tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62864884660330513012024-03-14T08:41:08.689+01:00Expat with Kids in ParisA transitionary home for my soul stuck somewhere between the Swiss Alps and Parisian chic.Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.comBlogger1096125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-29007168999042659602021-06-23T11:24:00.002+02:002021-06-23T11:29:32.595+02:00My lovely little girl...<p>You were in a hurry the minute you were born. Kicking in my tummy like a football player and when you popped out within a few hours the consensus at the clinic was « c’était sportif! ».</p><p>An easygoing baby who was happy as long as she had her food, you very quickly became Ms. Independent.</p><p>Your first word was « màs » which was quickly followed by « Who me? » and « It wasn’t me, it was my hand » which had us all in tears laughing. </p><p>True to yourself you never crawled but hopped along on your bum. By the time you reached the "terrible twos" you were conversing in sentences and squeezing your trembling handballs when you’d get mad… which was every time things didn’t go the way you had planned.</p><p>Daddy loved your bouncy curls and I fostered your curiosity. Expat boy was just happy he did not have any more siblings. « One is enough » his famous answer to the question « how is it having a little sister? »</p><p>You couldn’t wait to join your big brother’s school and I remember the disappointment when we announced we’d be moving 6 months later.</p><p>Lugano was your habitat despite no one realizing you understood but actually didn’t speak Italian when we first arrived.</p><p>Breganzona allowed you to spread your wings and live your independence in a safe way. You defined your values and made friendships for life. Many of these experiences have and will continue to guide you along your path. Trust your instincts, sweetie, while listening to people’s advice.</p><p>You are hard working, super organized and focus on targets. Remember not everything always goes as planned, the challenge is to find a way that works for you.</p><p>With your outgoing, kind and fun personality you captured the locals’ hearts and made Lugano your turf. “Home is where the heart is” was definitely your motto.</p><p>Moving to Paris was tough but as a true girl warrior you took it in strides and patiently waited for the next move… realizing it would not happen you changed attitude and dug your heels in declaring - after three years - that Paris wasn’t that bad after all. </p><p>By Middle School you regained a certain independence and found your groove. You made Paris your playground and the “velib” your vehicle of choice.</p><p>While you excelled at studying, the end of school year was always difficult as you had to bid farewell to your besties every single spring for a decade, nevertheless you always found new friends from all parts of the world with whom to share your energy and enthusiasm in whatever project you set your heart on. </p><p>The International School of Paris became your second home and you have been one of their best ambassadors in every way.</p><p>You convinced Papy to let you travel to New York (much to my delight) and ventured out to the Namibian desert a year later following your humanitarian spirit.</p><p>When I told you not to let the pandemic cramp your style you listened and your sweet 17 has been one of your best years so far. </p><p>It is your tremendous heart and your brilliant mind that has lead you to become an extraordinary young woman. Your charisma entices others to follow you happily. You have proven time and time again what an amazing leader you are, even at a young age. No one messes with Expat girl! </p><p>Never lose that vibe. Continue to believe in yourself and defend the issues you care about making your contribution to the world. Share that passion, don’t take no for an answer and never, ever give up! </p><p>I am so, so, so proud of you my love. Happy 18th birthday, poppet!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWUL4SXo0RQ/YNL9Vk5hnvI/AAAAAAAAdJk/a-7iy1_ry_MbmVXc5MPwlguakod4mQcTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1710/Viv%2B1%2Byear%2Bold.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="1710" height="264" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWUL4SXo0RQ/YNL9Vk5hnvI/AAAAAAAAdJk/a-7iy1_ry_MbmVXc5MPwlguakod4mQcTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h264/Viv%2B1%2Byear%2Bold.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-17951116709354645652021-05-30T08:08:00.004+02:002021-05-30T10:02:36.099+02:00Proud, proud Mummy<p>Our family has reached another milestone this weekend and I am not sure if to be happy or sad. I have decided to focus on the positive. </p><p>Expat daughter, our baby girl, has graduated from High School with flying colours and a whole load of honours... yes, I am a very proud mummy... and Papy needs to wrap his head around the fact that she is no longer a baby girl!</p><p>Expat Girl is a beautiful, confident, strong-headed and focused young lady who cares about others as much as herself. She goes out of her way to include everyone around her and is a tireless advocate for the less-fortunate. She's a believer without being a dreamer. She is a doer and won't wait around if she's set her mind to something.</p><p>She is convinced she can make a difference in this world and has proven how to in more than one occasion already. Her life is not about finding herself but to create herself as she grows into a resilient and determined young woman with a bright and diversified future ahead of her.</p><p>Whatever it may be that you wish to achieve, my love, you go get'em and keep reaching for the stars. Remember to be happy ALWAYS, pursue your passion and work hard. Excel in what you are good at, look after others and trust your instincts for they will guide you through thick and thin.</p><p>And one day, maybe, your peers' prediction will come true when they voted your name as most likely of Class 2021 to become President. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9JkUveetks/YLMqWRLLr9I/AAAAAAAAdBY/kq9STGxohI0XXmhrhreIM1qRA7nUvNxWACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0A26C8EF-21E4-458E-B046-68947B9DAA40.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9JkUveetks/YLMqWRLLr9I/AAAAAAAAdBY/kq9STGxohI0XXmhrhreIM1qRA7nUvNxWACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/0A26C8EF-21E4-458E-B046-68947B9DAA40.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-52051374261497979592021-05-08T18:12:00.002+02:002021-05-08T18:12:24.570+02:00Magical moments in Paris<p>Motivation has been difficult to come by lately which means - for the first time in ten years - I have been lazy in feeding my blog. Inspiration is lacking albeit living in a worldly city such as Paris. For nearly a decade I have been spoilt picking up the Parisian vibes as they come and taking advantage of all that the city of lights has to offer.</p><p>Eclectic as I am, rarely do I miss the occasion to adventure out to experience something new. My palate has been blessed with wonderful emotions and memorable stories: theatre class, cooking course, chocolate workshop, wine tasting, photography lessons, essay writing group, samba dancing, literary evenings, musical performances, classical concerts, jazz sessions, ballet premières, behind-the-scene opera insights, warehouse light shows, city tours, historical visits, UNESCO gatherings, Grand Palais openings, charity events, cultural encounters, ambassador's' receptions, consular lunch invitations, business networking hubs, peaceful manifestations, fashion shows, foodie gatherings, garden parties, heritage days, National Christmas bazaars, Foundation vernissages, Europe's largest flea market, the flavours and colours of the fresh produce "marchés" and I am forgetting many more.