Hello all! Just letting you know that I'm off to London today, then Finland for a two-week trip so once again, expect sporadic/non-existent blog posting, and perhaps a deluge when I return.
Any travel tips most appreciated!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Daily Outfit: Fighting the fire
My friend and I stopped off for an impromptu photoshoot with these firemen in Kreuzberg before continuing on to our sushi date.
Excuse the candid photo. You don't really want to see the shots of me, er, pretending to be fire. I can really pull an ugly face when I want to
Excuse the candid photo. You don't really want to see the shots of me, er, pretending to be fire. I can really pull an ugly face when I want toPoppies
I really like the arc that these red poppies make. Photo taken in the front yard of a squat in Kreuzberg
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
CONFESSION
I'm a crazy cat lady.
When I saw this cat mewing at the apartment building door in Berlin I let it in, and invited it to guide me up the stairs to my friend's apartment.
My friend didn't let me keep it.
PS. I could go on with the cat stories all day. Somebody stop me, please.
When I saw this cat mewing at the apartment building door in Berlin I let it in, and invited it to guide me up the stairs to my friend's apartment.
My friend didn't let me keep it.
PS. I could go on with the cat stories all day. Somebody stop me, please.
Message in a bottle
I am so curious as to what was scribbled onto this rolled-up sheet of paper...(found in Mitte, Berlin)
Daily Outfit: Berlin party times
I snuck away from the fashion party I was at with a friend to use a neighbouring café's bathroom. And consequently took advantage of a ledge on which to set up my camera with autotimer.
I borrowed my friend's jumper dress: not my usual style, but what's Berlin about, if not trying new things?
It was ferociously cold this night! Biting wind. Hoorah for European Summer...
I borrowed my friend's jumper dress: not my usual style, but what's Berlin about, if not trying new things?It was ferociously cold this night! Biting wind. Hoorah for European Summer...
Delicious, cheap food
What a delight it was to visit Berlin after weeks of Paris crippling me financially! Beers a ridiculous 70cents! Falafels 2.50! Vege burgers 3€! Needless to say, I indulged.
And as I INDULGED, there are, of course, a ridiculous amount of photos of food and drink. I don't think you want to see them all.
And as I INDULGED, there are, of course, a ridiculous amount of photos of food and drink. I don't think you want to see them all.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Belated Berlin
Hello Petals! I have returned to the (adopted) homeland after a slightly ridiculous two weeks in Berlin. Amazing times.
In what I hope is to be one of many posts on this growing city I would like to start off by sharing with you the love/hate relationship that I have with the Berlin sunrise.
What am I talking about? It's all love! Berlin in the summertime is a place where the sun's set by 10.30 but its rays start creeping over buildings come 3am. And not many locals possess a set of curtains.
If you needed proof: me in a cab, on the way home after partying at White Trash on my first night in the city. 3.30am
Saturday night/Sunday morning. All natural lighting here folks
I'm heading to Finland next week; I'm hoping the days will be even longer!
In what I hope is to be one of many posts on this growing city I would like to start off by sharing with you the love/hate relationship that I have with the Berlin sunrise.
What am I talking about? It's all love! Berlin in the summertime is a place where the sun's set by 10.30 but its rays start creeping over buildings come 3am. And not many locals possess a set of curtains.
If you needed proof: me in a cab, on the way home after partying at White Trash on my first night in the city. 3.30amSaturday night/Sunday morning. All natural lighting here folksI'm heading to Finland next week; I'm hoping the days will be even longer!
One picture can hide another
If you're after something to do in Paris over the next two weeks, I can highly recommend the Une image peut en cacher une autre exhibition at the Grand Palais until the 6th of July. The extensive collection explores diverse ideas all under the one theme, and showcases the works of masters including Dali, M.C. Escher and Dürer. The exhibition also presents a large sculpture collection by Markus Raetz, and a stunning piece from contemporary English couple Tim Noble and Sue Webster.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to take photographs during the exhibition, but the official website (uniquely in French) is extensive and even offers a virtual tour of the exhibition.
Well worth a visit on a rainy afternoon!
Unfortunately I wasn't able to take photographs during the exhibition, but the official website (uniquely in French) is extensive and even offers a virtual tour of the exhibition.
Well worth a visit on a rainy afternoon!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Le weekend
Hello petals! Well I've had a whirlwind of a weekend and am not that surprised that I've fallen sick.
The fun started on Thursday night when two girlfriends arrived in Paris by bus. After a crêpe and cider tea, I was there to greet them with a bottle of bubbly which we enjoyed on the metro. All class. I took the last train home and managed to do myself injury by cartwheeling through the garden. I won't include a picture as it is still very disgusting.
On Friday I caught the metro to la bibliothéque nationale for a rendez-vous with a friend. We enjoyed lunch together before I headed off to Père Lachaise cemetary for some photography and relaxing.
