I don't mind being a cliché...

2008-10-29T17:14:00.003+01:00

My mac tells me that we're only 1 degree shy of snowflakes on our balcony. Brrrrr. Although my body disagrees, autumn has to be one of the best times of the year. The trees are sumptuous. At the park, I sit still and hold my breath so as not to stir these fragile trees, watching silently the leaves that float to my feet. After my mind has wandered off to a hundred places, I walk slowly to savour the crackling under my feet. I let my red nose lead me to a cup of hot chocolate and see what Jeeves and Bertie are up to.

While I was missing...

2008-10-14T13:23:00.004+02:00

Yes, it's been just over a year since those love trees. And in between that time and now, I did something that certainly warrants an etching or two on that lovely weathered bark. He and I got married on 27 September 2008. I promise to fill you in after we've finished writing all the thank you notes. That should be sometime in 2009...

Love Trees

2007-09-11T12:28:00.001+02:00

I call them the "Love Trees" of Paris. I can't be sure if all the carvings from top to bottom are messages of love, but it sure looks like it. If and when you find yourself strolling along the Seine, keep an eye out for them. You'll find them running parallel to the Louvre for about a hundred metres. I don't know if the local authorities intended for the trees to look this way, but the messages of l'amour seem to be perfectly at home there.

Joie de Vivre #2

2007-09-08T22:10:00.001+02:00

If you can't get to Giverny, head to a field of wild flowers.
Frolick in the colours and smells at sunset.
Don't forget to pick a nice bunch of them to bring back with you.

Chez Monet

2007-09-07T18:36:00.001+02:00

Giverny is the home of Claude Monet. If you don't know who he is, you should be shot! ...I'm kidding, of course! Here is a good introduction to Monet’s home and garden. It truly is a beautiful place even if you're not terribly into flowers. It's a place of memory, of inspiration, where a multitude of colours and smells overwhelm the senses all year round.

Depending on the month, you’ll find roses, carpets of nasturtiums, dahlias, hollylocks, cherry and crab-apple blossoms, yellow bells of fritillaries, daffodils, tulips, poppies, rhododendrons, regal sunflowers, bunches of forget-me-nots, zinnias, rudbeckias, rises, peonies, azaleas, tulips, pansies, narcissi, aubrietas ageratums, nicotianas, busy lizzies, primulinus gladiolus, cleomes, helianthus… and of course, the famous water lilies. And to think that they're just the ones I can pronounce! Have a look at the garden calender to see when you can see your favourite flower.

It's easy to miss it, so make sure you don't.

2007-08-29T16:31:00.001+02:00

How could I have walked past this place numerous times and not go in? I guess I was too distracted with the Notre Dame Cathedral on the other side. This little topsy turvy bookstore doubles as a free hostel for aspiring writers and public library, and is a museum in itself. I hope you enjoy your virtual visit of Shakespeare & Company.

I was lucky enough to see the legendary George Whitman sitting outside on a bench twirling his keys and probably thinking about the next book to read. He's the gentleman on the right.

Paris Plage

2007-07-29T09:26:00.001+02:00

Sorry for the late post everyone. Still playing catch-up with the photo postings...By the time you read this it will have finished. But as requested, here is something about the Paris Plage (Paris Beach).

On the way home from Montmartre, we decided to stop off at the Paris Plage, which is in its third year of running. I hear hoots of laughter in the background from all the Aussies. But really, they have a beach in Paris for the whole of August. Where? Along the right bank of the Seine, the same side as the Louvre Museum. Over 2,000 tons of sand has been laid and smoothed over for one's tanning pleasure along 3km of what is usually the busy George Pompidou Expressway.

On a good day, much like this one, you'll be lucky to find space for your towel, let alone a chair or parasol. If you feel up to it, you can take dance lessons and salsa with strangers, you can also play several beach sports including petanque (yes, that is a sport here is France as I'm sure lawn bowling is in Australia). They even have a small wall set up for rock climbing and a mini-acrobranche course.

