Face for Radio

Last Saturday, on my way home from the marché aux puces (fleamarket) in Saint-Ouen, I stopped off at Gare de l’Est and boarded the fastest train in Europe. Fastest on other days, at least. This particular TGV never pulled away from the dock, but instead played stationary host to the Peter Greenberg radio show.

When “my people” (the kindly editors at Budget Travel) told me that “Peter’s people” wanted me on the show, I was nervous to say the least. A live broadcast to 150 radio stations and Sirius satellite? No editing and no do-overs?

I came heavily prepared. The invitation was based on an article about hotel prices in Paris. I brought pages of highlighted info, talking points, and currency conversions. Boarding the train and entering the tricked-out studio, I noticed that nobody else had notes. “Peter prefers a conversation,” said Margaret, the leggy blonde production person who was making everything happen. “No notes?” I asked? “No notes.”

It wasn’t necessary, as we didn’t spend a single moment talking about hotels. Inspired by the previous guest, Alexander Lobrano (whose Hungry for Paris is a staple on my bookshelf), Peter wanted to keep talking about food. “All the better,” I thought to myself, “it’s what I know best.”

And then Peter, who was sweet as pie despite his intimidating resume, asked the first question: “what do you think of Apicius?”

My opinion? About the restaurant Apicius? Where I had never, ever eaten? Live on the radio, I did what any of you would have done: I faked it. “Oh! Apiiiicius. Yeah, that place has been getting a lot of buzz. As you told me during the break, you think everything there is great!”

We moved on immediately, much to my relief, to talk about other impromptu topics, including do I like the train?, how to save money on food (okay, that one I know), my french boyfriend, and whether I’m ever going home.

The segment flew by in a flash and the “time’s up” music was playing by the time Peter got around to hotels. After the show, we adjourned to the bar car for a glass of champagne and some Cheetos – the perfect finish for this hillbilly Parisienne (and emerging radio personality).

• To listen (free) to Peter’s show about Paris, click here (I’m on from minute 40:00 to 45:30).
• To learn more about Apicius from someone who knows what they’re talking about, click here.
• To read more about hotel prices and strategies (what we didn’t talk about) check out these Budget Travel posts:

Paris: How to find an affordable place to stay
Paris price check: Does the $80 hotel still exist?
The Parisians are on vacation! Rent their apartments