Dear Sam,

I know we want to keep the Hemingway haunts to a minimum during our trip, but we must, must, must head to the legendary Bar Hemingway at the Hotel Ritz Paris. Located at the Place Vendome, I’ve always wanted to check it out (we’ll make it there just in time; the hotel is closing this June for renovations).

Tucked in a small corner of the Ritz, Hemingway’s was reputed to be Papa’s favourite watering hole in Paris (no small feat). He even famously “liberated” it at the end of World War II. The hotel later re-named the bar in his honour.

Drinks aren’t cheap (about 30 euros each; gulp!). But once you order one, you are entitled to use their special mailroom services. Yes, mailroom services! You can even borrow one of their vintage typewritters. After you’ve written the letter (no texts or emails here), you hand it to the bar staff, and they keep it until it’s collected. The bar has been providing this service for patrons since the 1940s. I propose we drop by Hemingway’s late Saturday night (closing time is 2 a.m.) and pen letters to our daughters, Mimi and Lauren. They can pick them up on their first trip to the City of Light.

You can even receive outside mail here. The mailing address is:

<Your name>
Bar Hemingway
Ritz Paris
15, Place Vendome, 75001 Paris

In an age of instant communication, nothing beats an old-fashioned letter. Miss you lots.

Yours,
Kat

<;