I am jealous of their glow-stick festivities.
I can't be too upset, I still had mucho fun at the version that I attended.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ew.
It's sticky here in the city. Ew.
I think I'm supposed to be grateful because apparently it was super gross last week, whereas today's actually not that bad. Fine.
My week in Paris had unfortunate weather as well. It rained every single day and probably hovered around the 15 degrees Celsius mark.
I guess that's what I get for complaining about getting sunburnt in Switzerland. Oh, how I miss that dry, cat-lying-in-the-sun, crazy altitude, heat.
I think I'm supposed to be grateful because apparently it was super gross last week, whereas today's actually not that bad. Fine.
My week in Paris had unfortunate weather as well. It rained every single day and probably hovered around the 15 degrees Celsius mark.
I guess that's what I get for complaining about getting sunburnt in Switzerland. Oh, how I miss that dry, cat-lying-in-the-sun, crazy altitude, heat.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Paris, tu me manques
It's Sunday morning, and I took one last tour around Paris. It's quieter on a Sunday morning, but there is always people out and about. I went to the Champs Elysees and they're setting up for the derniere partie of Le Tour de France. It would have been fun to stick around to watch them do laps around that wide street.
This has been a wonderful trip. It's been three years since visiting Europe the last time, and I know that I'm privileged to even have had many opportunities to board a plane, but I still wish I could do it more often.
This has been a wonderful trip. It's been three years since visiting Europe the last time, and I know that I'm privileged to even have had many opportunities to board a plane, but I still wish I could do it more often.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Semantics
I was late for dance class tonight.
Well, first, I have to say that I took two dance classes here in Paris. It's the first time that I've been here and done something that wasn't 'for tourists'. It's not that I'm desperate to dance and don't want to loose a week (or two) of exercise while on vacation. In fact, I walk a bunch when I travel, so I am definitely keeping active. It's just that I thought it would be kind of interesting to see what dance classes in another city are like.
Anyway, the classes that I took, were very different from one another. Different teachers, so different styles. Variety is good every so often. And I realized, that when trying to figure out a teacher's style for dance, watching the movement isn't enough. I actually do need to rely on the auditory cues that accompany the movement. Hearing cues in a non-native language isn't quite the same. It's like I lost one of my senses when I was trying to follow the class.
I digress. as I said, I was late.
When signing in, I was told that the studio in which the class would take place was either on the 2nd floor or just 'that studio right there' (we were at the main/street level). Apparently the instructor was probably outside having a smoke, so I was supposed to just keep my eye out for him when he came back.
So, I take the stairs to go upstairs and look around the different studios to see if anything looks appropriate for my class. Just seeing a pointe class in action, I figure the class isn't upstairs, but on the main floor instead. I head back downstairs and see the previous class finishing up. Ah, this looks right. But no one else is waiting to start the next class nor do I see a teacher anywhere. Do classes start late here?
Finally, I figure maybe I should go back upstairs and double check the situation. Upon hearing some music that sounds promising, I open the studio door and ask the occupant of the studio about where the mystery class was being held. He tells me it's upstairs.
The lightbulb goes off. Over here, the 2nd floor is two floors above the main floor. They start counting at zero, not one. I had forgotten about that - Doh!
Well, first, I have to say that I took two dance classes here in Paris. It's the first time that I've been here and done something that wasn't 'for tourists'. It's not that I'm desperate to dance and don't want to loose a week (or two) of exercise while on vacation. In fact, I walk a bunch when I travel, so I am definitely keeping active. It's just that I thought it would be kind of interesting to see what dance classes in another city are like.
Anyway, the classes that I took, were very different from one another. Different teachers, so different styles. Variety is good every so often. And I realized, that when trying to figure out a teacher's style for dance, watching the movement isn't enough. I actually do need to rely on the auditory cues that accompany the movement. Hearing cues in a non-native language isn't quite the same. It's like I lost one of my senses when I was trying to follow the class.
I digress. as I said, I was late.
When signing in, I was told that the studio in which the class would take place was either on the 2nd floor or just 'that studio right there' (we were at the main/street level). Apparently the instructor was probably outside having a smoke, so I was supposed to just keep my eye out for him when he came back.