</p><p>However, the most memorable moments remain the magical terraces views: from the roof top yoga class looking onto the Eiffel Tower, to a farewell picnic on top of the Arc de Triomphe. A clandestine champagne brunch on the Eiffel tower's second floor springs to mind as does the unforgettable grand opening of the Peninsula Palace or the well-deserved pink champagne glass in the rose garden on top of Hotel Raffael. The first visit to the Louis Vuitton foundation and its many level terrasses was breathtaking as is the view of the St.Jacques tower in the city center. The ice rink on top was the Eiffel Tower was another fun moment.</p><p>So, the lights have gone out for a while but I am ready to jump into action and start "flaneusing" around town as soon as the portals open up again... and it looks like it will happen soon... slowly but surely. Stay tuned!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ1p1jwwAnI/YJazu9SgBNI/AAAAAAAAc7k/bCr40ioc8HAfVI1IXv6nDFRI2bTR322KACLcBGAsYHQ/s1616/IMG_7153.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1616" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ1p1jwwAnI/YJazu9SgBNI/AAAAAAAAc7k/bCr40ioc8HAfVI1IXv6nDFRI2bTR322KACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7153.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tour de St.Jacques</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxCE95aokHo/YJazs6tfqnI/AAAAAAAAc7A/ULJRPKsETt0yuzuAT2IcfmQyDfWTWKIcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN4129.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WxCE95aokHo/YJazs6tfqnI/AAAAAAAAc7A/ULJRPKsETt0yuzuAT2IcfmQyDfWTWKIcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN4129.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Centre Pompidou</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUUu97hFrYQ/YJazuifcOMI/AAAAAAAAc7c/phtHpO8G7GMHjfjmrPhh1rRvABisAoo6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1601/IMG_6167.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1601" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUUu97hFrYQ/YJazuifcOMI/AAAAAAAAc7c/phtHpO8G7GMHjfjmrPhh1rRvABisAoo6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6167.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIQSzD011KY/YJazsydtB-I/AAAAAAAAc68/TWVpe3LI8tUNCxggOhpQgoZ5NXUA4AB3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN5251.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIQSzD011KY/YJazsydtB-I/AAAAAAAAc68/TWVpe3LI8tUNCxggOhpQgoZ5NXUA4AB3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN5251.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5nhDyiyTdg/YJaztU3VR5I/AAAAAAAAc7E/hHMbWKlBCDU581HjYXOuoS0pTE4sF1UmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN5277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5nhDyiyTdg/YJaztU3VR5I/AAAAAAAAc7E/hHMbWKlBCDU581HjYXOuoS0pTE4sF1UmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN5277.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2TynaP4UoI/YJazuDT9DTI/AAAAAAAAc7Q/psfE28rp00MLviEZpQWo20KJUidaAsmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN8380.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2TynaP4UoI/YJazuDT9DTI/AAAAAAAAc7Q/psfE28rp00MLviEZpQWo20KJUidaAsmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8380.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tour de St.Jacques</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEsuVMfgN3E/YJazttf5wPI/AAAAAAAAc7M/_mv8E-WdSTAyGmBaDSeErAZDx_oaJ1KvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN5293.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEsuVMfgN3E/YJazttf5wPI/AAAAAAAAc7M/_mv8E-WdSTAyGmBaDSeErAZDx_oaJ1KvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN5293.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Arc de Triomphe</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6hSpjv4cNc/YJazts0OiuI/AAAAAAAAc7I/Nj5ev-Gj92s7SGyrz3XmhQVP-ZWJB-p6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN5285.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6hSpjv4cNc/YJazts0OiuI/AAAAAAAAc7I/Nj5ev-Gj92s7SGyrz3XmhQVP-ZWJB-p6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN5285.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tour Eiffel</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Ihp3myRvw/YJazuHQ7jGI/AAAAAAAAc7U/8h0zQ_S5vbwxmcVtSoQBLQIHjIxihbu9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSCN9270.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_Ihp3myRvw/YJazuHQ7jGI/AAAAAAAAc7U/8h0zQ_S5vbwxmcVtSoQBLQIHjIxihbu9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9270.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fondation Louis Vuitton</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U6ReOLFoXU/YJazuaDHPBI/AAAAAAAAc7Y/CiLPGWQZBRs8ZMLkyTDJ-ezMDXp__q0swCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2940.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U6ReOLFoXU/YJazuaDHPBI/AAAAAAAAc7Y/CiLPGWQZBRs8ZMLkyTDJ-ezMDXp__q0swCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2940.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peninsula Hotel terrace</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUFIVFTeL64/YJazuwu9iWI/AAAAAAAAc7g/4OLrCuxUAbEg5QqFLyBqEudGIyEgpemJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1616/IMG_6185.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1616" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUFIVFTeL64/YJazuwu9iWI/AAAAAAAAc7g/4OLrCuxUAbEg5QqFLyBqEudGIyEgpemJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6185.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6zaToPHZUc/YJazvDq1L0I/AAAAAAAAc7o/_lctD_7LlEAjxNorB-sFdp0J1jzmEU5nACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9023.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x6zaToPHZUc/YJazvDq1L0I/AAAAAAAAc7o/_lctD_7LlEAjxNorB-sFdp0J1jzmEU5nACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9023.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">UNESCO building</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1uofQnr67I/YJazvbJSdVI/AAAAAAAAc7s/nzP0Jdj0IOw70KtnHNOI0jX6DGm2iTwrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9026.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1uofQnr67I/YJazvbJSdVI/AAAAAAAAc7s/nzP0Jdj0IOw70KtnHNOI0jX6DGm2iTwrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_9026.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maison Blanche roof top yoga session</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoQnISUGsgs/YJa0XiXVj0I/AAAAAAAAc8I/K04CQx1jd7YPrIujvx61XRl6L_Zf0FKvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1053/D49D6811-529B-48F2-90FD-C3DC8421203A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1053" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hoQnISUGsgs/YJa0XiXVj0I/AAAAAAAAc8I/K04CQx1jd7YPrIujvx61XRl6L_Zf0FKvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D49D6811-529B-48F2-90FD-C3DC8421203A.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Galeries Lafayette roof top ice rink</div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-68586436477404592602021-04-24T17:26:00.002+02:002021-04-24T18:22:42.522+02:00Nearly there...<p>France, currently under its third national lockdown, is set to lift restrictions on May 3rd. Relaxed travel rules are planned as of Monday on expectations that daily Covid-19 cases will soon begin falling, however, the nighttime curfew - now in place from 7pm to 6am - might be maintained.