Talismanic Tickets

I've got a kind of fetish with Paris metro tickets.  Over the years I've come to think of them as good luck charms, so instead of tossing out the used ones, I tuck them into my pockets.  Silly as it is, when I'm miles from Paris, stick my hand in a pocket and feel a ticket, it makes me smile - always. 

And, odd as it sounds, I buy a 10-pack of metro tickets the day I leave town.  I make the 11-Euro purchase knowing I won't use the tickets then, but convinced that getting a carnet (the name for these packs) is the same as taking out an insurance policy guaranteeing my return to Paris. 

So far it's worked like a charm - I've been coming back for years!

Comments

[Helen]

I have them in about every pocket of every coat I have, and handbags and wallets,...reminds me of the time I used to go to the Bon Marche or Le Printemps with my mother and grandmother...

[Dorie]

Lori, I, too, *know* you from egullet. I'm glad you came to visit and I hope you'll come back often.

[Lori in PA]

I have been to Paris only one time, but I still have a Paris metro ticket in my "spring jacket" pocket. When I reach in and feel it, I can almost taste the almond croissants. Only *almost*, mind you!

I am glad to have discovered your blog. I *know* you from egullet, Dorie, and my frequent use of your Baking book, of course.

[Dorie]

Ruth, I'm sorry to hear that your trip to Paris was cancelled, but taking a class with Norman Love is a swell consolation prize. I worked with Norman when I wrote Baking with Julia -- he's a terrific pastry chef and a really good teacher. I'm sure you're going to learn alot and come back excited.

Carol/Paris Breakfasts, I love your blog, even if it does make me miss Paris terribly because it is so evocative of all that we love in that city. Obviously, I understand why you keep metro tickets, but I think it's so odd that so many of us save these little tickets, yet no one I know holds onto New York City Metro Cards. Even when NYC had very attractive metal subway tokens, I can't remember people guarding them with the same affection.

[Ruth Fischer]

Salut,Dorie! I am beyond thrilled to learn you have a blog. Blow Paris a kiss for me, as it looks as though our trip is going to be postponed for now.

For my birthday this year, my wonderful hubby has convinced me to do something special, and what could be better than doing lots of baking and learning new things? So I've enrolled in a class with Norman Love at the French Pastry School. Am already counting the days.

Cheers,

Ruth

[ParisBreakfasts]

The Metro tickets are a talisman for me too, even though I always buy a Carte d'Orange. I have 5 taped to my studio door as an ever present reminder.