Later I met up with my girlfriends and we walked around Nôtre Dame, past the tennis projected at the Hôtel de Ville and into the Gustav Eiffel expo.
Next stop was the Pompidou Centre which was full of life due to the weather. We snacked on red licorice. Then it was a stroll along rue de Rivoli with me desperately trying to recall historical facts until we reached the Louvre. I really need to brush up on my tour guide skills.
We walked through the Louvre courtyard, taking photos on this beautifully sunny day, and onwards through the Jardin des Tuileries before finally arriving at the Place de la Concorde, with its towering obelisk and unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
Then it was a short stroll up the road to Eglise de la Madeleine and into the welcoming walls of Fauchon, a gourmet food emporium. With Mother's Day being on Sunday 7th June here, Fauchon were hosting a rose champagne promotion and so with glee we sampled the fine bubbles! I got talking with the very charming sommelier who offered me a second glass. Life is good, dear friends!
Metro again up into the 19é where we dropped in to Cafe de la bicyclette for aperos and a cheese platter. I repeat, life is good! After being invited to a party in an old train station by the bar's owner, I left my friends to enjoy some live music while I headed across the river to a hilarious Parisian party. Here I not only met a girl from my hometown, but one who lives on the SAME STREET AS ME! My night ended dinkeying on a public Velib' bike past Les Invalides and then strolling through light rain at 7.30 to make my way home.
I spent much of Saturday tucked up in bed but dragged myself out to get some fresh reading material from the library, and came across an exhibition by students of the local primary school.
While not fine art like the original, I found something very appealing about the childrens' interpretations of the Mona Lisa
They had also constructed miniature Venus de Milos and Louvres out of plasticine.
After a disco nap I met up with my girlfriends for some bubbles before heading out into the Parisian night air. We headed to a party opposite the Promenade Plantée (worth a visit if you have a few days in Paris and are florally inclined!) in a grand share apartment. SO MUCH DANCING, and such fun to change languages every five minutes.
Sunday morning I was picked up at Place de la Nation and driven into the countryside. Unfortunately there were millions of other cars on the road too, due to
a) Obama being in town
b) Dalai Lama being in town
c) A bike festival blocking up streets
d) European elections taking place
e) It being Mother's day
Finally we escaped the city and as the roads became smaller and smaller the landscape similarly evolved: lush green fields patterned with cloud shadows, densely packed forests with steep cliffs, medieval towers tucked into the hillside. We drove past Versailles and saw horn players outside a similarly impressive château.
We reached the countryhouse which had a beautiful, messy garden.
The weather held out for drinks on the terrace, but being France, stormclouds ushered us inside for lunch.
My French friends insisted I take a photo of the foie gras, after having snapped the salads. Needless to say, I didn't eat any...
After a lengthy repas and much conversation (heavily dominated by the European election) we began the long drive home again. Dinner was a thrown together affair of pasta, avocado, mozzarella and chickpeas.
Despite a late night spent reading, Monday morning consisted of a farewell breakfast with my girlfriends and accompanying them to the train station for their voyage to Amsterdam. In bidding them farewell I became jealous of their adventure; I wanted to go away too!
Which brings me to the point of this post. I too am heading off on adventures! Tomorrow I fly out to Berlin for two weeks of beer drinking, vintage shopping, bike riding, bookshop exploring, dancing and general good times. I'll do my best to continue posting.
I hope you have all had similarly extended, life-affirming weekends!
The fun started on Thursday night when two girlfriends arrived in Paris by bus. After a crêpe and cider tea, I was there to greet them with a bottle of bubbly which we enjoyed on the metro. All class. I took the last train home and managed to do myself injury by cartwheeling through the garden. I won't include a picture as it is still very disgusting.
On Friday I caught the metro to la bibliothéque nationale for a rendez-vous with a friend. We enjoyed lunch together before I headed off to Père Lachaise cemetary for some photography and relaxing.
Later I met up with my girlfriends and we walked around Nôtre Dame, past the tennis projected at the Hôtel de Ville and into the Gustav Eiffel expo.
Next stop was the Pompidou Centre which was full of life due to the weather. We snacked on red licorice. Then it was a stroll along rue de Rivoli with me desperately trying to recall historical facts until we reached the Louvre. I really need to brush up on my tour guide skills.
We walked through the Louvre courtyard, taking photos on this beautifully sunny day, and onwards through the Jardin des Tuileries before finally arriving at the Place de la Concorde, with its towering obelisk and unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower.
Then it was a short stroll up the road to Eglise de la Madeleine and into the welcoming walls of Fauchon, a gourmet food emporium. With Mother's Day being on Sunday 7th June here, Fauchon were hosting a rose champagne promotion and so with glee we sampled the fine bubbles! I got talking with the very charming sommelier who offered me a second glass. Life is good, dear friends!