</p><p>Nine more days... a month ago it seemed like we were back to square one but this time things are looking a bit more promising. Restaurants are set to serve patrons outdoors from mid-May, while cinemas, theatres and museums will be opening with reduced capacity. This is huge since restaurants, cafés and bars have been shut since October 30th, 2020. </p><p>The Covid case decrease remains fragile, so we'll need to wait for the government to give further details on the reopening during its weekly press conference on Thursdays.</p><p>I cannot wait to finally be allowed to sip a coffee on a "terrasse parisienne" for 6.- Euros a cup... it will be worth every penny for the first time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG1l6f9CaOU/YIQwjorN28I/AAAAAAAAc5c/z5nSUhfpsAAABEL_grXrLgmI-12XlmH_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6263.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mG1l6f9CaOU/YIQwjorN28I/AAAAAAAAc5c/z5nSUhfpsAAABEL_grXrLgmI-12XlmH_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6263.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spring is in the air... and we are allowed out for some exercise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djpagsqE-34/YIQwkb9WJwI/AAAAAAAAc5s/0Bd1W3edfDoVfh8yFJacP8-ePc7uU5W9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6588.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djpagsqE-34/YIQwkb9WJwI/AAAAAAAAc5s/0Bd1W3edfDoVfh8yFJacP8-ePc7uU5W9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6588.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lovelocks are hard to come across without tourists in town</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ1G9omqy8g/YIQxWklAC-I/AAAAAAAAc6Y/WSA9UQYUarcdDqaA9AE1Z7ohSuI1ClAuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8ED11C69-A347-4FEC-BA69-EDFEC8E3CACF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJ1G9omqy8g/YIQxWklAC-I/AAAAAAAAc6Y/WSA9UQYUarcdDqaA9AE1Z7ohSuI1ClAuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8ED11C69-A347-4FEC-BA69-EDFEC8E3CACF.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Three more weeks to go before this place will be buzzing again</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kky0FuuGvL0/YIQxWrqsXXI/AAAAAAAAc6c/x6EOOpKVfa8eJmYLglBq2KSDwI4qp-juACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6849.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kky0FuuGvL0/YIQxWrqsXXI/AAAAAAAAc6c/x6EOOpKVfa8eJmYLglBq2KSDwI4qp-juACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6849.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some bars are pretty even when closed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4XSdpevVe0/YIQwkAIMAAI/AAAAAAAAc5o/jS9PO_deLysEqqec7cAzrYdidvCQq0mzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6270.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4XSdpevVe0/YIQwkAIMAAI/AAAAAAAAc5o/jS9PO_deLysEqqec7cAzrYdidvCQq0mzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6270.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Full points for initiative and marketing</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C2H3b8T3aY/YIQwlIFtp3I/AAAAAAAAc54/UwOLHqb9yu4fOTdx_TDXhDsidBX0578xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6795.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C2H3b8T3aY/YIQwlIFtp3I/AAAAAAAAc54/UwOLHqb9yu4fOTdx_TDXhDsidBX0578xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6795.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hanging on to the belief that soon this place will be full of life again.</div></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-38075390203398495522021-04-04T10:48:00.002+02:002021-04-04T10:48:24.359+02:00Easter under lockdown<p>It is Easter weekend... we were suppose to be in Madrid, maybe Ibiza with a bit of luck even in sunny Ticino. However, we are... once again... in lockdown... this time across all of France. Graciously we will not need to fill out a "justificatif de déplacement" every time we leave the house and we are allowed to venture out 10km rather than 1 km but nevertheless the Parisian have all but resigned and the mood is very subdued. </p><p>All the French aggressiveness has been sucked out of the people. Obviously amiability is still not Parisians' forte but the city has become more liveable. The lack of millions of tourists has calmed the speed and intensiveness of daily routine. The city renowned as global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture is unrecognizable. We have now reached a point of utter monotony. All the reasons that make Paris such a unique city are not available... restaurants, bars, museums, cinemas, arenas, concert halls, monuments, galleries, shopping malls, exhibitions, tours, all gone since October 2020!!!!</p><p>Still Parisians are showing their defiance. The river banks are full to the rim with picnickers when the sun is shining (despite lockdown) and personal trainers are making a killing giving exercise classes in the parks... who would have ever believed that is what living in Paris boils down to?</p><p>Indeed, while the country's first lockdown a year ago meant closed parks and gardens as well as a stay-at-home order that allowed just a single hour a day for getting fresh air, France's latest lockdown encourages venturing outdoors. The new rules allow unlimited time outside within a 10-kilometre radius before the 7pm nationwide curfew and public green spaces remain open. The upshot: Easter egg hunts are allowed.</p><p>So, for those of you who have not fled town in search of greener pastures, enjoy your Easter Sunday in an usually quiet city known as Europe's most popular tourist city. Joyeuses Pâques!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLKM0uPlYk4/YGl8BvGPQBI/AAAAAAAAc4k/YHpRdpONFr8mVJBsE1hX6-wm5HlJ0r8WwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLKM0uPlYk4/YGl8BvGPQBI/AAAAAAAAc4k/YHpRdpONFr8mVJBsE1hX6-wm5HlJ0r8WwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_6593.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-79296977708678685122021-03-21T23:28:00.000+01:002021-03-21T23:28:00.905+01:00A quick escape to Madrid<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Parisians weary of their strict national lockdown are flocking over the border to Madrid, where bars and restaurants are open and people can stay outdoors until 10pm, even as COVID-19 batters Europe in a virulent third wave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With France’s cultural venues shut, restaurants unable to serve meals on-site and a strictly-enforced 6pm curfew, leisure-seekers have eyed their southern neighbour’s capital and the Spaniards are everything but thrilled. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Airports have been eerily empty and most duty free shops have been closed. Until recently you could breeze through customs (yes, IDs are required within the Schengen area again) and they whizzed you through the security check. Travelling hasn't been this easy since before 2001. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a regular commuter between Paris and Madrid, I have noted the increased activity as of late, the aircrafts are fuller and passengers look younger than usual?! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has been almost half a year, since Parisians could enjoy a drink on a terrace. The overriding feeling, traveling to Madrid, has been one of freedom. It must be said that mask-wearing and social distancing is much more respected here than in France. I consider myself lucky having a valid excuse and being able to escape to Spain regularly to get a taste of what life will hopefully look like again in the near future. