Tonight is the night!

Yes tonight is the night I have been waiting for months! We were supposed to see them, Incubus, in March but they postponed the touring dates. At that time it was like IN SEPTEMBER! But really time did fly...and here we are. I must say that I'm pretty much a concert goer. It just feels great, no...it is GREAT to be part of an amazing experience where people with the same interest come join and really enjoy the moment.

"Bat your eyes girl, be otherworldly,
count your blessings, seduce a stranger
Whats so wrong with being happy?
Kudos to those who see through sickness..."

See you guys tonight!
(Then I'm off to London, Windsor, Bath, Oxford and hopefully Brighton...!)

André-Citroën Park, 15th Arrondissement

Since there is the "Fête des Jardins " going on this weekend, we decided it's another good opportunity to visit a park. A park that we had never been before... I regularly visit a park myself at least once a week...there are a few ones I usually go to since it is convenient for me to get there. This weekend, like said, we picked somewhere further than our usual areas. We picked Parc André-Citroën in 15th arrondissement. The park is on the site of a former Citroen car factory. It is divided into several parts, for example, a stone square where two modern glasshouses contain the Mediterranean garden and the center area is a big green field as a playground for the family members. Compared this park to the main ones in the center of Paris like Jardin des Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg, it could be a disappointment as Parc André-Citroën reflects more of the modern concept instead of the image Paris is trying to maintain and portray.

However, if you can get past your expectation and just enjoy the park for the reason it is actually built for...this park, in my opinion, is a real park where the family members come to play, have a picnic and lie down on the grass. We lied down next to this one family where the dad came with his 3 kids to play football...everyone was really having a great time. Kenji, my favorite kid of the day, ran and imitated the pose of professional footballers everytime he beat his dad, the goalkeeper. Lots of smiles and laughters going on among them and to see such a pleasant time they had, you just could not stop smiling either.

I would say it was such a heart-warming late afternoon to see everyone was happy...which made you happy too.


Métro: Balard or Javel
15th Arrondissement

Fête des Jardins 2007

The Fête des Jardins has been continuing to pay homage and raise an awareness for nature and gardens for the 11th year now. All the parks and gardens both public and private are openned for a visit. Provided by educational activities like guided tours and gardening workshops as well as the entertaining acitivies like concerts, hiking, biking trails etc. for all the family member.

From September 22-23 for all parks and gardens in Paris including Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes.

Last Night@La Fleche d'Or (Part III)

I seem to have become a semi-regular at La Fleche d'Or. I'm sure anyone who has been there once will just continue to check for the updates and go there. If only it's not so far (20th arrondissement), I would just pop in there every other night.

There were a few interesting gigs to see last night. We initially planned to see two bands, Lisa Li-Lund and Fugu...

Lisa Li-Lund was the opening act of the night...I would say that it sucks for whoever gets to be an opening act because at 8ish pm, there would hardly be anyone. Proven true by this night as we arrived around 8.40 pm, the gig has just started. There were like 20 persons in the audience! I totally felt bad for her... I would have to say though that Lisa seemed most amateur compared to all the "new" bands I have seen at Flech d'Or. Probably she was nervous that no one came to see her so she made some mistakes on the stage...? However, it was good to hear my favorite song, "12000 waves". Checking her page, there seems to be quite a few more shows for her. Wish her a good luck.

Next one, Fugu, was my friend's favorite. That's pretty much why I could drag her there. They have their fans alright. Even the song "Here Today" seems quite popular in the radio stations in Bangkok!! I was surprised to find out that. Anyway, lots more people showed up and loosely filled up the room...lots more cheering going on in the hall. I wouldn't say that I have become their fan but definitely to see them live got me to continue to see what's going on with them. At least I could understand all the things they sing (unlike other French bands) so pour quoi pas?

Asian Label, the Ranting Version

I met this middle-aged Eastern European lady who was very friendly and easy to talk to. She seemed quite world-rounded. She came to Bangkok and she said she quite liked the city regardless of how the hustle and bustle the city is. I think that was the first trip she went out of the White continents. And just like other "tourists" who cruise around the cities and towns in Thailand or Asia, make friends with other White/Black tourist fellows and probably say hello to a few friendly Thai people along the way.

