The key to "Pub Trans"

Living in this beautiful city I am spoiled with pub-trans (public transportation) haha. We have vélo-libre which are bikes that you can rent. Very handy and there are loads of stations all over, literally. The bus system is great and most of the time very efficient. They usually always run on time, unlike MUNI. The Metro runs to every nook and cranny; there are 14 different metro lines. Then we have the good ol' RER that crosses the city and branches out into the suburbs. (yes, this is my weekly transport to work) Next up, we have proper train stations that take you cross country such as the SNCF or the TGV. The TGV is super legit, these babies are the high speed trains that get you where your going just within a few hours. And they are clean!! (Paris -> Aix-en-Provence = 3h, or Paris -> St. Tropez/Nice/Cannes = 5h). [California is in the process of building their high-speed train that crosses the entire state, but I won't experience that in the Golden State until I am a frail old nanna… at least my cupcakes and their children will be able to enjoy it)]. Then we have one of my personal favourites, the EuroStar. (clearly my fave cos it crosses the English Channel to England). Comfy, very convenient, and very quick. And you also get to go through the English Channel! (Paris -> London Pancreas = 2h20ish) < - - - Highly recommend this voyage :)

Lets talk metro. Well, first of all living in one the biggest destinations in the world, the population is very very diverse. (This I like very much). Unfortunately, the thing I don't like that comes along with that is all the different smells (odors). Is it really that hard to shower everyday? Or every other day? Sometimes you get a nasty waft of someone and it really makes me gag and even almost puke. It gives me shivers just thinking about it. Another note on smells (perfumes). So obviously France has the "French Touch" when it comes to smelling all dandy with their eau de toilet and eau de parfum… but there is no need to dump 1/4 of the bottle on in one sitting. The intensity of someone passing by who "accidentally" does this is enough to knock you out (tomber dans les pommes). Ouch!

Now lets talk about metro etiquette? So generally I am a very friendly and smiley person, but in France, I sure do hold this aspect back. For one, people usually don't smile, at least not at strangers. Two, if I were to smile at a man, if would come off as a sexual invitation. Is this not absurd? I stare well clear of any possible scenarios like that, and these days don't smile unless I am in good company. I also don't feel it is very hard to say excuse me to someone when you want to get by, but some people just do not have any manners. I still always offer my seat to an elder person or a mother with young children. According to my observations, many people don't have this kind of etiquette anymore which is a shame.  Another thing that I absolutely hate in the metro, is when other people accidentally touch me. I know the metro is crowded, but it is not necessary to back up so close to someone else.. ughhh! For those of you who are unaware there are many homeless people in France, but generally they don't bother you. You do however have some homeless people who do ask for money on the metro or anything you can spare. There are also other less fortunate people who play music or sing for money… most of the time it is usually unpleasant and somewhat of a disturbance to your journey. 

Another disturbance - Gypsies. Gypsies are all over Paris these days. When I lived here just a year ago there was no where near as many gypsies are there are today. It is sometimes pretty intense. It has become very apparent that they are present here and they are very numerous. There are all types of make-shift camps in the suburbs of Paris. They come into the city to earn their keep… stealing and begging. It is very sad to see, but boy, they sure are out to get what they are looking for… $$$. They usually travel in packs of 4-7 people and they work together. Sneeky! Unfortunately they are very easily to spot and I hate that I can generalize them. I always find myself starring for longer than I should, but it is because I am sooo curious. For the most part they are pretty ruthless and will even pinch money off your table.. I have seen this while sitting down at a restaurant. Lets see how my time ravels out while I am here… I see you gypsy, you will not get my purse!

Refreshments

In France when you are thirsty and you fancy that coca, coca-light (yes, it's "light" not diet) or sprite, you might as well just have an alcoholic drink. A glass of wine is usually the same price and sometimes even cheaper or opting for a beer is always wise as well. The beer might cost you a euro or so more, but definitely worth it. It is quite shocking when you think that a soda costs the same price as a glass of wine, but why not get a bit of a buzz while quenching your thirst? Therefore, whenever I am out and fancy a drink, I have a glass of wine and a glass of water. The water is yes, tap water, which is safe to drink, and yet to this day has never given me a upset tummy. (Going on year 3 of living in France). 

When it comes to café (coffee) you can get a pretty good espresso in town. I must admit that the Italians do have the French beat when it comes down to espresso. Illy, an italian magnificent coffee that is rich, delicious, and strong, hits the spot perfectly. But non the less, an espresso is generally pretty good wherever you get it. If you aren't habituated to drinking them, espresso will turn you into a space cadet until you drink them on the reg. Another wonderful delight aside from of course cappuccinos and café au laits, are noisettes. Noisettes are espressos with a hint of chocolately hazelnut goodness. If you aren't a big time coffee drinker, than this is the way to go. Yum! Another little tip- in areas with more diversity (generally areas with middle eastern habitants) you will get a REALLY good café, like a good strong Turkish coffee. 