So, I take the stairs to go upstairs and look around the different studios to see if anything looks appropriate for my class. Just seeing a pointe class in action, I figure the class isn't upstairs, but on the main floor instead. I head back downstairs and see the previous class finishing up. Ah, this looks right. But no one else is waiting to start the next class nor do I see a teacher anywhere. Do classes start late here?
Finally, I figure maybe I should go back upstairs and double check the situation. Upon hearing some music that sounds promising, I open the studio door and ask the occupant of the studio about where the mystery class was being held. He tells me it's upstairs.
The lightbulb goes off. Over here, the 2nd floor is two floors above the main floor. They start counting at zero, not one. I had forgotten about that - Doh!
Midnight in Paris...in Paris
I just watched Midnight in Paris...in Paris. Sweet.
I also watched it at the Odeon cinema which is featured in the beginning montage. Doubly sweet.
I wish I knew a little bit more about people from the literature and art scene but I still enjoyed the film. So it wasn't my most favorite film ever. It definitely wasn't a language problem because I watched it VO. It was cute, but it didn't really move me in any way. I didn't feel like all of the characters lived up to their potential, although Dali got a bunch of laughs.
Still, it was cute to watch a film about Paris in Paris.
If I wasn't so tired, I would be wandering the streets right now and taking in the moment and enjoying life.
I mean, it's midnight afterall...there are amazing things happening in the city.
I also watched it at the Odeon cinema which is featured in the beginning montage. Doubly sweet.
I wish I knew a little bit more about people from the literature and art scene but I still enjoyed the film. So it wasn't my most favorite film ever. It definitely wasn't a language problem because I watched it VO. It was cute, but it didn't really move me in any way. I didn't feel like all of the characters lived up to their potential, although Dali got a bunch of laughs.
Still, it was cute to watch a film about Paris in Paris.
If I wasn't so tired, I would be wandering the streets right now and taking in the moment and enjoying life.
I mean, it's midnight afterall...there are amazing things happening in the city.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The battle of the macarons
The ultimate battle: Pierre Herme vs. Laduree.I just happened to have three macarons from each Maison today. For a mid-morning snack, I went to Laduree. I chose Fraise Mentholee, Goyave, and Framboise-Anis. As soon as I bit in the first one, oh man, I was in heaven. There's something special about those little pastries that just, I don't know. It's pretty incredible.
For a mid-afternoon snack, I went to Pierre Herme and chose Mogador (fruits de la passion et chocolate au lait), Infiniment Rose, et Menthe et Petit Pois.
In my (not-so) expert opinion, it seems as though the biscuit of the Laduree macaron is more delicate than that of the Pierre Herme macaron. It's like the Pieree Herme macaron is a wee bit more solid and chewy whereas the Laduree macaron really crumbles with your first bite (or a firm grasp).
Laduree seems to have a bit more of a classic flavour selection. Lots of fruity flavours, and then classics like chocolat, pistache, and caramel a la fleur de sel. Pierre Herme also had classics, but were often more whimsically named: infiniment caramel and infiniment chocolat, for example, but then a couple more unique combinations (like the Menthe et Petit Pois that I'd tried and the Asperges Verte & Huile de Noisette or even the Huile d'Olive & Vanille.
Which one's better? I guess that's a personal preference. I say, why choose one over the other? Be like me and have both! I already promised the guy at Pierre Herme that I would go back tomorrow and give him the verdict on the Rose flavoured macaron (I was telling him that I usually don't like flower flavoured pastries, but he says that it's one of the best of the Maison. Does that mean I have to return to Laduree again too?
I know, I lead a hard life.
Warning signs
I know I've spent too much time 'appreciating' French fashion when I start thinking that items in Hermes seem reasonably priced.
The funniest part about my trying to knock some sense into me was that I didn't think I should buy anything because I don't think I have enough room in my suitcase nor carry-on for the lovely boite orange that the purchase would come with. Ha ha ha ha ha!
And if you think I'd leave that box and just take the merchandise as is to conserve space, you'd be crazy.
The funniest part about my trying to knock some sense into me was that I didn't think I should buy anything because I don't think I have enough room in my suitcase nor carry-on for the lovely boite orange that the purchase would come with. Ha ha ha ha ha!
And if you think I'd leave that box and just take the merchandise as is to conserve space, you'd be crazy.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Reality TV everywhere!