She then asked me about what got me here in Paris and I told her a bit of my story. Then she asked me with a concern in her face "What's it like to be in a place where you see all White people? It must be weird, right?"

Me: "No I'm fine actually." (with the facial expression of "No, I'm fine. What kind of question is that?")
Her: "Oh OK."

I could have tried to explain myself further and told her like "Oh well, you know actually I've only dated so-called White men so far.", THAT could make her understand better but somehow I was afraid I would freak her out. (as well as whoever is reading this, probably)

It's just SO strange here in France to see some of these French/European people who, I'm sure that they have seen quite a lot of Asians in their own cities or places they have been to...but still seem to wonder how these Yellow people cope with their lives in a foreign land...or Oh wow how could you speak English so well?! (Well, education? hello?)...or some impression like wow you know this hip place?! you know these bands too?! It's like we Asians do not know anything about what's going on in this world. Or labeled as a person who comes from a Third World country who is supposed to be riding a buffalo to an office. (I could be exaggerating...it might just be an elephant.)

Well, I could be included in their category too maybe because I was like oh wow how could this Eastern European speaks English SO well!...Sorrrrrry, A few other Eastern European people I met did not really give me a good impression...

So maybe that's it!! I should blame on these Asian people that don't really give a good impression! Well, it's not like Thai women can hold any good impression anyway. I know, I know. But people in the Chinatown here need some makeover or something to better the image of the Asians here (and probably elsewhere too). After all, people generally judge you by the cover (and where you come from).

I know some of you are thinking I'm so vain...haha

Chez Justine

Thanks to my friend who introduced me to this restaurant. Chez Justine is in the Oberkamf area, 11th arrondissement. This place has been one of the recommended places for the area. The restaurant may seem old and not supposed to be a happening place for the young crowd since it gives an impression of an old wooden inn...but the crowd is quite mixed. You will see both young trendy locals dining here as well as the elderly couples who come here for the quality French cuisine. If you would like to go there for dinner, I recommend you to make a reservation in advance since it could get quite full. But if only for a drink, the bar is also open for the purpose, the happening hours would be around 10ish pm - 2 am.

96, rue Oberkampf
Métro: Parmentier or Saint Maur
+33143574403

Techno Parade 2007

September brings another happening event for the techno and electro music lovers, the 9th edition of Techno Parade. It was on September 15th and it was my second time to join this huge parade. It started at Place de la Bastille at 2pm moving its crazy noisy crowd towards Rue St Antoine, Rue de Rivoli, Bd Sébastopol, Place de la République, Bd Voltaire, Bd Richard Lenoir then back to Bastille at 6pm.

We decided to pop out of the apartment to join the parade around 4ish pm at Bd Sébastopol and to crawl along towards Bastille. It was this huge wave of mostly young people pumping themselves along the music. Two sides of streets were also packed of people who would prefer to observe than to actually join in and being squeezed like a squeeze ball. We, however, alternately switched between being an observer and a squeeze ball.

It was interesting to see people being so into the high of the moment dancing and showing off their "Tektonik" moves as if they were in a dance competition. People who go out in a club in Paris might know what dance moves I'm talking about. It seems all the French teens have been practicing and perfecting this certain move so well, as I said, like they were entering in a competition. Along the way, there would be a few people or more on the roof of the bus stops and kiosks jumping and posing for a random photographer.

Finally around 6ish pm, all were gathered at Place de la Bastille. The party went on until around 8ism pm when people started to either go lead their normal evening life or go get ready to party later in the night. We were supposed to come home and get ready for a big techno party at La Villette. I decided to take a quick nap and before I know it, it was in the morning I woke up. Oh well.

PS There was this super cool old lady who was waving at the crowd and moving along with the music at her own balcony. To add how amazing it was, the crowd who walked pass the spot waved back with the cheering and all.

A Great Escape

Paris is an amazingly beautiful city but it is always good every once in awhile to be able to get away from its close to perfection and probably its greyness.

Our plan of escape started over a month ago when we agreed in going for a place where there lies a great sunshine, a lively air to breathe in, friendly smiles and amazing food. At that moment, it could only be Barcelona. Even though this would be my second trip there but I was quite excited to go and see everything once again.

