Paris Street Art - 13eme arrondissement

One of my favorite things about Paris is the random street art that can be seen at the turn of a corner in any part of the city. I've posted previously about my devotion to and love for the Paris Space Invaders, but here's a little taste of a totally different piece that I spotted this summer while walking in the 13eme arrondissement.

In this seriously FREEZING winter, I've been searching for warm memories! I love the phrases this artist used and they seem particularly pertinent - loosely translated as "Let's be happy while waiting for our happiness." And of course, "Poetry is an Extreme Sport!"

Spotted by Locals - Paris style!

I am always on the lookout for good info on places to go in Paris - where to eat, where to drink, where to shop? The possibilities are endless!

I've turned so often to blogs in the past few years for information about my city and the cities I've been lucky enough to visit. Turns out that blogs have been the key to my getting around in my new home...

I am so happy to share a new blog that features all the type of information that I usually love to know about a city - from a local's perspective! Check out the Paris Spotted by Locals site for all kinds of cool info about where to go and what to do in the City of Lights! You may even find me in the "Interesting Links" section - in good company too, I might add!

Enjoy!

Where in the world?

I am a huge list-maker and the end of any year always sees me making even more than usual. Lists of resolutions, lists of things to do, you name it!

I wanted to remember back to 2008 and the cities I visited - here's a list!


* New York
* Berlin
* Tours (and the rest of the Loire Valley really...)
* Warsaw
* London
* Minneapolis/St Paul area
* Lyon
* Strasbourg
* Reims
* Los Angeles/ SOUTH BAY
* Palm Desert

On my list for next year....I KNOW I have got to visit Italy again for the first time in more than a decade, but am not sure where exactly I will go. Would love to see another Eastern European capital (Budapest?) and of course go back to London! Spain is one of my most favorite countries, so that's definitely up there too! I've got to enjoy being in the middle of Europe with such ease in traveling for as long as possible!!!!

Any ideas?

2009, already??

I'm not going to lie....it's always difficult to leave California but this time was gut-wrenching. Excruciating. I started welling up days before my departure just at the thought of leaving.

Of course I will need to get down to the bottom of all of that but wanted to share some of my "at home" views that make the integration back into Parisian life that much more difficult tonight as I sit in my apartment, the heater not working, shivering and thanking my computer for being warm :)

Over the holidays, I got together with friends for a delicious Italian meal at one of my old favorite "haunts" in the Marina. One of my LA-based friends from PARIS was there too and she and I took the time to make a list of things we love about Paris. Some were little things, some big, some pretty obvious and some obscure...it really helped though and put things in perspective.** Things are not all bad here, nor do I want to convey that as being the case...sometimes it's just nice to have some reminders of why you like your situation instead of focusing on the negative. That said, a wonderful, prosperous, happy and peaceful New Year to you all out there! Perhaps some inklings of resolutions will be posted up soon!

**Please note the top of the list (if you can make it out...) says K&K!!!!! :) Other items include Macarons, Paris at nighttime, public transportation, etc.