I watched Secret Story last night. I used to catch it every so often when I lived in Europe. It's the French version of Big Brother and what sets it apart from the other versions of the show is that each member has a 'secret' and housemates are trying to figure out what each others secrets are.
When I get back to the city, I'll have to catch up on the current season of Big Brother US. I would also watch Big Brother UK (which was also rather amusing) back in my days in Europe and also more recently through the internet. I'm not sure that they're going to have anymore season of the show.
Anyway, reality TV is popular all over the world it seems. I wonder if this trend is here to stay?
When I get back to the city, I'll have to catch up on the current season of Big Brother US. I would also watch Big Brother UK (which was also rather amusing) back in my days in Europe and also more recently through the internet. I'm not sure that they're going to have anymore season of the show.
Anyway, reality TV is popular all over the world it seems. I wonder if this trend is here to stay?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
31, rue Cambon
I finally visited 31, rue Cambon. It might not be quite as expansive and flashy as the Louis Vuitton store on the Champs Elysees but it is classy and chic. Just like the Chanel brand.
I mean, in LV, going up the escalator to the 2nd floor really feels like you're traveling to another world, which you kind of are because I'm always blown away by the clothing. This time, I decided to try on a really cute coat from the previous season. It was amazing, of course. White with a yellow and black pattern. It looked amazing with the all-black outfit I had on that day.
Anyway, back to Chanel. Similar to LV, I was drooling over the clothing. It's truly spectacular what those folks do. The fabrics, the structure, the craftsmanship. Wowza. Oh, that that closet of classic tweed jackets. Drooool. Just like dining as a fine restaurant, the service is incredible. The whole experience of shopping in a boutique is just so agreable.
I wonder if I will ever purchase anything from Chanel. I definitely treat myself to nice things on rare occasions, but Chanel has never been in my realm of possibility. There are certain design houses that I will consider, but I could never justify Chanel. Maybe in the future...
I mean, in LV, going up the escalator to the 2nd floor really feels like you're traveling to another world, which you kind of are because I'm always blown away by the clothing. This time, I decided to try on a really cute coat from the previous season. It was amazing, of course. White with a yellow and black pattern. It looked amazing with the all-black outfit I had on that day.
Anyway, back to Chanel. Similar to LV, I was drooling over the clothing. It's truly spectacular what those folks do. The fabrics, the structure, the craftsmanship. Wowza. Oh, that that closet of classic tweed jackets. Drooool. Just like dining as a fine restaurant, the service is incredible. The whole experience of shopping in a boutique is just so agreable.
I wonder if I will ever purchase anything from Chanel. I definitely treat myself to nice things on rare occasions, but Chanel has never been in my realm of possibility. There are certain design houses that I will consider, but I could never justify Chanel. Maybe in the future...
Monday, July 18, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Writing from the beyond...
Just kidding.
So I survived the jump.
The freefall was bananas. I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't like anything that I had thought it would be. I don't remember the first 5-15 seconds of it. I remember only getting nervous when I saw everyone else jump out of the plane (we were the last to go), then I remember sitting on the edge of the door, I remember the moment that we jumped (well really, I just kind of tumbled out) and then there's a void of memories for a little while.
My guy was kind enough to have us do a backflip out, so I think that added to my confusion.
Nonetheless, as I said, it was amazing. The freefall was crazy, and as soon as the parachute was deployed, I knew that I wanted to do it again.
I found out that when you're falling at a speed of 180km/h, you can't hear yourself scream. And your mouth gets dry rather quickly.
I'll post more about it later. And about everything else that I've been doing.
Obviously, I'm having a wonderful time out here.
Good golly - today, I jumped out of a plane.
So I survived the jump.
The freefall was bananas. I don't know how to describe it. It wasn't like anything that I had thought it would be. I don't remember the first 5-15 seconds of it. I remember only getting nervous when I saw everyone else jump out of the plane (we were the last to go), then I remember sitting on the edge of the door, I remember the moment that we jumped (well really, I just kind of tumbled out) and then there's a void of memories for a little while.
My guy was kind enough to have us do a backflip out, so I think that added to my confusion.
Nonetheless, as I said, it was amazing. The freefall was crazy, and as soon as the parachute was deployed, I knew that I wanted to do it again.
I found out that when you're falling at a speed of 180km/h, you can't hear yourself scream. And your mouth gets dry rather quickly.
I'll post more about it later. And about everything else that I've been doing.