Before I'd ever got a chance to come to Europe, somehow, Spain was my no.1 country I would want to visit. There's a charm of all things Spanish that got me. I had my first trip to Barcelona in November last year with a few friends. I remember the feeling when I was on the train there...It was indescribable; the butterflies in the stomach, the overwhelmed feeling. It was almost like the feeling of falling in love. There have only been a few times that I had such a feeling. I usually idealize the word/the feeling of "happiness" and I don't usually say "Oh, that is great. This is perfect." until I REALLY feel so. But I could say that both trips to Barcelona made me...happy. Maybe because it reminds me in some way of Thailand...

This time around, we did not do anything much which I can say that we were actually on holiday. We had one full afternoon just lying on the beach soaking up the sun. The guys bought a keg of Heineken and we were just drinking, talking and enjoying the *beautiful sight* (of beautiful people in bikinis and without ones.) We did visit a few of Barcelona icons like Park Guell, La Pedrera and walked around Place Catalunya and the harbor in the evening looking for some good tapas, paella and sangria. I just couldn't have enough of the paella as I'd been wanting to have a good paella for months! (Still couldn't find a good paella in Paris...)

The night life here was also really happening especially by the harbor. Lots of different crowds; locals, visitors, families, youngs, or adults were enjoying themselves.

I don't know what it is with Barcelona but it's one city besides Amsterdam that I just keep wanting to come back.

Barcelona - Such a beautiful horizon
Barcelona - Like a jewel in the sun
Por ti seré gaviota de tu bella mar
Barcelona - Suenan las campanas
Barcelona - Abre tus puertas al mundo
-Queen

http://www.aboutbarcelona.com/

Random Street Art in Paris (Part IV)

Again I was strolling the area of Pompidou towards Hotel de Ville and rue Temple after paying a visit to Centre Pompidou. It's been a countless of times I've been walking in this area, still there are always something new each time. Of course, if you really pay attention. It's like reading a book, a poem or listening to music (and pay attention to the lyrics), you might find a new interpretation each time you re-read or re-listen to them.

Here are a few new ones I discovered:






4th arrondissement
Métro: Rambuteau or Hotel de Ville

Parc Astérix

Parc Astérix is a theme park in competition with the Disneyland. While the Disneyland explores the Walt Disney cartoon charecters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and all the Disney princesses, Parc Astérix, as its name, based on the adventures of the popular cartoon character, Astérix (by Albert Uderzo and René Goscinny). Once you walk in, it would be like you are brought back by a time machine to the Middle Ages and also the Roman Empire, Gaul (the empire where Astérix and the fellows reside.)

There are around 30 attractions at the park, as well as regular shows to entertain visitors. Our favorite rides would be "the Trace du Hourra", a 900-metre track slider, and "Goudurix", a frenetic 950-metre Roller Coaster which claimed to be one of the most impressive loop-the-loops in Europe.

While the Disneyland may explore more themes with their fancy stories and characters and provide more attractions, Parc Astérix is most likely more for the older kids who come for some excitement. Also, when comparing the crowd of the two, there is an obvious difference. Parc Astérix seems to be welcoming much more of the locals and the adolescences, whereas the tourists would basically prefer to go to the Disneyland as well as the families with small kids.


Parc Astérix
BP8, 60128, Plailly
RER: Roissy-Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV Station, then bus to Parc Astérix

"Krau Thai" Has Saved My Life.

In my early months in Paris, I had a chance to try two Thai restaurants. I have to confess that because of them, I have been quite skeptical about any Thai restaurants here. Why? Because seriously even though your foreign friends tell you they try the dishes there and really like them, the taste could be far from original. For awhile I had given up hope in finding any authentic Thai restaurant that would remind me of home and have just been trying to improve my cooking skill instead (which is pretty much better I dare say.)

A few months ago my Thai friends introduced me to "Krau Thai", a ten-table sized restaurant with Thai staff in Montparnasse. Listening to your Thai friends and those foreign friends who "know" what the genuine Thai dishes taste like is a different story... And finally I can say that this is one Thai restaurant that I can rely on. If you have already seen the movie "Ratatouille" where the scene that the restaurant critique, Anton Ego, is hit by the memories of his childhood by tasting the ratatouille... That was much my feeling when I had my first Som Tam (papaya salad) here.

