Sorry to my English-only readers but I just HAD to share this video of two tiny kids who are "in love." It's totally charming, sweet and really just ADORABLE to hear how they talk about one another and how much they love each other.
Enjoy!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
New Music Monday
I'm not ashamed to hide the fact that I was choir nerd in high school. Well, if I'm being honest, elementary school, middle school, high school AND college!
There's something about amazing a capella music that still gets me and probably will for the rest of my life. Imagine my delight when I discovered Sam Tsui, a student at Yale who has made a few amazing videos of himself singing a capella. The editing is fantastic - you really think that's it a group singing when really it's just Tsui himself.
You've got to love the first video, a throw-back and tribute to Michael Jackson that features my favorite Jackson song "Man in the Mirror."
And don't forget to watch the cover of my new favorite show Glee's version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." If these don't make your Monday, I don't know what will!
Enjoy!!!
There's something about amazing a capella music that still gets me and probably will for the rest of my life. Imagine my delight when I discovered Sam Tsui, a student at Yale who has made a few amazing videos of himself singing a capella. The editing is fantastic - you really think that's it a group singing when really it's just Tsui himself.
You've got to love the first video, a throw-back and tribute to Michael Jackson that features my favorite Jackson song "Man in the Mirror."
And don't forget to watch the cover of my new favorite show Glee's version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." If these don't make your Monday, I don't know what will!
Enjoy!!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Paris area pools ban the "burquini"
In what has become quite a hot-button issue in France lately, area Muslims who wish to wear traditional head coverings have come under attack on a variety of levels.
I was fascinated by this video (in French, sorry) of a Muslim woman who purchased a bathing suit known as a "burquini" that allows her to enjoy swimming without uncovering herself. Goodness knows the Paris summers are hot and sticky enough that everyone could use a little water refreshment.
She's been banned from the pools, who say that her suit does not conform to pool standards (that are apparently pretty strict around here - see my previous post!). She's filed a complaint claiming that she has been discriminated against - again, a hot-button issue, but a sign of the times here in Paris these days.
What do you think? Should bathers be able to wear whatever they'd like, or do pools have the right to regulate the type of swimwear permitted on the premises?
Breitbart.tv Paris Pool Bans Muslim Swimsuit
Shared via AddThis
I was fascinated by this video (in French, sorry) of a Muslim woman who purchased a bathing suit known as a "burquini" that allows her to enjoy swimming without uncovering herself. Goodness knows the Paris summers are hot and sticky enough that everyone could use a little water refreshment.
She's been banned from the pools, who say that her suit does not conform to pool standards (that are apparently pretty strict around here - see my previous post!). She's filed a complaint claiming that she has been discriminated against - again, a hot-button issue, but a sign of the times here in Paris these days.
What do you think? Should bathers be able to wear whatever they'd like, or do pools have the right to regulate the type of swimwear permitted on the premises?
Breitbart.tv Paris Pool Bans Muslim Swimsuit
Shared via AddThis
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Budapest break!
Every so often, I love taking a trip to a new country and exploring and soaking in the new experience. Last year at this time we visited Warsaw in Poland and this year, our Eastern European city pick is Budapest. One of the main reasons why I love living in Europe so much is the proximity and accessibility to new countries and different cultures. It's the thing that I think I would miss the most if I returned to the U.S.
It's only been about 24 hours but already I'm loving it! We've been doing a LOT of walking, sightseeing and picture-taking, but have also have taken the time to relax.
It's such an adventure to use a new currency, discover new sights (including fabulous street art!) and just relax in comfy, quiet hotel rooms!
More Budapest updates to come...
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
9 reasons why...
....I LOVE the American Library in Paris! Can't wait to get reading!
I'm still dreaming of the day when I can have a KEF library room of my own!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Pizza? Or a cover for something more sinister..???
Check out this restaurant that I spotted while walking around Levallois just north of Paris the other day....
Made me giggle! :)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Mouth-watering
As seen yesterday in the Berko cupcake shop nestled between the Marais and Beaubourg...
Cupcakes clearly inspire me...so check out what I have to say about this place here on Spotted By Locals - Paris!