Obviously, I'm having a wonderful time out here.
Good golly - today, I jumped out of a plane.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A return to Chanel
In 1997, I went to Europe for the first time. I stayed in Leysin, Switzerland for most of July to take a French course and then ended the trip with a 5 days in Paris. This trip played a big contribution towards me wanting to return to Europe and start my career there as well as to further travel the area.
The preceding sentence sounds kind of funny in my head. I've been thinking in French for the past couple of days, so I think I'm starting to mix up my English words and even stranger, the voice that I hear in my head has a Swiss accent. I've never had that before.
Anyway, during this trip in '97 I went on a day trip to Geneva. We walked around the city, were the ultimate tourists, took lots of pictures and had a grand old time. It was raining that day.
We were walking by all of these fancy shops and I announced to the group that we should go into Chanel. At the time, I had never been in such a store before and never considered doing so. I just thought, well, I'm in Geneva - it's Chanel, I'll never have the chance to be in a store like this again, I want to see what it's like. Everyone else protested, but I convinced them to go inside with me. We were wet from the rain, very young looking and clearly not ready to purchase anything in the store.
I remember walking around the store in awe. I didn't dare touch anything. A saleslady followed me. Literally. When I went upstairs, she was two steps behind. Although I was under her watchful eye, I decided to touch (gasp!) a piece of clothing. I wanted to know how much something in a store like Chanel would cost. I looked at the price of a skirt. I had a mini-freak out. I quickly retreated from the store and the saleslady stared me down some more.
Clearly it was an experience that I wouldn't soon forget.
Almost 15 years have passed and I returned to that same Chanel store. By now a seasoned fashion house browser (definitely not a seasoned customer...another 15 years?!? Ha.), I calmly greeted and thanked security as he opened the door for me (what service!), took a look at all of the wonderful items on display (still dreaming of a 2.55), giggled to myself about the customers in the store and the price tags of their outfits and accessories and then made my way up that same staircase from all of those years ago.
I marveled at the beautiful clothing, took a look at the price of a skirt (and was still shocked at the amount that I saw) and giggled at the lack of shadow that followed me around this time around. I suppose the last time, we were the only ones in the store whereas this time there were many other customers to tend to. And maybe I'm less of an anomaly than I was back then?
Clearly, it was an amusing visit for me and a nice trip down memory lane, which as you all probably know, I love.
I also learned something else from my recent visit to the shop. Chanel boutiques will also markdown items by 50% during sale season. Strange.
The preceding sentence sounds kind of funny in my head. I've been thinking in French for the past couple of days, so I think I'm starting to mix up my English words and even stranger, the voice that I hear in my head has a Swiss accent. I've never had that before.
Anyway, during this trip in '97 I went on a day trip to Geneva. We walked around the city, were the ultimate tourists, took lots of pictures and had a grand old time. It was raining that day.
We were walking by all of these fancy shops and I announced to the group that we should go into Chanel. At the time, I had never been in such a store before and never considered doing so. I just thought, well, I'm in Geneva - it's Chanel, I'll never have the chance to be in a store like this again, I want to see what it's like. Everyone else protested, but I convinced them to go inside with me. We were wet from the rain, very young looking and clearly not ready to purchase anything in the store.
I remember walking around the store in awe. I didn't dare touch anything. A saleslady followed me. Literally. When I went upstairs, she was two steps behind. Although I was under her watchful eye, I decided to touch (gasp!) a piece of clothing. I wanted to know how much something in a store like Chanel would cost. I looked at the price of a skirt. I had a mini-freak out. I quickly retreated from the store and the saleslady stared me down some more.
Clearly it was an experience that I wouldn't soon forget.
Almost 15 years have passed and I returned to that same Chanel store. By now a seasoned fashion house browser (definitely not a seasoned customer...another 15 years?!? Ha.), I calmly greeted and thanked security as he opened the door for me (what service!), took a look at all of the wonderful items on display (still dreaming of a 2.55), giggled to myself about the customers in the store and the price tags of their outfits and accessories and then made my way up that same staircase from all of those years ago.
I marveled at the beautiful clothing, took a look at the price of a skirt (and was still shocked at the amount that I saw) and giggled at the lack of shadow that followed me around this time around. I suppose the last time, we were the only ones in the store whereas this time there were many other customers to tend to. And maybe I'm less of an anomaly than I was back then?