Must say that this place has saved my craving for some spicy dishes and basically my life (a bit over exaggerating but you know what I mean, right?). But of course, you should add to the staff that you can handle the spicy taste and "Kor ped ped".

Remark: Don't put a high expectation or any expectation of having a genuine Thai dish from an all-in-one-Chinese-Thai-Vietnamese restaurant.


Krau Thai
41 Rue Montparnasse, 75014
Métro: Montparnasse

Rock en Seine 2007 (Update)

After holding the tickets of one of the biggest concerts in France, Rock en Seine, finally the day had come. We bought the tickets for Day 3 where Bjork was the highlight, not only of the day but perhaps of the whole three-day concert. However, the ones I was equally, if not more, eager to see were Bat for Lashes, Mark Ronson and Faithless.

Bat For Lashes opened the day 3 on the 2nd stage at 2pm. Perhaps it was too early for the French as the audience seemed yet to be awaken and actually only 1/4 space was filled up. Standing too still with the eyes and ears focused like seeing and hearing the unfamiliar and for some, most likely, the unknown songs for the first time. Mesmerized by the voice and the sound? Maybe. The crowd had been quite a disappointment. Until the well-praised debut single; "What's a girl to do" began, which was almost towards the end of their show, the audience started to scream and clap loudly like they had come solely for this song. Natasha, the front vocalist, made a remark which to me sounds like a relief for the band that someone actually knew this song (and knew them!). Another song that got the audience moved and made noise was "Horse and I", although it's a shame that it was one of the last songs.

About 40 mins later, Mark Ronson appeared on the main stage. Again, the impression I had from the crowd was that 75% of them had no clue who these people were. Fortunately, some could sing along as the songs are the remix-and-remade of the classic like "Just" by Radiohead, "Oh My God" by Kaiser Chiefs (also made a hit with the help of Lily Allen) and "Toxic" by Britney Spears - not sure if this song counts as a classic, probably not.

Kings of Leon came up later with a loud applause from the crowd. Caleb, the front man, was too irresistible with his performance (and of course the hot haircut makes him no longer look like a redneck). They rolled out all their songs from the two hit albums. The front rows, of course, were the fans and acted so but from where I was standing and observing...only a few were shaking their head and moving along. For me, though "The Bucket" was my favorite, I wasn't a fan until I saw them live here. What an awesome show! At the end, before KoL played a few last songs, Caleb said that they didn't expect to have a good time here but they did. I was a bit surprised they pre-expected such a response from the French... what surprised me even more was that they had a good time. Did they really? I hope they did.

Faithless performed after KoL...as the mood had been built up quite well, I was more than excited to finally see Faithless as one of my English friends gave such a good rave to their live act. This time I was within the so-called front zone. It was just as amazing as I had expected. When "Insomnia" came on, the crowd went crazy. Nothing could stop the madness of the fans as people started to raise up their hands and jump along the beats. However, there were some people who seriously did NOT belong to the front zone. Why? Because they were just standing like they were watching a golf tournament! Worse than that when "We Come One" was on, they did NOT let out the word "One"...!

Of course, I know the French adore Björk. I do like Björk. But it was just too annoying to see these certain lot of people who paid faint participation in any form of support besides standing as still as possible and waited for their time to see Björk.

Björk's show was very impressive with all the lighting and laser effects, make-up, costumes...and all things Björk. The crowd was just PACKED. There was no room to move or breathe. All eyes were either on the stage or on the two big screens, as if they were being possessed by some magic power or others might say by the evil power...(listening to Björk's you wouldn't imagine it was a sound of heaven, would you?) The show was quite a fair share of a few songs from her latest album and her mega hits like "Hyper Ballad", "Emotional Landscape" and "The Army of Me".

All in all, though some part of the audience disappointed me, it was such a great experience to be part of the history of Rock en Seine.

*addicted*

Weegee at Museum Maillol

Since I'm into photography especially in black and white, it wasn't difficult for me to be drawn to visiting a photo exhibition of the well-known photojournalist Weegee (the phonetic sound of "Ouija"). The name is given due to the fact that he usually arrived at the crime scenes a few minutes right after the crimes were reported. He is known for the stark black/white documentary style photos and his adventurous dedication in capturing his news photographs.