This year you can cool off in a 28-metre swimming pool or under numerous misting fountains that have been conveniently installed. Unfortunately, the Seine is not a place for a dip, unless you don't mind growing an extra toe. As usual, they've left a strip of bitumen clear for those who wish to cycle, rollerblade, or simply ramble and witness the spectacle. While you soak up the sun you'll be treated to organised & impromptu performances. A popular one was a group of guys improvising on different drums. If we wanted, I'm sure we could have jammed with them. However, I thought it best to save everyone's eardrums from bleeding, including my own. Instead, I opted to do my little salsa on the spot as they battled to out-beat each other.

Be afraid!

2007-07-19T08:17:00.000+02:00

"Debout les morts" / "Wake up, dead (people)"
"Nous vous tuerons durant la nuit. Le jour aussi" / "We will kill you during the night. The day too"
"We don't know where destiny drives us. Only death will stop us."

These are the scariest military slogans I've heard of. In displaying their military might, France showed some colourful looking regiments. My 'favourite' would be these guys who I have aptly nicknamed "The Butchers" (because of their outfits, of course!). The are in fact the Pioneers of the 1st Foreign Regiment.

Photo curtesy of BBC.

La Fugue

2007-07-09T11:31:00.001+02:00

I stumbled into this little gem on youtube.

Twilight in Paris!

2007-07-06T15:59:00.001+02:00

Not so many people know that this is the unofficial anthem of Paris. Not even the most hardcore of francophiles know of its existence. And who better to sing it that the fabulously pink Jem and the techni-coloured Holograms! Those lyrics, that voice, "sigh", oh, the fashion, "sigh" again, and that hair! Doesn't it just want to make you throw caution to the wind and relocate? A reliable source tells me that the original version was rather risqué. Ooh la.

Our neighbours

2007-07-05T12:05:00.001+02:00

Every day without fail, old lady #1 across the road on the 3rd floor throws a huge bucket of water over 4 small flower pots spread even along her balcony railing and to rinse her balcony clear of debris. At each attempt, she hits only 1 or 2 of her targets and instead drenches the balcony of old lady #2 living below her, prompting her usually placid neighbour to shake her fist in the air and scream: "salope! SALope! SAALope! SAAAALOOOPe! (bitch! x 4). Sometimes, G and I wonder if old lady #1 does it just to hear old lady #2 rant. This daily exchange of sorts is our wake-up call, where we wake up running to our balcony to see the latest episode.

Notre Quartier #2

2007-07-04T20:40:00.000+02:00

More reasons to love this place.

(Click on the picture)

Joie de Vivre #1

2007-07-04T10:34:00.001+02:00

The French call it "joie de vivre" and the Italians have coined it "la dolce vita".
For me it's:
** Bicycling on the grounds of the Chateau de Versailles and
watching the fountains dance to the music
** A 'fresh' gelati melting in my mouth and running down my fingers
** Lying on the grass and marvelling at the sky
** Sunday picnics
** Water fights
** Walking barefoot on cool grass, on cool rock
** The smell of tartiflette wafting from the bistro downstairs
** Old books, old postcards, sepia photos of people I don't know
** Childhood friends
** Dancing
** Sunset dinners
** Old wooden shutters

Ratatouille!!!

2007-07-04T10:23:00.000+02:00

Waiting for Ratatouille to come out in less than a month. In the meantime, here's a taste.

Falling Stars at the Grand Palais

2007-07-03T19:03:00.001+02:00

Five weeks ago, if I hadn't been busting to go to the toilet, we wouldn't have discovered Anselm Kiefer. We had just finished having a quick lunch metres away from the Arc de Triumph and had been strolling around Champs Elysee, its surrounding streets and the Seine when nature called. Incidently, the closest toilet was in the Grand Palais (Arial shot from official website) where MONUMENTA had just begun with its first exhibition, Anselm Kiefer: Sternenfall/Falling Stars. In his own words, "Sternenfall explores the universal metabolism of nature and the stars...encompassing not only our human life, but also the whole universe." However, I really had no idea at the time what I would walk into as I was concentrating way too much on finding a toilet. Even if I had read the huge banner draped outside the Grand Palais, I still had no idea who or what it was. My first thoughts when I entred: "they're still fixing this place up." Mais non, the 'ruin' that I was staring at was "Shattered Hope" and the seven enormous metal boxes were actually houses for his numerous installations. This is where I'll stop and let the pictures do the talking. Verdict: hauntingly beautiful. Did I understand it? Eventually. Although my understanding may have been different from others, I beleive that's what Kiefer intended. (Photo from official website).