Berko
23 rue Rambuteau
75004 Paris
PS 22 Chorus
As many of you know I am a self-proclaimed choir nerd. After singing in ensembles for over ten years, I will forever have a soft spot for a good choir.
One of the coolest things I've seen in a long time is this NYC public school choir that covers songs beautifully from across the years. Although I've been following them since they've busted onto the YouTube scene, this song, Forever Young by Alphaville brought tears to my eyes - so beautiful and one of my favorite songs anyway.
Enjoy - and check out their YouTube page to listen to their cover of Journey's Don't Stop Believin', another favorite!
One of the coolest things I've seen in a long time is this NYC public school choir that covers songs beautifully from across the years. Although I've been following them since they've busted onto the YouTube scene, this song, Forever Young by Alphaville brought tears to my eyes - so beautiful and one of my favorite songs anyway.
Enjoy - and check out their YouTube page to listen to their cover of Journey's Don't Stop Believin', another favorite!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Love and hate
I've been realizing more and more how much my relationship with my beloved adopted hometown can be likened to an on-again/off-again romantic relationship.
I've started to put this idea to words and hope to share something more concrete with you all in the very near future but in the meantime, isn't it uncanny how this city and living here invokes a feeling of a romantic relationship? Do any of you have similar feelings about your real or adopted hometowns?
I'm very curious....
....by the way, I NEED these shoes!!!!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Asterix in the 13e
While walking around the 13e arrondissement last weekend, I noticed a huge number of cartoonish thought bubbles all over the place...after a brief consultation with my resident France expert, it turns out these are famous quotes from the legendary French cartoon Asterix.
What a cool way to liven up an otherwise business-like area! This one says "It is fresh, my fish! It's FRESH!"
What a cool way to liven up an otherwise business-like area! This one says "It is fresh, my fish! It's FRESH!"
Follow me on Twitter!
As a self-confessed social media nerd, I've been using Twitter for personal purposes for well over a year now - and I love it!
A couple of months ago, I decided to start a more general Twitter account for all to see based on Paris, the things I see daily, and travel writing in general. I'm proud to announce my Twitter account to all of you - EverythingParis !!! This is THE place to go for up to the minute updates on what I'm doing, what I'm seeing, and what's going on in my Paris. With well over 300 followers in just under three months, I am excited to be making the world of travel and interest in Paris even smaller by being a part of this community.
I look forward to seeing you there - please add me as follower and feel free to contact me directly this way...
Love it!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Fête de la Musique - Sounds of Summer - June 21st
I've been lucky enough to be a part of Spotted By Locals - Paris for the better half of 2009. Spotted By Locals, as I've mentioned before, is an awesome website where European city residents share some of their favorite tips and ideas of things to do in their area. Check out my most recent article either here or on the main page. Enjoy!
Fête de la Musique - Sounds of Summer - June 21st
Posted using ShareThis
Photo by agramainio
Fête de la Musique - Sounds of Summer - June 21st
Posted using ShareThis
Photo by agramainio
Friday, May 01, 2009
Spotted in the 15e Arrondissement
While walking around and exploring this afternoon/evening, I came across a sign that made me laugh out loud...posted right in front of a public pool was this sign, explaining that bathing suits are required. I didn't realize at first that it meant no boardshorts or baggy swim trunks allowed - basically speedos only. I had a good chuckle for a minute wondering if people really needed to be told that they had to wear bathing suits to the pool!
But the real question is....why no swim trunks???? Anyone?
Thursday, April 30, 2009
She's baaaaaaack!!!
No, no need to adjust your screens and monitors....I'm really posting again. Yup, almost two months later! My hand is WAY better, stitches are out, physical therapy is ongoing, and gone are all the heinous painkillers and scary nerve drugs! Best part of all - I feel like the surgery really worked! Although I'm not at all at 100%, I finally feel comfortable to fall back into my routine of typing and computer use. Believe me - it's been a LOOOONG few months!
Here's an "after" photo to go along with the "before" from the last post....the photo quality isn't amazing, but you get the idea. In honor of May Day and long weekends in sunny Paris, I'm back with a vengeance! Thanks for all of your well-wishes along the way, and it's good to be back!