"I have no inhibitions, and neither has my camera. I have lived a full life and tried everything. What may be abnormal to you is normal to me. If I had to live my life over again, I would do it all the same way...only more so. Everything I write about is true...and I have the pictures, the checks, the memories and the scars to prove it." -Weegee, from the Catalog of the exposition, text by Hendrik Berinson

The exhibited photos vividly and some shockingly lay open the crime scenes and street life in New York City as well as overcrowded beaches back in 1940's. Some of the photos reminded me of one Thai newspaper "Thairat" whose front page is usually featured a photo of a crime scene with blood all over...only that Weegee's are much more classic in both technique and in content. His photographs documented lives and history while those shown in "Thairat" only meant to push you to become anorexia 'cause you wouldn't be able to eat anything after seeing those beyond grotesque shots.

Pictures, my favorites, are two among over a hundred photos that are exhibited at Museum Maillol until October 15.

Fondation Dina Vierny - Musée Maillol
61, rue de Grenelle.
Metro: Rue du bac

More info: Weegee's World

My Bible

"in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you imagine."

"Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. "

"Do one thing everyday that scares you."

"Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself."

"Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t."

"Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room."

"Live in New York City (Paris) once, but leave before it makes you hard; live in Northern California (Amsterdam) once, but leave before it makes you soft."

"Travel."

-Everybody's free to wear sunscreen by Baz Luhrmann

Le Souk, the Taste of Tajine

Another interesting restaurant we visited this weekend was a well-known Moroccan restaurant in the 11th arrondissement. Le Souk is only within 10 mins walk from the center of Bastille. The place is well decorated, along with the music, to bring up the authentic Moroccan atmosphere. The staff are also wearing the typical Moroccan clothes. The menu is composed of the typical Moroccan dishes, the Tajine and their restaurant's specials... Since I've already tried a few times of Moroccan food, I chose to go for Tajine d'Agneau aux Aubergines (Lamb with eggplant in the Tajine style) while others tried Tajine d'Agneau à la Confiture d'Oignons et Amandes and Tajine de Poulet aux Amandes. The big warm pots arrived only 5 mins later making all of us drool so badly while letting them to cool down a bit.

We ended the dinner with a stomach full with no room for any dessert. It was a pleasant evening in a pleasant restaurant. I would recommend Le Souk to anyone who is looking for a good Moroccan place.

(Pictured is the front decoration of the restaurant.)

1 rue Keller 75011
Métro: Bastille

Random Street Art in Paris (Part III)

Doesn't it make you feel good when you get to discover something by yourself? It makes me feel great. As a foreigner in Paris, you may enjoy the sense of discovery more often than the locals. But sometimes only to discover a new cafe or restaurant doesn't make me feel specially pleased anymore, unless that place has some unique details or serve incredibly yummy dishes. However, I've finally found something that makes me feel excited about doing it. I've started this little project to hunt for street art in the streets of Paris. At first I didn't plan to continue this as a project but the more I see, the more I recognize the styles... and the fact that I accidentally came across a source of these artists, it totally finds me a meaning to do it.

Here are the outcome of my recent hunt in the 6th arrondissement:
An image of Edith Piaf

An image of Alfred Hitchcock by MBW



Wonder where exactly this is? Anyone have a clue? ;p

A mixed breed KFC?

6th arrondissment
Métro: Odéon or Mabillon

Getting Lost in 6th Arrondissement

It is impossible to deny that Paris is such a charming city for someone to just wander around and get lost without any fury involved. Following the success of "Getting Lost in 3rd Arrondissement", Monsieur J. et moi let ourselves enjoy the wonder of Paris once again. This afternoon we chose the 6th arrondissment, one of the most popular hangout areas in Paris; full of cafes, restaurants, art galleries and hmm...visitors disguised as locals.

We were not so lost actually this time 'cause we come here every once in a short while, and I had a bit of a plan in mind - to grab an ice-cream chez Amorino and to drop by at Jardins du Luxembourg.