Escargot is a NO NO NO! (for me that is)

2007-07-02T23:52:00.000+02:00

Dear M,
Despite what happened I want to thank you for last night! Dinner at your place is always a treat, you know that, even if the latest french fare you served was difficult for me to digest. Not because it wasn't good, but because I have a weak stomach when it comes to snails. "Mind over matter", you said, but my mind couldn't conquer this one, I'm afraid. Especially, if I can see exactly what it is - S-N-A-I-L-S and still in their houses no less!

M, I have tried and tried. Even if yours smelt delicious and appeared palatable, unless they are 'evicted' from their houses ("gutted" just sounds too blurrrghhh), heavily seasoned with garlic, salt 'n' pepper, is drenched in bechamel or butter sauce and covered in cheese (read: unless I cannot identify them as such), my stomach refuses to retain them. So I just wanted to apologise, once again, for throwing up your marvellous dish. I tried really I did. This is just one of those things that I won't be able to put on my 'CV'. I hope I didn't offend anybody.

Je t'embrasse,
Cherublu

After this little episode I decided to educate myself so that I may be better prepared the next time I come to eat them. And I found out some interesting things here. While the topic of rearing snails might be fascinating, I won't get into it. If you're dying to know click here. Now before you go off and find your little critters to enjoy for dinner read these intructions here carefully. The snails must be prepared properly before using them. I DO NOT want to be liable for any horrible side effects, bodily malfunctions, and/or loss of hair! (actually, just made the last one up).

Okay, so when you're ready to cook here are some recipes to start off with: Escargots a la Bourguignonne, Escargots in Wine, Escargots Stuffed Mushrooms, Escargots in Roquefort Cheese. Let me know how you go. If you can't be bothered with all the hassle of preparing them, you can buy them in a can. How wonderfully convenient!

As enlightening as it's been, I'm still not ready to have them on my plate. Unfortunately, my palate has been traumatized even more. It's the purging part I can't get over. However, I find this little one adorable:

Cassis: Le Bonaparte is la cure gourmande

2007-06-21T17:45:00.001+02:00

Wherever I go, food is always a feature. In Cassis we found the small but phenomenal Le Bonaparte. Dining there felt like coming home after a long absence and being fed the best of Mama’s food. Affordable and simply prepared seafood that made you drool long after digestion. Simplicity IS what makes perfection evident!

Cassis: the forbidden side

2007-06-21T17:43:00.000+02:00

Overlooking the harbour is a privately owned 13th- 14th century chateau-fort called Chateaux de la Maison des Baux. We tried to sneak into the premises but its high rock walls sprinkled with broken glass proved to be too tough. Instead we found a nice little spot beside it with a commanding view of Cassis. This little spot obviously doubled as a point of relief for desperate bladders! Peeeee-yyewww! Had the view not taken our breath away, that surely would have!

Cassis: what to expect

2007-06-21T17:36:00.000+02:00

A brief train ride from Marseille is the old fishing village of Cassis. If you’re in dire need of attention you come here. If you want to see the best of the best of fashion victims you come here. If you want to buy chic outfits that the locals can’t afford, shop here. It’s sooooo the place to be, the beginning of the French Riviera. This is the type of little town that Parisians spend a few days in and then go home bragging about its ‘quaintness’ and ‘charm’. The tiny fishing village is slowly becoming so chic and trendaaaay that even the local artists can’t afford to live there anymore!! I shudder at the ominous cloud on the horizon. Having said all that, there’s no denying Cassis’ beauty.

Les Calanques de Marseille

2007-06-20T18:17:00.000+02:00

We weren't dressed for it. We did plan the day, but we just didn't anticipate how 'rough' it would be. Well, my leather Furla handbag, white linen jacket and his leather dress shoes certainly weren't suitable for the great outdoors let alone the escarpments of the breathtaking Calanques de Marseille. Admittedly, it wasn't such a taxing hike, it was pleasant and the weather worked in our favour for the most part. If you've ever been to Norway and seen the fjords, well, while they're not exactly the same things, you might not necessarily be as awestruck here (I'm afraid nothing can compete with the majestic fjords of Norway) but it's difficult not to be tempted to take a plunge in its crystal clear aqua-marine waters no matter how teeth-chatteringly cold it is.