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdo6nk2J0B0/YFezT75A8CI/AAAAAAAAc3I/1-gGVM_e-r4EP_ZsvhL8wLvtkx9FtdQdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6154.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdo6nk2J0B0/YFezT75A8CI/AAAAAAAAc3I/1-gGVM_e-r4EP_ZsvhL8wLvtkx9FtdQdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6154.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blue skies awaiting me in Spain</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWQnZsx3ymk/YFez-gg6w-I/AAAAAAAAc3o/pQUDM2EcrMI1HeQwztwyNGkKR6-NI1E5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/F71AB948-9F82-40D5-9A59-17492BB40C98.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWQnZsx3ymk/YFez-gg6w-I/AAAAAAAAc3o/pQUDM2EcrMI1HeQwztwyNGkKR6-NI1E5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F71AB948-9F82-40D5-9A59-17492BB40C98.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A welcome apertivo of Cava and truffle-flavoured chips</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGqnSCz9gK4/YFezSiW7JGI/AAAAAAAAc24/ndZUzixAMjQzRnfbvAr6qmjDSZ9gJKOAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D55273DB-A5DD-4409-AD5A-37AC48D41F6B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGqnSCz9gK4/YFezSiW7JGI/AAAAAAAAc24/ndZUzixAMjQzRnfbvAr6qmjDSZ9gJKOAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/D55273DB-A5DD-4409-AD5A-37AC48D41F6B.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waiting to serve clients on the terrace</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiDfeC1121E/YFezSlaF6kI/AAAAAAAAc28/c2Rnls3L5Xc18K9dRD235pqoS2jNUJ5hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6102.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FiDfeC1121E/YFezSlaF6kI/AAAAAAAAc28/c2Rnls3L5Xc18K9dRD235pqoS2jNUJ5hwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6102.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A taste of Argentina</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENt-nNJpBr0/YFez-HbY8uI/AAAAAAAAc3c/QzX4yL4P8-YqhWpW9knQzd92uvGXJHnPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/04284BEA-E596-4200-8702-B463C975127E.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ENt-nNJpBr0/YFez-HbY8uI/AAAAAAAAc3c/QzX4yL4P8-YqhWpW9knQzd92uvGXJHnPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/04284BEA-E596-4200-8702-B463C975127E.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is pure luxury</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Npq0VCQo6E/YFez-PV_qdI/AAAAAAAAc3k/uHxLiUEH-Gs5z1weRQlt0af7zgmflSrogCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/11309CE4-9E08-497B-A19B-391F9EAEFE96.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Npq0VCQo6E/YFez-PV_qdI/AAAAAAAAc3k/uHxLiUEH-Gs5z1weRQlt0af7zgmflSrogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/11309CE4-9E08-497B-A19B-391F9EAEFE96.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoying the sun during a Sunday lunch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjoa4AZCPQw/YFez-CD4T1I/AAAAAAAAc3g/UzfVxIPdEagPnIt6VPUyt3ey6pRB_a89ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BBB60278-7E5F-4F0F-BE5D-F90D72D20A74.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wjoa4AZCPQw/YFez-CD4T1I/AAAAAAAAc3g/UzfVxIPdEagPnIt6VPUyt3ey6pRB_a89ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BBB60278-7E5F-4F0F-BE5D-F90D72D20A74.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Buon appetito!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Mjja-C6I4/YFezT6RkVYI/AAAAAAAAc3M/QKMXMR7Kxx41GOrfg8TdfNOaltGNyWxKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6195.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Mjja-C6I4/YFezT6RkVYI/AAAAAAAAc3M/QKMXMR7Kxx41GOrfg8TdfNOaltGNyWxKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6195.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Suggerencias del dia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_LgoaEadB8/YFezSbzQMdI/AAAAAAAAc20/KNvWlyVr8dwLTdoB7ZuGwTMs0MoWUsjCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6117.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_LgoaEadB8/YFezSbzQMdI/AAAAAAAAc20/KNvWlyVr8dwLTdoB7ZuGwTMs0MoWUsjCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6117.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A funky bathroom</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnu3iObgy0Q/YFezTOFtaVI/AAAAAAAAc3A/AGfx8RD3x-IYkPmfN3OCiwUV9VlgEE5NACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6120.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnu3iObgy0Q/YFezTOFtaVI/AAAAAAAAc3A/AGfx8RD3x-IYkPmfN3OCiwUV9VlgEE5NACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6120.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No day would be complete without an ice cream</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57-jzWH60xU/YFezTufE07I/AAAAAAAAc3E/P-N_Rw9tVtYfmxcjJ6Qvl6S5wt_SJy-KACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6141.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57-jzWH60xU/YFezTufE07I/AAAAAAAAc3E/P-N_Rw9tVtYfmxcjJ6Qvl6S5wt_SJy-KACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6141.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Globetrotting and loving it!</div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-46624847087012777862021-03-20T19:07:00.001+01:002021-03-21T11:28:53.657+01:00Lockdown No.3<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, twelve months on and we are back into lockdown - for the third time. Every time it's a little different and even if President Macron refuses to use the term "confinement" we all know how this will go down. No restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas, discos, stadiums, galleries or any other social gatherings allowed for another 4 weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The attestation is now TWO pages long and has so many option you do not know which one to tick without getting into trouble. Fortunately, even the government realized this and less than 24 hours later word has spread that we do not need an "attestation de deplacement" as long as we remain within a 10km radius of our home. Merci M. Castex.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Given you are allowed out the house for exercising, all of a sudden Parisian have become sporty. A year ago the population took to the bikes as our green city mayor took full advantage of the trend extending Paris' bike paths to over one thousand km... literally!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today the river banks were overflowing with joggers, bikers, boxers, zumba dancers, yogis, weightlifters and capoeira athletes working out in the sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We will all be fit and ready to hit those restaurants when they finally open... in the meantime, my Swiss chocolate stock is diminishing rapidly as my exercise level intensifies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_lqSwb_llk/YFYxBznpSJI/AAAAAAAAc0c/qmQERxqUptYPD66yXL0tBrc0wOQSwkK4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6177.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u_lqSwb_llk/YFYxBznpSJI/AAAAAAAAc0c/qmQERxqUptYPD66yXL0tBrc0wOQSwkK4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6177.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A view down the Seine onto Le Grand Palais</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eV3Z4ugMSuM/YFYxBTNSddI/AAAAAAAAc0Q/3M8At8n5zWUUkZ2qeDFtftoDOHYjiKHjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6175.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eV3Z4ugMSuM/YFYxBTNSddI/AAAAAAAAc0Q/3M8At8n5zWUUkZ2qeDFtftoDOHYjiKHjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6175.