So, we dropped off at Métro Odéon and walked straight to grab ourselves a cone of ice-cream. Today was one of those chilly days of this crappy summer. But having craved for a cone of yogurt and banana for quite a few days, I just had to have it. Once arrived I ordered it right away, while Monsieur J. took a few minutes to pick his flavors. Satisfied as expected we continued wandering in the center of the happening area before taking off for our (more like my) little journey hunting for new street arts to add to my collection. Following rue de Seine, I was taken over by an excitement of discovering all these street arts on this one long street.

After being lost around rue de Seine, rue Bonaparte and other rues...we finally found our way to Jardin du Luxembourg.


There is an ongoing exhibition "Femme y es-tu?" (Woman, are you there?) presented by Artsénat. The exhibition features the contemporary sculptures dedicated to the queens of France.






For example, several wrinkled cast iron half body figures, the work of Polish Artist Magdalena Abakanowicz, are frozen in motion.


And these blue tall teardrop-shaped ceramics, made by artist Xavier Boggio, placed in the middle of the park.


But how are these artworks related to the queens of France? I'm not an expert to explain you that. Perhaps you will have to drop by to the park yourself. The exhibition is on until September 23.

Manoush

If you style is a bit of a mix, let's say colorful girly like, plus some kitschy features and the fact that your wardrobe is rather full of dresses, day or evening...you would definitely fall in love with this French brand, Manoush.

Frédérique Trou-Roy, the founder and the creative eye behind the brand, inspired by her travel in Morocco, has found the core design ingredients of Manoush. She released the first collection for the Winter'04/05. Manoush's unique clashes between a girly design for an adult, between the kitsch details and flashy details in the contemporary concept... The brand has scored quite a success both locally and internationally. You can find Manoush in their 5 boutiques in Paris, in Harrods and Harvey Nichols (London), Colette (Tokyo), Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus (New York)...for example.

3 Jours 3 Euros

Le Mairie of Paris with a collaboration of la Fédération Nationale des Cinémas Français is being generous for all the Parisians and visitors of the French capital by relaunching the 3 Jours 3 Euros event on August 19th, 20th and 21st. What is this supposed to mean? Well, it means that you will pay only 3 euros (which is about a half price or 1/3 of a normal price if you don't have any discount cards) for a movie during these 3 days!

So I suppose there are only a few days left for a single to find a date to go to see a movie with ;p *checking the movie schedules*

PS. Personally I prefer the Gaumont and Pathe cinemas 'cause the layouts are well put allowing more space between each row compared to others. Also, a short person like me doesn't have to worry if some tall guy is sitting in front of you. Just a note.

"Dek Hor", Thai Movie in the French Cinemas

While browsing for what's out in the Parisian cinemas yesterday, I could not help but be surprised to see one of our Thai movies of last year scheduled to be released on August 22. The movie "Dek Hor" or in French "Le Pensionnat", is a story about a 12 year old boy called Chatree being transferred to a new boarding school upcountry by his parents. Chatree has difficulty settling into his new dorm life and the habit of the dorm students staying up at night and telling ghost stories by torchlight. He learns of a story about a closed pool and a student fellow that drowned in it a few years back...

"Dek Hor" is claimed not to be just another ghost movie as it delves into different stages of emotions and relationship among friends. The movie was released in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and has received several international awards. One of the most recent was from Berlin Film Festival 2007. More info...

Source: Allocine

Last Night@La Fleche d'Or (Part II)

Went to La Fleche d'Or again last night with a plan to see Phoebe Killdeer and the Short Straws. It was slightly raining so we were not fully sure that there would be any people at the place. When we got there we realised how wrong we were, the place was packed! Phoebe and the band came out a little while after we got our drinks, guess what, it was blanche again. The fact that I was only 5'2 and that there were all these tall men blocking my scene, I had to tiptoe every once in awhile switching left and right. Imagine one of those Bollywood movies. However, Phoebe and the band rocked the place. Phoebe was awesome on the stage.

After about half an hour break for the next show, there were three guys moving a keyboard and a few props down the stage to be more in the crowd... It appeared that one of the guys was the DJ Dan Deacon. He was madly fun and so into the crowd. However, I haven't decided whether or not I liked his tunes since it sounded so very experimental. A few samples on his Myspace can't quite explain how strangely experimental of his gig last night though.