Now, let's just talk about Starbucks. First off, it is a bit surprising that Starbucks is actually in France and that this model works with the French culture. Then again, here is it seen as trendy to go to Starbucks and get all sorts of coffee drinks that aren't typically offered (frappaccinos, caramel macchiatos, and of course, the classic american drip coffee.) In Starbucks, the ambiance is very different from other French cafés and this could be somewhat appealing. I think what really brings in the French customers is the snacks/treats that are sold here. All sugary, gourmand, and different to what you can buy here in France. All ages come here from young kids, to young adults, to families and even older folk. The thing that is different here, is customers don't pick up after themselves. They feel that it is a service, just like sitting down at a regular café, and therefore they leave their trash, plates, cups etc. when in reality there are numerous trash bins located throughout the store. Now this is an Americanism that the French will never become accustomed to as well as smiling at people in the street.. but that is an entire subject in itself!

*Ps- I recommend bringing a wine opener in your purse/bag/backpack at all times, you never know when you will buy a bottle of wine and just sit down in the park or on the steps at Sacré du Coeur. Comes in handy very very often :) 

Techno Parade

So yesterday was the annual Techno Parade in Paris. This year I went in honor of my friend, Madison, cos she loves techno. I went two years ago with a bunch of friends and had an amazing time. It is literally a huge party in the street that goes around Paris. There are a series of big semi trucks that are turned into "floats" and huge sound stages! Each float has a different DJ or DJs on it and each float has a different type of music. I went with my friend Renée and her husband, Romain. We joined the party near Bastille and as we were walking up I felt anxious. I can remember when I went two years ago how things can turn nasty and sometimes violent. People get too drunk and try to steal. But as we continued on I didn't see any nastiness or any fights…

We were hanging around this particular float when all of a sudden there was a bunch of guys rushing the crowd all dressed in black. They were escorting someone wearing a motorcycle helmet to disguise him from the crowd. I had a feeling that it was Guetta.. And then all of a sudden he was up behind the DJ booth… dun da dada daaa… David Guetta! His entrance was soooo sick, coming up through the crowd! I was stoked and pumped. Plus I saw him two years ago which was just as epic. Techno parade is pretty legit… I mean a free huge party in the streets, with DJs from all over the world.. can't really complain!

Romain and Renée made this... check out the video! to get a better feel :)

Neighbor Napoleon

So I have lived in the 7arr. for quite along time and I have always admired Hôtel des Invalides in passing, but never actually went in, nor explored the grounds. I mean of course I pause for a few moments on my way to the metro and stare at this amazing piece of history, but I didn't really know what it was all about other than an old army hospital for those who came back from the war unfortunately to become homeless veterans and that it was home to Napoleon's tomb. Then one day I was presented with the opportunity to go with Rébecca, one of my little cupcakes I watch after. We had a wonderful picnic on an absolutely beautiful Parisian summer afternoon…

To my surprise L'Hôtel des Invalides also houses a museum, of course dedicated to wartime memorabilia, memorials, and war leaders like Général Charles de Gaulle. "Musée de l'Armée" is fully loaded.. including maps, weapons (daggers, swords, riffles, spears, more firearms and the list goes on..) uniforms, medallions, banners, and more. The museum is bursting with information (it goes all the way back to the Stone Age up to WWII) so it can be a bit tiresome. There is a great audiovisual monument dedicated to Charles de Gaulle (the audio tour is free btw). CDG was the man, not only was he a leader in the WWII who helped save France from Nazi Germany by leading the Free French Forces, he helped found the 5th République and served as the first president of it. He was even prime minister and a minister of defense… yes, many would say he did damn well for France.

** a small side note I MUST comment on: is a RUDE museum worker. So when you go in of course you have to pay.. and I was buying my ticket (which if I bought my British passport it would've been free) and this woman selling tickets was clearly having a bad day or miserable because this is what she does everyday. So when in France, do as the French do and give them a piece of your mind just like she did. PFFFF! Anyways, apart from this miserably old bat, all the staff were very nice and POLITE! 

** for those of you europeans reading this, bring your passport if you intend on going to museums while out and about because sometimes it is free, or you get the EU "discount". This only applies if you are 26 and under...

Now onto the main attraction: Neighbor Napoleon! Napoleon Bonaparte, aka Emperor Napoleon, was one of France's greatest army generals. He gained power after the revolution, a time when the country was very unstable. He centralized power, established laws and reformed the education system. Napoleon asked for the Dôme church to be built in 1676 for himself and for royal tombs, as there was already a church for the soldiers. Napoleon's visions of this church being dedicated to royal tombs disappeared after he died in 1821 in exile. Today it is a French military memorial (like the rest of Hôtel des Invalides) and houses the tomb of Joseph Bonaparte (Napoleon's older brother, King of Naples, King of Spain) the heart of Vauban (Napoleon's great military architect and engineer, Sébastian le Prestre de Vauban), the tomb of Marshal Foch (Ferdinand Foch, a French military leader), the tomb of St. Jérôme (Napoleon's younger brother, King of Westphalia) and of course Napoleon's crypt itself. Napoleon's remains were brought back from St. Helena for the reconciliation for the Bonapartist and Republican parties… Napoleon's body is in encased in 6 coffins and then finally placed in the crypt. Let me tell you it is huge and rather odd looking, but wow 6 coffins! He must of been loved by the French!

et voilà quoi!