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All that is left of the tourists... lovelocks!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaXE73TlHLg/YFYxBZYyWaI/AAAAAAAAc0Y/qrEsKR61614FrRtQ42EPTcw3Hwacv6QoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E68097CD-1EA8-4B12-85A1-54F44870312E.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaXE73TlHLg/YFYxBZYyWaI/AAAAAAAAc0Y/qrEsKR61614FrRtQ42EPTcw3Hwacv6QoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E68097CD-1EA8-4B12-85A1-54F44870312E.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Working out in front of Musée d'Orsay</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PX81DMxrE8/YFYxDM79QeI/AAAAAAAAc0o/hvRB3tQjp0k0EpmeOySOARuE-iRtfXISQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6189.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_PX81DMxrE8/YFYxDM79QeI/AAAAAAAAc0o/hvRB3tQjp0k0EpmeOySOARuE-iRtfXISQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6189.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture perfect</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q15jJIGsGGk/YFYxBX_oOnI/AAAAAAAAc0U/v0y4NWwAv0oFvYU7V3-yB3j_BNviLNUNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6165.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q15jJIGsGGk/YFYxBX_oOnI/AAAAAAAAc0U/v0y4NWwAv0oFvYU7V3-yB3j_BNviLNUNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6165.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Time for lunch on the go</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h01jCRWRVbk/YFYxCwXkrGI/AAAAAAAAc0k/t7ryKbG73_I-5zUkzdkemoAg-ZrVI6YJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6186.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h01jCRWRVbk/YFYxCwXkrGI/AAAAAAAAc0k/t7ryKbG73_I-5zUkzdkemoAg-ZrVI6YJACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6186.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoying the last rays of sun...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3QiWoP5MZQ/YFYxCoRykvI/AAAAAAAAc0g/NK_IUPlUdtEnSJlHPqabn9o07fjFTn78gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_6181.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3QiWoP5MZQ/YFYxCoRykvI/AAAAAAAAc0g/NK_IUPlUdtEnSJlHPqabn9o07fjFTn78gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6181.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">before the clouds take over!<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-88748253830011487972021-03-08T17:43:00.002+01:002021-03-08T17:43:10.084+01:00Happy Women's Day<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To all my girlfriends across the globe - most of whom I have not seen in a very long time - stay strong, knowing you are unique and beautiful, that your voice is powerful, your heart compassionate and your ambition always welcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The time will come when we can travel again and fall into eachothers arms, tears will flow and many new memories will be made. For the time being, take care and stay in touch. I miss you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfWKzvdqEy8/YEZSggczFWI/AAAAAAAAczM/GT9qc8qRX0oXDdLP9fdwSuyhu8ygv2oeACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/49398da5-efcd-4582-b0d4-7c3959420729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="695" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pfWKzvdqEy8/YEZSggczFWI/AAAAAAAAczM/GT9qc8qRX0oXDdLP9fdwSuyhu8ygv2oeACLcBGAsYHQ/w290-h400/49398da5-efcd-4582-b0d4-7c3959420729.jpeg" width="290" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-4889745362645915442021-03-07T18:17:00.004+01:002021-03-07T18:17:57.113+01:00The power of food<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is normal to feel homesick when you are living away from your home but I start feeling homesick when I return to Switzerland. This manifests itself especially in delicious food. My favourite shopping spree is not to the fancy fashion boutiques but rather a quick runaround the Coop, one of Switzerland's two supermarket giants. Further, I just cannot resist those Early Beck bakery's? Too many temptations in too many shapes and colours. I call it Swiss comfort food... here are some of my favourite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKwnSqaGzk/YDZXfaWc5xI/AAAAAAAAcvY/RiYlRxdfdGgIF3QSLQm3yQc4bKVtYovlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5165.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKwnSqaGzk/YDZXfaWc5xI/AAAAAAAAcvY/RiYlRxdfdGgIF3QSLQm3yQc4bKVtYovlACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5165.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Teatime on the balcony. A chocolate-filled Carac with my tea.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFcQtX1Ej6k/YDZXfogBAcI/AAAAAAAAcvg/kcsRX7pRPZcOAVB8i1zYJsIojRovHW9FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5251.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wFcQtX1Ej6k/YDZXfogBAcI/AAAAAAAAcvg/kcsRX7pRPZcOAVB8i1zYJsIojRovHW9FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5251.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Expat Girls favourite: Chiacchiere di Carnevale</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9aHUo2Pl6U/YDZXe4x8XqI/AAAAAAAAcvQ/iKvAh57EJmccyrc5Gm-acjmgL6Um2FU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4878.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9aHUo2Pl6U/YDZXe4x8XqI/AAAAAAAAcvQ/iKvAh57EJmccyrc5Gm-acjmgL6Um2FU5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4878.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take-away lunch on top of the mountain </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DvuaJuGB6s/YDZYikGcCCI/AAAAAAAAcwA/rtNHEhgjyqoUzoK3S56K5Mc82H3pqz-5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/FSCN2816.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DvuaJuGB6s/YDZYikGcCCI/AAAAAAAAcwA/rtNHEhgjyqoUzoK3S56K5Mc82H3pqz-5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/FSCN2816.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The most Swiss of all drinks: Ramseier and Rivella</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klMFeldf0OU/YDZYir-kndI/AAAAAAAAcv8/rOcQfCJ_pYM-evYeo4ucqBBLldCU9GMXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1812.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klMFeldf0OU/YDZYir-kndI/AAAAAAAAcv8/rOcQfCJ_pYM-evYeo4ucqBBLldCU9GMXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1812.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hot chocolate last year in a cosy café</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZkQUJeP_r0/YDZXex3SzWI/AAAAAAAAcvM/nuf7n75YZx40kQBUsDgZI_yOklMtQ9TRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4768.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bZkQUJeP_r0/YDZXex3SzWI/AAAAAAAAcvM/nuf7n75YZx40kQBUsDgZI_yOklMtQ9TRACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4768.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hot chocolate on-the-go this year due to Covid restrictions </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE240cU6-lE/YDZXeurRGtI/AAAAAAAAcvI/22ww-BO8ps8Vkm4l610G3-3an_tOImDcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4766.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oE240cU6-lE/YDZXeurRGtI/AAAAAAAAcvI/22ww-BO8ps8Vkm4l610G3-3an_tOImDcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4766.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll take them all, please. Carac and Vermicelles</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPVvNR6ydEI/YDZXeQow_RI/AAAAAAAAcvE/_9Qjnb5DJT4SAp2ktcmSlHnh-ba2mgVvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4716.