All in all, last night was quite satisfying, except the part that this crazy French frog who was standing and jumping right behind me, repeatedly yelling "MY NAME IS F*CKING JAMES, MY NAME IS F*CKING JAMES" and "MOTHER FUCKER"... I don't know what his problem was but I wish he could just shut the f*ck up 'cause my hair was filled of his spits already!

Check out what's on at la Fleche d'Or, maybe I'll see you around.

Note: Photos taken from their Myspace pages.

All Rubbish!

Dorothy Perkins is following the steps of the unexpectedly famous "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" by Anya Hindmarch by bringing an environmental bag purely made from rubbish collected in the streets of the Philippines. Rooted by a group of people who voluntarily clean up their local neighborhood, but this good deed with a creative edge has resulted beyond what it was expected. (Proven the rule of Karma.)

Since "I'm Not A Plastic Bag" has such a long waiting list of demand, this Rubbish Bag seems like a great choice and a good idea to help the environment while keeping yourself in the Green trend during this Summer. Another plus point is that the price is much much MUCH easier to embrace.

French Humor

The ad campaign is created to promote the Rugby World Cup that will be taken place in the French capital in this coming September. The ad doesn't only affirm Paris as the Capital of Love but shows their sense of humor too! (Not sure all the rugby players would be so gay, as in happy, to see this ad though...)

Style from the Streets of St Tropez

Style.com brings us a glimpse of what's going on on the luxurious streets of St Tropez... Tanned women full of sexy confidence stroll the town sporting fancy brand name or vintage shades. White day dresses and tunics rule over any others. A straw bag or basket seems like a must-have.























The style there is not so much different from the capital of fashion here but somehow, somehow, they seem way hotter than the heat in St Tropez. Poor Parisians, can only wear summer short shorts for only few days a week.

Oh, please the rain, please goes back to the UK...Oops!

Check more looks on Style.com

Random Street Art in Paris (Part II)

These street graffiti's found in the 3rd arrondissement (mainly in the Pompidou area and Le Marais.)





- by FKDL

- by C215





3rd arrondissment
Métro: Rambuteau or Saint Paul

Getting Lost in 3rd Arrondissement

On the Sunday evening, Monsieur J. and I decided to take a walk and get lost in the 3rd arrondissement. We took the metro to Arts et Métiers. Unfortunately, the rain poured down when we got there. So we decided to find a roof to cover ourselves at the cafe "Les Arts et Métiers", just right in front of the metro. One cafe that I promise myself I will come back more often 'cause there is a jazz band playing as well. It was very nice especially listening to it under the rain...agree? Sipping une blanche after awhile, our luck had turned as the rainbow had risen in front of us.My first rainbow in Paris. Like it's said, the good things (usually?) come after a storm. About 10 mins later, the second rainbow appeared. Yes, double rainbows. Speaking of being in the right place at the right time.

After trying to capture this beauty of nature for awhile, we finished our drinks and moved on to complete our mission.

Walking from Metro Arts et Métiers upward to Le Marais to Pompidou and walked back to where we started...I couldn't help but notice how quiet Paris could become. Sundays are usually quiet. The rain made it more so. Then again lots of people have already taken off on their annual holidays.


Lots of shops and restaurants are closed, even the Chinese restaurants...(I suppose they are the French-Chinese, not Chinese-Chinese, if you know what I mean.)

Wet streets, rain drops, and fallen leaves. Strange how sometimes the rain can make a city more charming in a different aspect. It was, to me, an ideal Sunday evening in Paris.


Cafe Les Arts et Métiers
51 rue Turbigo 75003

Camden Street

When compared fashion in the streets of Paris and London, you can see that the Londoners tend to be more let go than the Parisians. I definitely see lots more colors in a few days in London than a year in Paris...that is for sure. Actually, I have no rights to complain the taste of the Parisians whatsoever since what I was wearing when walking in the Camden Town was a black day dress and what I got from one of the shops there was this brown woven leather belt. Out of the crazy colorful stuff they offered, I bought a brown belt. How Parisian out of me...!

Anyway, here are some street style shots on the Sunday afternoon. Totally a mix of everything!