highlights the multicultural food scene and the city's efforts to make dining a part of the Olympic experience. Finally, the episode returns to Simon Cooper, who discusses the ambitious project to overhaul Paris's transportation infrastructure, including the construction of 68 new subway stations in the suburbs. This project aims to connect the city and its suburbs, creating a more integrated and inclusive urban environment.
Outlines
Paris: A City in Transformation
This episode explores Paris's history, culture, and preparations for the 2024 Summer Olympics, featuring insights from journalists and food reporters.
A Love Letter to Paris
Simon Cooper, a journalist and author of "The Impossible City," shares his personal journey of becoming a Parisian, discussing the city's density, the challenges of making friends, and the unique Parisian culture.
Feeding the Olympic Games
Priya Krishna, a food reporter for The New York Times, discusses the food scene in Paris and how the city is preparing to feed the influx of visitors for the Olympics. She highlights the multicultural food scene and the city's efforts to make dining a part of the Olympic experience.
Paris's Transportation Transformation
Simon Cooper discusses the ambitious project to overhaul Paris's transportation infrastructure, including the construction of 68 new subway stations in the suburbs. This project aims to connect the city and its suburbs, creating a more integrated and inclusive urban environment.
Keywords
Paris
The capital of France, known for its iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is a major tourist destination and a global center for fashion, art, and cuisine.
Olympics
The Summer Olympics, a major international sporting event held every four years. The 2024 Summer Olympics will be held in Paris, France.
The Impossible City
A memoir and love letter to Paris by Simon Cooper, exploring his personal journey of becoming a Parisian and his observations on the city's unique character.
French Taco
A unique French street food, a variation on the traditional taco, often featuring ingredients like fries, cheese, and sauce. It is popular in the suburbs of Paris.
Food Scene
The culinary landscape of a city or region, encompassing its restaurants, street food, and culinary traditions.
Transportation Infrastructure
The network of roads, railways, and other systems that facilitate transportation within a city or region.
Urban Environment
The physical and social characteristics of a city or town, including its buildings, infrastructure, and population.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges of living in Paris?
Paris is a dense city with a lot of people, which can lead to feelings of claustrophobia and irritability. The city also has a unique culture that can be difficult to navigate, especially for newcomers.
How has the food scene in Paris changed over the years?
Paris has become increasingly multicultural, with a wide variety of cuisines available. While traditional French cuisine remains popular, there is now a greater emphasis on international flavors and fusion dishes.
What are some tips for navigating the food scene in Paris during the Olympics?
Avoid touristy areas and seek out neighborhood restaurants. Pack snacks to avoid being caught off guard by limited food options.
What is the significance of the transportation overhaul project in Paris?
This project aims to connect the city and its suburbs, creating a more integrated and inclusive urban environment. It will also improve accessibility for residents and visitors, particularly those traveling to the Olympics.
What advice would you give to someone considering moving to Paris permanently?
Go for it! Paris offers a unique and vibrant lifestyle, with access to world-class food, culture, and beauty. The city is also becoming increasingly bike-friendly, making it easy to explore and experience the city's energy.
Show Notes
What's left to be said about the city of lights? It's the setting of great works of fiction, both on screen and on the page. It's played a pivotal role throughout Western history, serving as a hub for learning, commerce, diplomacy, and more. It's the ideal vacation destination for millions upon millions of people every year.
It's also a place where some 2 million (11 million counting the greater metro area) people live, go to school, eat, play sports, and talk.
We discuss the impact of the Olympics on Paris and share your memories of the city.
Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices
NPR Privacy Policy
Table of contents
United States