Clearly, it was an amusing visit for me and a nice trip down memory lane, which as you all probably know, I love.
I also learned something else from my recent visit to the shop. Chanel boutiques will also markdown items by 50% during sale season. Strange.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Hot weather everywhere
I hear it's hot in the city. It's hot here too.
The temperature itself isn't too crazy, but the altitude makes the sun mighty fierce.
I got my annual ridiculous sunburn and I was trying to stay in the shade and indoors as much as possible.
It's just too hard when you want to walk around town and take a dip in the lake.
It's such a strange feeling being back. I don't feel like I ever left. The train ride into town felt like I was taking the daily 510 streetcar to school.
If only it were true.
The temperature itself isn't too crazy, but the altitude makes the sun mighty fierce.
I got my annual ridiculous sunburn and I was trying to stay in the shade and indoors as much as possible.
It's just too hard when you want to walk around town and take a dip in the lake.
It's such a strange feeling being back. I don't feel like I ever left. The train ride into town felt like I was taking the daily 510 streetcar to school.
If only it were true.
Friday, July 08, 2011
Back to old routines
Shortly after my arrival, I headed to Denner and bought a chestnut yogurt and Rivella. The creamy yogurt (3.5%) was lovely. Yes, it's not quite as creamy as the yogurt that I got from the fromagerie (that stuff was crazy) but still really amazing.
Life is good.
I'll write about my trip over (teaser: Executive Class!), adventures in Munchen and such soon.
Life is good.
I'll write about my trip over (teaser: Executive Class!), adventures in Munchen and such soon.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Creepy or not so creepy?
I was asked to do one of those full body scans at the airport today. After beeping when going through the regular scanner, the GTAA (I mean, Toronto Pearson) worker told me I had two options. And then proceeded to tell me that I would be going to the full body scanner. Weird.
I was told it wasn't an x-ray scanner, so that made me feel vaguely better. I did ask to make sure there would be not crazy gusts of air or anything as I was wearing a skirt. Hey, call me completely naive, but I remember being very much caught off-guard when going into that bomb detector at the base of the CN Tower.
I wasn't allowed to stand with my natural stance, but instructed to place my feet on the assigned spots (wider enough than shoulder width to make me feel more self conscious than I was already feeling). And then, the awkward, put-your-hands-in-the-air thing was great too. Anyway, me being me, I wanted to see what kind of image the scan produced. Apparently, the person that was looking at my scan (walkie-talkie distance away, because apparently they're not supposed to see who I am and don't have any indicating data about my identity) said there was still something of question on me. It was only at that moment that my scan popped up on the screen and my accompanying Toronto Pearson worker and I critiqued the scan wondering why there was a big red blob on my hip. (By the way, the scan just looked like a gingerbread man cutout.)
My metallic looking (but actually made of plastic) buttons were the only thing that the Toronto Pearson worker could think of. Still not completely convinced, in the end, I did get a localized pat-down. I'll bet she was super impressed with my rock hard oblique. Glad to know that even with all of this fancy technology there are still glitches.
So a very ex
I was told it wasn't an x-ray scanner, so that made me feel vaguely better. I did ask to make sure there would be not crazy gusts of air or anything as I was wearing a skirt. Hey, call me completely naive, but I remember being very much caught off-guard when going into that bomb detector at the base of the CN Tower.
I wasn't allowed to stand with my natural stance, but instructed to place my feet on the assigned spots (wider enough than shoulder width to make me feel more self conscious than I was already feeling). And then, the awkward, put-your-hands-in-the-air thing was great too. Anyway, me being me, I wanted to see what kind of image the scan produced. Apparently, the person that was looking at my scan (walkie-talkie distance away, because apparently they're not supposed to see who I am and don't have any indicating data about my identity) said there was still something of question on me. It was only at that moment that my scan popped up on the screen and my accompanying Toronto Pearson worker and I critiqued the scan wondering why there was a big red blob on my hip. (By the way, the scan just looked like a gingerbread man cutout.)
My metallic looking (but actually made of plastic) buttons were the only thing that the Toronto Pearson worker could think of. Still not completely convinced, in the end, I did get a localized pat-down. I'll bet she was super impressed with my rock hard oblique. Glad to know that even with all of this fancy technology there are still glitches.
So a very ex
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