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oPVvNR6ydEI/YDZXeQow_RI/AAAAAAAAcvE/_9Qjnb5DJT4SAp2ktcmSlHnh-ba2mgVvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4716.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No winter holiday is complete without a raclette accompanied by a glass of Fendant</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AftwGSd9pqI/YDZXeCYuZKI/AAAAAAAAcvA/UxepFBDTp-Q6vJxpxvUz3g6YYEYftT1ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AftwGSd9pqI/YDZXeCYuZKI/AAAAAAAAcvA/UxepFBDTp-Q6vJxpxvUz3g6YYEYftT1ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4674.jpeg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gruyères' best kept secret outside of Switzerland: meringues and cream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AftwGSd9pqI/YDZXeCYuZKI/AAAAAAAAcvA/UxepFBDTp-Q6vJxpxvUz3g6YYEYftT1ngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9QtaInftvQ/YDZXdjwiNxI/AAAAAAAAcu0/v_Gwv7i9PicnrS8y8kvJwC50YG7oy_rOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/46825D37-9DAF-4533-8421-934D4BB5F25D.jpeg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">A typical Swiss light lunch: Laugenbrötli, Bündnerfleisch, Salat und Ramseier</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzwLM_koylU/YDZXdjAtFwI/AAAAAAAAcu8/w7B5jZUo1yg4jxp75Bv11RgpMdDEfZ1OACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8537312A-1C62-4D59-9AEE-0CA2FBF1AF55.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzwLM_koylU/YDZXdjAtFwI/AAAAAAAAcu8/w7B5jZUo1yg4jxp75Bv11RgpMdDEfZ1OACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8537312A-1C62-4D59-9AEE-0CA2FBF1AF55.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cannot get enough of those tea cakes</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f00k8jBhFX8/YDZXdnVPxCI/AAAAAAAAcu4/5lotkCgL_B46r929Gvj9KQDhU6_HRCIbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8C3C47CB-5898-4989-B542-756B703474EE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f00k8jBhFX8/YDZXdnVPxCI/AAAAAAAAcu4/5lotkCgL_B46r929Gvj9KQDhU6_HRCIbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8C3C47CB-5898-4989-B542-756B703474EE.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An epic chocolate bar for yourself or as a present</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFGVKwicxx4/YDZXfVCGpdI/AAAAAAAAcvc/kWiIoCxwAEwyylNFBCmOVXMJ7kZYwyyIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5248.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFGVKwicxx4/YDZXfVCGpdI/AAAAAAAAcvc/kWiIoCxwAEwyylNFBCmOVXMJ7kZYwyyIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5248.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This little lemon cake made it all the way back to Paris for teatime.</div></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-36761122284367630982021-02-20T18:31:00.001+01:002021-02-20T19:06:49.276+01:00A place called Sparenmoos<p>When my bestie - who has tons of energy and knows the area well - starts sending messages suggesting a variety of activities, I duly take note. They can only be worth checking out. I especially love the ones with names you cannot pronounce unless you're Swiss. </p><p>Turns out we needed to cross the "Heimchueweid" to reach "Sparenmoss", a sun-drenched high plateau above Zweisimmen boasting magical vistas of the Bernese Alps, the Simmental and Saanenland. Its peace and tranquillity is a source of strength, plus the vistas are simply good for the soul. I could not be further removed from Paris in spirit and in body.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0DIADl5Kbk/YDFEzq0SVzI/AAAAAAAAcs8/tBJsG02BZgUJyM6UkQQd4Ob1YM1TF8NtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0DIADl5Kbk/YDFEzq0SVzI/AAAAAAAAcs8/tBJsG02BZgUJyM6UkQQd4Ob1YM1TF8NtQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture perfect</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilBN-aDG3jI/YDFEz2tvprI/AAAAAAAActA/ucX3o9gBu28dEhcppRzePuYRVxfrWmr7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5088.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ilBN-aDG3jI/YDFEz2tvprI/AAAAAAAActA/ucX3o9gBu28dEhcppRzePuYRVxfrWmr7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5088.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sparenmoos enchants with a fantastic view from Stockhorn to Les Diablerets</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCPH2nn0ccM/YDFE0BE5zJI/AAAAAAAActE/znD1o2lYZSkVyEgRAISDycyJPoglj71pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5089.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CCPH2nn0ccM/YDFE0BE5zJI/AAAAAAAActE/znD1o2lYZSkVyEgRAISDycyJPoglj71pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5089.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It is a magnificent snow-clad fairytale landscape...</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5P45yJ2lmkQ/YDFEoti_fjI/AAAAAAAAcs0/8RkST8g--Mw-fqIg2yGTDBjyggzQveFhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5P45yJ2lmkQ/YDFEoti_fjI/AAAAAAAAcs0/8RkST8g--Mw-fqIg2yGTDBjyggzQveFhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4843.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... and no one in sight.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbww2TfzYtY/YDFEp8z_FsI/AAAAAAAAcs4/sBG6wLAfFTYhHf2M6js4CJoH1m5zoAdkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbww2TfzYtY/YDFEp8z_FsI/AAAAAAAAcs4/sBG6wLAfFTYhHf2M6js4CJoH1m5zoAdkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mountains are calling</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTvcoO2jFkQ/YDFE8msrwGI/AAAAAAAActM/mtpBNOzgw8owVEEneKJtWnLWV8EFDT4swCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTvcoO2jFkQ/YDFE8msrwGI/AAAAAAAActM/mtpBNOzgw8owVEEneKJtWnLWV8EFDT4swCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4865.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy to be back</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNuxKy2Asj0/YDFE-YoHUXI/AAAAAAAActU/13gVdOOjBc4UO9LjQmPMT4kuBJJfLi5eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4866.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNuxKy2Asj0/YDFE-YoHUXI/AAAAAAAActU/13gVdOOjBc4UO9LjQmPMT4kuBJJfLi5eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4866.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mountain restaurant is open for take-away. The menu is simple but delicious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qX_vp5DkaFI/YDFE9h7oNRI/AAAAAAAActQ/8QaEvUuKxFUqyhxR1z_sF7PkLp4MsKOewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4878.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qX_vp5DkaFI/YDFE9h7oNRI/AAAAAAAActQ/8QaEvUuKxFUqyhxR1z_sF7PkLp4MsKOewCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4878.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The "Site Alp" serve their own farm produce and offer authentic home-cooked food.</span></div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-29456784074785138772021-02-19T19:25:00.003+01:002021-02-19T19:25:52.920+01:00Busy in the mountains<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8x_r4Lvj8s/YDABPOBLdRI/AAAAAAAAcsc/VdUW2bCIi7EIfmrx4Y1swmVwuhirFLcNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8x_r4Lvj8s/YDABPOBLdRI/AAAAAAAAcsc/VdUW2bCIi7EIfmrx4Y1swmVwuhirFLcNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w286-h400/IMG_5056.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-85032242623311892242021-02-05T11:30:00.001+01:002021-03-21T21:42:56.550+01:00A wet and cold week<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6yD14UR08k/YFeuhxTjsMI/AAAAAAAAc2M/dyo4cjw1O1cRPYN_2fXkFHBAv2QokKTSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3890.