Metro again up into the 19é where we dropped in to Cafe de la bicyclette for aperos and a cheese platter. I repeat, life is good! After being invited to a party in an old train station by the bar's owner, I left my friends to enjoy some live music while I headed across the river to a hilarious Parisian party. Here I not only met a girl from my hometown, but one who lives on the SAME STREET AS ME! My night ended dinkeying on a public Velib' bike past Les Invalides and then strolling through light rain at 7.30 to make my way home.
I spent much of Saturday tucked up in bed but dragged myself out to get some fresh reading material from the library, and came across an exhibition by students of the local primary school.
While not fine art like the original, I found something very appealing about the childrens' interpretations of the Mona LisaThey had also constructed miniature Venus de Milos and Louvres out of plasticine.
After a disco nap I met up with my girlfriends for some bubbles before heading out into the Parisian night air. We headed to a party opposite the Promenade Plantée (worth a visit if you have a few days in Paris and are florally inclined!) in a grand share apartment. SO MUCH DANCING, and such fun to change languages every five minutes.
Sunday morning I was picked up at Place de la Nation and driven into the countryside. Unfortunately there were millions of other cars on the road too, due to
a) Obama being in town
b) Dalai Lama being in town
c) A bike festival blocking up streets
d) European elections taking place
e) It being Mother's day
Finally we escaped the city and as the roads became smaller and smaller the landscape similarly evolved: lush green fields patterned with cloud shadows, densely packed forests with steep cliffs, medieval towers tucked into the hillside. We drove past Versailles and saw horn players outside a similarly impressive château.
We reached the countryhouse which had a beautiful, messy garden.
The weather held out for drinks on the terrace, but being France, stormclouds ushered us inside for lunch.
My French friends insisted I take a photo of the foie gras, after having snapped the salads. Needless to say, I didn't eat any...After a lengthy repas and much conversation (heavily dominated by the European election) we began the long drive home again. Dinner was a thrown together affair of pasta, avocado, mozzarella and chickpeas.
Despite a late night spent reading, Monday morning consisted of a farewell breakfast with my girlfriends and accompanying them to the train station for their voyage to Amsterdam. In bidding them farewell I became jealous of their adventure; I wanted to go away too!
Which brings me to the point of this post. I too am heading off on adventures! Tomorrow I fly out to Berlin for two weeks of beer drinking, vintage shopping, bike riding, bookshop exploring, dancing and general good times. I'll do my best to continue posting.
I hope you have all had similarly extended, life-affirming weekends!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A (sequin) cat
While not covered in sequins, I did find 'Marky' very cute draped over this Louis Vuitton case!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Art Deco
At my friend's insistence I dropped into this wonderful art deco restaurant in the 2é/10é. The accomodating waiting staff were most happy for me to just look around and take photos - a rarity in Paris! Despite their warmth, I left after a few minutes due to my newfound shyness.
Look at that magnificent ceiling!
Cuban oak (?) bar!
And of course, I can't remember its name, or when it was founded. Go me!
Look at that magnificent ceiling!Cuban oak (?) bar!And of course, I can't remember its name, or when it was founded. Go me!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Daily Outfit: Tea and Macarons
On Tuesday I met up with a friend to walk through the quiet streets of St Germain de Près on the left bank to the teahouse of Mariage Frères (est. 1854)
I had a strawberry and a lemon macaron and my date two 'financiers' - a pistachio flavoured gâteau.
Downstairs lay a rainbow kaleidoscope of tea tins. We ventured further down into the tea museum in the cellar.
Later, we took polaroid pictures on expired film, read to each other in Shakespeare&Co, and daydreamed in a local park.
As promised, the daily outfit shot:
I am much, much happier than I appear here, I assure you!
I had a strawberry and a lemon macaron and my date two 'financiers' - a pistachio flavoured gâteau.
Downstairs lay a rainbow kaleidoscope of tea tins. We ventured further down into the tea museum in the cellar.
Later, we took polaroid pictures on expired film, read to each other in Shakespeare&Co, and daydreamed in a local park.
As promised, the daily outfit shot:
I am much, much happier than I appear here, I assure you!Parisian window displays
Oh, how I do enjoy strolling through Paris on a sunny Spring day on the way to a rendez-vous!
This vitrine of cuteness was spotted in the 2é arrondissement
This vitrine of cuteness was spotted in the 2é arrondissement
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Daily Outfit: Dancing in the street!
I've been getting so excited lately! I walk home from the train station smiling and dancing all the way home. Here's my outfit from the Cold War Kids concert
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday
Monday is truffle day.
Dudes, it's freaking June! I am so so so excited by my plans at the moment. Life is good.
Dudes, it's freaking June! I am so so so excited by my plans at the moment. Life is good.
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