P.S. I know that I have a HUGE backlog of emails/correspondence to catch up on, so do apologize in advance if you've been waiting to hear from me!
Here's an "after" photo to go along with the "before" from the last post....the photo quality isn't amazing, but you get the idea. In honor of May Day and long weekends in sunny Paris, I'm back with a vengeance! Thanks for all of your well-wishes along the way, and it's good to be back!
P.S. I know that I have a HUGE backlog of emails/correspondence to catch up on, so do apologize in advance if you've been waiting to hear from me!
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
More Parisian street art - Latin Quarter
I took a walk today in my neighborhood to run a few errands and was once again reminded of why I love walking in Paris - the random art that pops up all over street corners, buildings and really everywhere else is one of my favorite things to discover.
Today was no exception - here are a few of my favorites!
I especially love the Ghandi one.
Do you have any street art to recommend that I may have missed?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
La Maire D'Eu
Say it quickly and you'll see why I've got the giggles. Apparently, there's a little town on the border of Normandie and Picardie that's called simply "Eu."
Photo taken from the article linked below. (Charles Bremner)
Why is this funny? Well - first of all "eu" is the sound that's made in French when people are at a loss for words...kind of like "um" or "uh" in English. Could you imagine answering the question "where are you from?" with "Ummmm?"
I recently spotted this article which details the town's struggle not only to change their name because of its sound, but also because it can't be found in Google searches by tourists. Think about it - googling "Eu" will probably give you a whole host of hits regarding the European Union, conjugations of the French verb "avoir" and a whole handful of other things OTHER than this French town.
Although the name change is opposed by some residents, the Mayor is pushing to adapt the name to attract increased tourist activity - something that has been difficult in this internet age with a town name that's so hard to distinguish.
It's definitely a story I want to follow to see whether or not La Maire d'Eu succeeds in her quest.
Photo taken from the article linked below. (Charles Bremner)
Why is this funny? Well - first of all "eu" is the sound that's made in French when people are at a loss for words...kind of like "um" or "uh" in English. Could you imagine answering the question "where are you from?" with "Ummmm?"
I recently spotted this article which details the town's struggle not only to change their name because of its sound, but also because it can't be found in Google searches by tourists. Think about it - googling "Eu" will probably give you a whole host of hits regarding the European Union, conjugations of the French verb "avoir" and a whole handful of other things OTHER than this French town.
Although the name change is opposed by some residents, the Mayor is pushing to adapt the name to attract increased tourist activity - something that has been difficult in this internet age with a town name that's so hard to distinguish.
It's definitely a story I want to follow to see whether or not La Maire d'Eu succeeds in her quest.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
MIss Tic Street Art - Perfect Timing!
As my faithful readers know, I am a huge fan of the street art that I stumble upon accidentally every day here in Paris.
Here's another example of the lovely Miss Tic whose works seem to spring out at me exactly when I need them to. I posted one of her pieces a few months ago, which I also fell upon completely by accident.
While walking through the 13e arrondissement this afternoon, I was feeling a bit down, a bit overwhelmed by a handful of events that are happening in my life, and listening to especially nostalgic music on my iPod. I literally stopped in my tracks when I discovered this Miss Tic piece which translates to "It's life - this will pass." The most poignant part of all was the fact that someone, perhaps feeling the way that I feel lately, stopped to write "When?" underneath the piece. It's something I had been wondering myself and I was, for that moment, happy to feel as though I was not alone and that I wasn't the only person who passed this treasure and thought the same thing.
Here's another example of the lovely Miss Tic whose works seem to spring out at me exactly when I need them to. I posted one of her pieces a few months ago, which I also fell upon completely by accident.
While walking through the 13e arrondissement this afternoon, I was feeling a bit down, a bit overwhelmed by a handful of events that are happening in my life, and listening to especially nostalgic music on my iPod. I literally stopped in my tracks when I discovered this Miss Tic piece which translates to "It's life - this will pass." The most poignant part of all was the fact that someone, perhaps feeling the way that I feel lately, stopped to write "When?" underneath the piece. It's something I had been wondering myself and I was, for that moment, happy to feel as though I was not alone and that I wasn't the only person who passed this treasure and thought the same thing.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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