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A6yD14UR08k/YFeuhxTjsMI/AAAAAAAAc2M/dyo4cjw1O1cRPYN_2fXkFHBAv2QokKTSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3890.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zTukJIgX-M/YFeuh2CHT2I/AAAAAAAAc2Q/DvJb14X1BRApXux4gZRXFuKssSgBW-5cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3913.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zTukJIgX-M/YFeuh2CHT2I/AAAAAAAAc2Q/DvJb14X1BRApXux4gZRXFuKssSgBW-5cgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3913.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxehMfEuGBY/YFeuiBQvBVI/AAAAAAAAc2U/4vmvD-eIMWcRaz1NO5kE0GQX2Iqd50TSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxehMfEuGBY/YFeuiBQvBVI/AAAAAAAAc2U/4vmvD-eIMWcRaz1NO5kE0GQX2Iqd50TSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3977.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DE4Eo-t1Cj0/YFet82WEntI/AAAAAAAAc1s/6KPoTNGNLsQYvr4amw8ukEhse8LD-LDUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E86F23A3-2A25-423B-8AD5-CA196831FC32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DE4Eo-t1Cj0/YFet82WEntI/AAAAAAAAc1s/6KPoTNGNLsQYvr4amw8ukEhse8LD-LDUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E86F23A3-2A25-423B-8AD5-CA196831FC32.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpC7_Npoaaw/YFeu_JB8z0I/AAAAAAAAc2s/ziVAooFMolsT_DkyVvmrAgkJgtIygoRVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4193.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mpC7_Npoaaw/YFeu_JB8z0I/AAAAAAAAc2s/ziVAooFMolsT_DkyVvmrAgkJgtIygoRVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4193.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3PYiQeSH4c/YFet9xGOPII/AAAAAAAAc10/-vQAi1PdAs8HWHVAyObjRsMMD692iaH2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4507.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3PYiQeSH4c/YFet9xGOPII/AAAAAAAAc10/-vQAi1PdAs8HWHVAyObjRsMMD692iaH2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4507.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBg1tkDYAd0/YFet9V30kJI/AAAAAAAAc1w/o6cwgdNv4M45zkvT05TtRG51ISnMl-4xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4504.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBg1tkDYAd0/YFet9V30kJI/AAAAAAAAc1w/o6cwgdNv4M45zkvT05TtRG51ISnMl-4xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4504.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-S6SDs7Ke0/YFet8_S2u-I/AAAAAAAAc1o/vc635AAYU2QEEtvmzB3qa5Ru1tSCcQ3dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/818AAAAF-E73F-4666-93B1-00A6D2B96487.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-S6SDs7Ke0/YFet8_S2u-I/AAAAAAAAc1o/vc635AAYU2QEEtvmzB3qa5Ru1tSCcQ3dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/818AAAAF-E73F-4666-93B1-00A6D2B96487.jpeg" /></a></div></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-17057627636843261502021-01-31T18:08:00.002+01:002021-01-31T18:08:39.472+01:00A grey week in Paris<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BW91Prs_pg/YBbjJz3PjKI/AAAAAAAAcrA/7KEZbZclkfcmFfLKGh96Ogs7iXL7CdAGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7BW91Prs_pg/YBbjJz3PjKI/AAAAAAAAcrA/7KEZbZclkfcmFfLKGh96Ogs7iXL7CdAGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_4214.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2gIN3s1QaA/YBbjJKTfAiI/AAAAAAAAcqw/ECwZCawt1PIS_L6l7j87PWVfJkNMkNhWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A6F0F45F-303E-4BC6-88E4-42F5BEC44C89.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2gIN3s1QaA/YBbjJKTfAiI/AAAAAAAAcqw/ECwZCawt1PIS_L6l7j87PWVfJkNMkNhWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/A6F0F45F-303E-4BC6-88E4-42F5BEC44C89.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IqNeBlqFA0/YBbjJLimfwI/AAAAAAAAcqs/yh5UXEwLWyYbh6szUqx1BpKP8QvlNfvoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IqNeBlqFA0/YBbjJLimfwI/AAAAAAAAcqs/yh5UXEwLWyYbh6szUqx1BpKP8QvlNfvoACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_4201.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XeZ_1hNPuU/YBbjJMxl0lI/AAAAAAAAcq0/6Uxn0nUbDbM8rZ4ccVpquIlVWi2IkbToACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4203.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1XeZ_1hNPuU/YBbjJMxl0lI/AAAAAAAAcq0/6Uxn0nUbDbM8rZ4ccVpquIlVWi2IkbToACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_4203.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLrOrMDtSo8/YBbjJp-OQDI/AAAAAAAAcq4/O5C2W9rUwcE4OGtA5q-F6X5NXBE8XhQDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4204.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLrOrMDtSo8/YBbjJp-OQDI/AAAAAAAAcq4/O5C2W9rUwcE4OGtA5q-F6X5NXBE8XhQDACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_4204.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlqK_osDpxw/YBbjJwwZD9I/AAAAAAAAcq8/TLmZnWQj1oodSlXNOknl3aI-6qPQujpdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4211.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tlqK_osDpxw/YBbjJwwZD9I/AAAAAAAAcq8/TLmZnWQj1oodSlXNOknl3aI-6qPQujpdACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_4211.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-58662651589925011542021-01-30T10:00:00.012+01:002021-01-30T10:00:00.168+01:00Turning off the noise?<p>Listening to the news non-stop... it seems to be my new normal... CNN, BBC, BFMTV, FranceInfo, even Al Jazeera to allow for a different perspective. </p><p>Will France go into lockdown or will we not? Will the vaccines make it to Europe or will they be hogged by the UK? Which executive orders will President Biden sign today? My latest discovery NZZ (Neue Zürcher Zeitung) US podcasts. It's an eclectic list of sources - conservative as they all may be - which has kept me company over the past weeks and months of lockdown. </p><p>Obviously glued to CNN during the Presidential elections and the storming of the Capitol Hill which reminded me more of France's gilets jaunes protesters than US rioters... and left me wondering WHY was there absolutely no riot police in sight?!?</p><p>Maybe it is time to turn off the TV for a while and listen to some music... oh but then there is Netflix and Amazon Prime.. and what about BEIN Sport? </p><p>So, here is the question: do I dare act on my mother's advice and turn it ALL off.. even if only for a day?!?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfzF3mJuhAU/YBQdEJxQL4I/AAAAAAAAcqk/TSIu1fVdtu8OokOPJYtEzX1RnFHgUezcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1997.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfzF3mJuhAU/YBQdEJxQL4I/AAAAAAAAcqk/TSIu1fVdtu8OokOPJYtEzX1RnFHgUezcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h286/IMG_1997.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-75642177440406021162021-01-29T14:51:00.003+01:002021-01-29T15:14:40.519+01:00Motivation zero!<p>Never in the past ten years have I ever lacked inspiration to write and share my adventures on my blog. However, these past three months have been tough. Sitting down in front of my screen to fill an empty blog page was way down on my priority list. Finding the motivation is challenging. I do not blame the pandemic nor the bad weather, rather the general daily routine that has become monotonous.</p><p>Paris has been essentially closed down since October 2020. No cultural activities, no sports events, no concerts, no meals out, no meeting friends. Museums, cinema, bars, restaurants, gyms, all closed until further notice. </p><p>I have avoided public transport all together and riding the bike in winter is no fun which translates into the same daily route just to get a minimum of exercise. My bonus is a jog under the Eiffel Tower, down the Champs de Mars and back up past Trocadero a couple of times a week. When I feel particularly energetic a run through the Bois de Boulogne does the trick.