5.6.08

Givenchy and YSL.

I was told by my friends that I had to see the Eiffel Tower at night, so I made my way on one of those Seine boat tours. I got off near the Tower, and looked for a place to eat. I stumbled down some street and almost stopped in my tracks when I saw what looked to be more than just a storefront of Givenchy. A few feet down the block stood YSL. On this block of course there were fabulous restaurants with the obligatory patio, as well as a a very good looking "fashion" crowd (no "bo-bo's" here, i.e. bohemian bourgeosis, which seems to be the look here in Paris). I had to eat here. Maybe I would see Galliano.

However when I checked the menu prices, I decided to move on, because they didn't fit my "freedom 35" budget.

I settled on a fabulous Italian restaurant, just another block down a side street. I mean I must be on vacation, croissants everyday for breakfast and then pasta for dinner? I love this town. I love how civilized it is, even with suit wearing men riding scooters, parked anywhere on the sidewalk, wherever there is a open spot. I love how the women wearing heels have no trouble navigating the cobblestone streets, eating cheese and bread every day. I love how my seat on the patio is basically on the street, as the people passing by on the sidewalk can smell my food and someone almost hit me with a big Hermes bag. I love that everyone calls me Monsieur everytime I go to a restaurant. I love that this restaurant seems to be filled with regulars, as many of them are greeted by the owner with kisses on the cheek.

By the way, my meal was great. I don't think I've had a bad meal yet in Pairs. I also got some great night shots of the Eiffel Tower, I'll post them as soon as I get back to Vancouver. I think you'll love them too.
Posted by double R at 9:59 AM | 0 comments read on

4.6.08

leather lace-ups.

Random thoughts from Paris:

- I am seriously thinking of getting a scooter when I get back to Vancouver. If I ride around in a three piece suit with a bagguette peaking out of my leather backpack, will I be out of place? I wouldn't if I was here.
- All French men have the fullest, reddest lips.
- People LOVE scarves here.
- When did lace up oxfords with jeans come back in?
- I brought my running gear, but it'll have to wait until Prague. Let's eat!
- I am starting to miss Vancouver, but I'll just have another creme brule.
Posted by double R at 1:29 PM | 0 comments read on

3.6.08

Bonjour!

Picture this...checking myself in at YVR, and the woman at the flight desk asks me for my passport, and then asks me to confirm that my final destination is"Paris". I looked at her confused for a moment, because I didn't think she was talking about me.

I'm going to Paris. Yes, I'm going to Paris!

And so after a very long flight and a minor inconvenience of my luggage arriving a day late, I am finally here. This place is so beautiful, every time I turn the corner, I look like I'm in a post card. The style here is effortless, the food is tremendous, and even the birds wear scarves. The conversations on the street sounds like they are from old French movies. And usually I don't eat bread (it's a carb), I am sitting here full from bagguettes. I love this place.

Will post more later, but just wanted to check in to say I'm safe and I'm living a dream.

Yeah for "freedom 35"!
Posted by double R at 10:31 AM | 0 comments read on

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Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada