A very recent trip to Paris brought out the inner Geek in a different way. A more refined and cultured Geek appeared with a renewed appreciation for art, architecture, food, wine, and fashion. Of course, traditional Geek destinations such a world famous bookstore were also on the list. This “literary” Geek is the one that is most recently being embraced and a trip to a literary capital of the world was a highlight.

It was amazing to see the emphasis that people in Paris put on their bookstores. Like their food, locals have the opportunity to choose from specialized stores offering specifics items to meet any interest. Rare books, travel books, children’s books, used books, and French literature were the focus of various bookstore’s around the city.

Any trip to Paris must include a prolonged visit to Shakespeare and Company on the left bank. This literary destination is a bucket list item for those that find true love in books. The staff was helpful and polite. A person can quickly tell that they are there because they want to be doing that job. They have the same geeky love of books as the people that stroll through the store. Next door is the rare/antique bookshop with the same name. The shop only allows 5 people inside at a time so as to limit the possibility of anything being damaged and to keep browsing space in this small area at a premium. Beautiful first editions line the shelves one after another. The truly rare books are kept behind locked glass cabinets. Quiet and serene with that oh so wonderful smell of old leather and paper.

Items were purchased and shipped. They have now been received and each book has a stamp from Shakespeare and Company “Kilometer One Paris”…..treasure to enjoy over and over.