August left Paris in the perfect state

It is certainly quiet here in the month of August because most of the French go on vacation. Many restaurants and shops are closed from anywhere from two weeks to a month for this period of time. To my delight I woke up at 3:30p due to jet lag and realized that all the grocery stores were closed. haha! Lucky me, I found a boulangerie and bought a baguette to make a sandwich. Another nice part about most of the residents being on holiday is Paris isn't swarming with people. Yes, there are still tourists, but it doesn't feel like there are tons, when usually it does. Perhaps, because it is too hot in August. I think since Paris is a bit more deserted, it gives me more of a chance to discover new places, ones that I never came upon when I was here last! I have been wondering around and walking mostly. I have only taken the metro twice so far, and plan on holding off on buying a proper metro pass if possible.. walking and taking in the sites is a bit more charming than sitting on a scorching hot train underground with lots of tourists and people playing music to make money, with the occasional locals. Plus I'll even save some euros (extra beer money?) All in all sounds good to me.

As it was a beautiful day out, I took advantage of it and walked a solid chunk of Paris for 9 straight hours solo. Paris à pied! Today I passed the Princess Diana memorial up to the Champs L'Elysees via avenue Montaigne, down to the Place de la Concorde, through the Tuileries gardens to the Louvre, then across to l'île de cite (the very center and beginning of Paris) past Notre Dame to St. Michel, down to the riverside and up to Gare D'Austerlitz while hitting Jardin des plantes on the way… Followed by a nice walk home along the riverside as the sun set passing Pont des Arts, Musée d'Orsay, and Assemblée Nationale. I would say it was a day well spent.. You can look at a map and see where I went if you'd like, haha. 

A few tid-bits to add: Princess Diana, just an amazing woman who's death stunned the whole world, is honoured with a golden Liberty Flame. (Yes I still remember that exact day when I heard the news!) Every time I pass by, it always leaves me overwhelmed with an erie feeling… it's even harder when you actually go through the tunnel on scooter. Very sad, but she still touches peoples' lives today, and this is evident when you go to her memorial.

 After venturing up avenue Montaigne where you can see all those famous high-end boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Dior and the list goes on… I strolled past the American and British Embassys. First of all, is it ironic that they are situated next to one another? I find that odd, but beneficial for dual citizens like myself who could technically go from one embassy to the other if the first one fails. Second, it is not allowed to walk on the sidewalk where the embassys are, nor take pictures of them! All I wanted was a picture for Mr. Tricks (stay turned to see The Adventures of Mr. Tricks, a visual of my experiences in Paris but with a little fun), but I understand it is a security measure especially since the Palais de l'Elysée is just next to them. The Palais de l'Elysee is the French equivalent to the White House. Place de la Concorde is sick. For one the view is awesome. If you look up the Champs L'Elysees you can see the Arc d'Triomphe and in the opposite direction is the Tuilerie gardens which leads to the Louvre and the palace, once home to Sun King, Louis XIV, and many other French kings for nearly 4 centuries .. WOW! 

Then crossing over Pont Neuf, one of the city's oldest bridges, I just kicked back along the Seine at square du Vert Galant. Pretty nice views, relaxing, and a moment to really take it all in along with a little lunch break (fresh peaches, cherry tomatoes, and water!) On to St. Michel I went, can we say tourist haven? Yes, true, but this area has so much history. The latin quarter, which everyone knows is where the students are. When school is in session you can see the neighborhood flocking with youth, Frances' future genisus'… perhaps. But this Bohemian area is always lively whether it is day or night with lots of little restaurants, bars, and small clubs. Jardin des Plantes (botanical gardens, natural history museum, and even a zoo!) is sweet to stroll about. It dates back the early 1600s and these gardens even harvested medicinal herbs… (the French were doing it in the 1600s!) On my long lazy stroll home along the river I passed the famous Musée d'Orsay. Definitely an amazing piece of art itself.  First started by Napoleon I in the late 1700s as The Legion of Honor, but now features contemporary pieces from 1848-1914 and today is visited by thousands from across the globe. This beautiful building was also once home to a train station.. hard to imagine, but what an amazing site it would have been to see. And finally the Assemblée Nationale, which is home to the French Parliament. I have passed it sooo many times, but still have yet to really scope it out. Apparently the public is allowed to enter and watch.. definitely something to further look into…

*this was written about almost two weeks ago.. finally getting a solid internet connection..

 hopefully I will update on the reg.. tune in for more