Oops! He ate it all!

2007-06-20T17:12:00.000+02:00

Dear Ma,
There’s a shop on La Canebiere called La Cure Gourmande. It’s candy heaven and I’ve never seen such beautifully packaged addictions in my life. I feel like a little girl again (dozing off into the night with a whole candy lodged in my mouth and my legs draped unladylike over a cold pillow or L {Astrolu}). I remember having such a sweet tooth back then. Which reminds me, I’d appreciate it if you refrain from showing any visitors that photo. Yup, you know which one. Anyway, back to La Cure Gourmande. Of course I bought you something! Although I’m keeping the ultra sweet stuff for me, for you, I bought some navettes. They’re delicious, Ma! I really thought you’d like them. Unfortunately, you’ll never know how they tasted ‘cause G gobbled the whole lot down just like that! Guess, he didn't realise it was part of your french 'care package'. Now all I have is an empty bag. I promise to buy another lot before going home for Xmas but I’ll be sure to secretly tuck them away from G.
Lots of love,
Cherublu

Highlights of Marseille #4: In Lights

2007-06-20T16:08:00.000+02:00

It may not be Paris, but it sure is pretty all lit up.

Highlights of Marseille #3: Other interesting sights

2007-06-20T15:55:00.000+02:00

Highlights of Marseille #2: Quartier Du Panier

2007-06-20T13:42:00.000+02:00

This was my favourite place to go for une balade in Marseille. Beginning at the Butte des Moulins you are slowly drawn back in time, hinting to a bygone era when this quartier was the hub of Marseille. As I strolled around its narrow cobbled streets and steep stairways I would fantasize about the Phoenicians who established this eclectic city, weary yet shrewd merchants fresh off the boat, ladies gossiping loudly on the street. In the bustling Greek agora, buyers and sellers are negotiating ferociously, while some are simply sampling and admiring each other's wares, women (yes, not men) beating the dust from their sheets as they holler at passers-by to greet them each by name. I picture tradesmen and craftsmen toiling away perfecting their skills, a rainbow of shopfronts proudly displaying their goods, and finally the sound of shutters clapping shut for a well-deserved siesta. These days, le Quartier du Panier is getting a facelift, albeit slowly. I'm not sure if it's in the best interest of the current residents, though. After seeing the 'gentrification' already taking place in the city and the numerous reportage in the media, including this article from Le Monde Diplomatique, there is certainly great cause to worry.

Notre Quartier

2007-06-19T13:46:00.000+02:00

J'aime notre quartier dans le 15eme arrondissement. With everything just a stone's throw away, surrounded by lively markets on rue de la Convention and Lefebvre throughout the week, shops and amenities of all kinds and all modes of transport at my disposal, 2 parks, et bien sûr with the Eiffel Tower only half an hour on foot, how could I possibly complain. My better half says that I have become very Parisian. Translation: that I don't think there's anything worth seeing beyond the Périphérique. C'est pas vrai!

On the balcony

2007-06-19T12:46:00.001+02:00

This is where we 'live' when Mother Nature isn't throwing one of her tantrums at us. A sunny day in Paris makes up for 10 grey gloomy days.

That just sums it all up folks.

2007-06-08T09:41:00.000+02:00

Thanks to glumbert.com for sharing the Apple iRak

Highlights of Marseille #1: Le Vieux-Port

2007-05-16T12:37:00.001+02:00

Where's the sun?

2007-05-15T18:46:00.000+02:00

It's been raining in Paris lately. I miss sunny Brisvegas: beautiful one day, perfect the next. I shouldn't complain. After all, I'm living in a museum. (Odd Nerdum: Return of the Sun)

Hello world!

2007-05-15T14:06:00.000+02:00

Coucou everyone! I finally decided to stop procrastinating and make an attempt at blogging (in pictures, ie). Photos are on their way. Don't hold your breath, though, this could take a while.

Supposedly me...

2007-05-15T13:47:00.000+02:00

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