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