</p><p>With nowhere to go the daily highlight has become the grocery shopping possibly during a time with the least people around to respect social distancing.</p><p>So, with all that Paris has to offer and none of it available, I might as well move to the country side! At least, I would get to enjoy the exceptional snowfalls...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILFTDGyFOtQ/YBQRwlFBCgI/AAAAAAAAcqA/urfAWCFKUp0htpbJ0dbpUT9NZDCDl_8RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/8F8C2804-39CB-4D0A-B485-65D01D9A4B8C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILFTDGyFOtQ/YBQRwlFBCgI/AAAAAAAAcqA/urfAWCFKUp0htpbJ0dbpUT9NZDCDl_8RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/8F8C2804-39CB-4D0A-B485-65D01D9A4B8C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-33365726978409940732021-01-23T19:14:00.001+01:002021-01-23T19:46:22.112+01:00Paris will always be Paris<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No where to go... cultural events cancelled, restaurants and bars closed, museums and monuments not accessible, public transport not enticing, weather depressing... BUT as Maurice Chevalier sang so well,</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">“Paris will always be Paris!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The more we reduce our lighting,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the more we see our courage shining,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">the more we see our spirit brighten,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paris will always be Paris!”</div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T3KrQJ1c6Ns/YAxld8kZjUI/AAAAAAAAcpA/tPqdUmendWoU8ztCB7aPn6d7YHDren2LQCLcBGAsYHQ/186A4BD9-38DB-4A62-8311-D887E4BA258D_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T3KrQJ1c6Ns/YAxld8kZjUI/AAAAAAAAcpA/tPqdUmendWoU8ztCB7aPn6d7YHDren2LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/186A4BD9-38DB-4A62-8311-D887E4BA258D_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tdte3t84dhI/YAxlXffjapI/AAAAAAAAco8/_gzMMvVoApwGNAdpnHJYAQmuZZTLYhReACLcBGAsYHQ/15FAEAF5-5E30-4E12-A52C-1E05251A9B4B_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tdte3t84dhI/YAxlXffjapI/AAAAAAAAco8/_gzMMvVoApwGNAdpnHJYAQmuZZTLYhReACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/15FAEAF5-5E30-4E12-A52C-1E05251A9B4B_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XiWogJCILVw/YAxlVPrISeI/AAAAAAAAco4/h1N_8etO8dAh3pNHH0UVfb8OjmK2jxctgCLcBGAsYHQ/6F86F98B-6DFE-47E0-B634-4F05AEDDF8A3_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XiWogJCILVw/YAxlVPrISeI/AAAAAAAAco4/h1N_8etO8dAh3pNHH0UVfb8OjmK2jxctgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/6F86F98B-6DFE-47E0-B634-4F05AEDDF8A3_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2_h5DukgcI/YAxlTAY0CyI/AAAAAAAAco0/b1kHzo45q6M6qfsSuNoLFO-1Xav4UmsvACLcBGAsYHQ/D2BAFC19-0800-44B3-AE05-C7D5AB691C53_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z2_h5DukgcI/YAxlTAY0CyI/AAAAAAAAco0/b1kHzo45q6M6qfsSuNoLFO-1Xav4UmsvACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/D2BAFC19-0800-44B3-AE05-C7D5AB691C53_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQUzKjfydbM/YAxlQ3Rc1JI/AAAAAAAAcow/M_31dIC8bFUQ01cS_FKG_NENV_bisXJeQCLcBGAsYHQ/C37A0ACF-A255-45AC-B8FA-BD72941B8569_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tQUzKjfydbM/YAxlQ3Rc1JI/AAAAAAAAcow/M_31dIC8bFUQ01cS_FKG_NENV_bisXJeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/C37A0ACF-A255-45AC-B8FA-BD72941B8569_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_yEAVMNBwg/YAxlM-NWgeI/AAAAAAAAcos/AidRMDn0TTI7ojnwuwxSv_oQAlAABtxWACLcBGAsYHQ/B667F1D8-52AA-41BF-AAA6-769E6BE758F9_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9_yEAVMNBwg/YAxlM-NWgeI/AAAAAAAAcos/AidRMDn0TTI7ojnwuwxSv_oQAlAABtxWACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/B667F1D8-52AA-41BF-AAA6-769E6BE758F9_1_105_c.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-73608231782172090272021-01-17T14:08:00.001+01:002021-01-17T14:08:17.779+01:00A new year... a new chapter!<p>We are three weeks into the new year and the outlook has not changed a great deal. We thought by putting 2020 behind us, 2021 would bring great beginnings... well, looking around Europe, we are either in lockdown or curfew and far from being on the same page concerning vaccines.</p><p>However, we will not stop following the regulations and applying social distancing for the respect of others as well as our own health. Some positive vibes are most welcome at this point... while I look forward to hitting the island sometime this year?!?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-garsnZyN28g/YAQ13BH-LOI/AAAAAAAAcmQ/tMlU434O6MsvDzu2Ig7kJbHKgnFG6w-CQCLcBGAsYHQ/s723/052da090-3b38-42e9-a2b6-a519217bbabe.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="723" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-garsnZyN28g/YAQ13BH-LOI/AAAAAAAAcmQ/tMlU434O6MsvDzu2Ig7kJbHKgnFG6w-CQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/052da090-3b38-42e9-a2b6-a519217bbabe.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-15230034854557615292020-12-31T18:53:00.001+01:002020-12-31T18:53:32.754+01:00Happy New Year 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqhLKR17nao/X-4OeZoPf_I/AAAAAAAAclU/ZwNBZ6lVZ_Ev-eSuzfcE5zedUeaVZC_zwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1103/Screenshot%2B2020-12-31%2Bat%2B18.46.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="1103" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iqhLKR17nao/X-4OeZoPf_I/AAAAAAAAclU/ZwNBZ6lVZ_Ev-eSuzfcE5zedUeaVZC_zwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Screenshot%2B2020-12-31%2Bat%2B18.46.16.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-28912715229626677532020-12-30T19:01:00.001+01:002020-12-30T19:01:33.547+01:00Napoli in B&W<p>Napoli is a city rich with colorful street scenes and vibrant characters. However, the city shines just as much when you view photos in Black and White.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzGJMxKwuXI/X-y7RBWDzLI/AAAAAAAAckY/B64zUNLsCWc3mEhE4-p2120IvXe_K8tgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3068.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzGJMxKwuXI/X-y7RBWDzLI/AAAAAAAAckY/B64zUNLsCWc3mEhE4-p2120IvXe_K8tgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_3068.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS7srkois4M/X-y7QlQsw0I/AAAAAAAAckQ/Vd0Jwlj3ijcH4xJBtgVXWTfQtZxXJZq0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2896.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lS7srkois4M/X-y7QlQsw0I/AAAAAAAAckQ/Vd0Jwlj3ijcH4xJBtgVXWTfQtZxXJZq0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_2896.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-W_vb8AwX4/X-y7Pm6HKpI/AAAAAAAAckI/QL43G9d-klMTmd9IzvcaL_H4dC6THqY4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2878.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-W_vb8AwX4/X-y7Pm6HKpI/AAAAAAAAckI/QL43G9d-klMTmd9IzvcaL_H4dC6THqY4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_2878.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5KTNz8M3dg/X-y7O9suTHI/AAAAAAAAckA/eOqjkVEPwrslHue0qCKqAA9PggiUu97cACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2858.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5KTNz8M3dg/X-y7O9suTHI/AAAAAAAAckA/eOqjkVEPwrslHue0qCKqAA9PggiUu97cACLcBGAsYHQ/w286-h400/IMG_2858.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-EPKdz1KMk/X-y7QarNeQI/AAAAAAAAckM/4Yh_ujOpU4U9vscGHOW75pJwCa1NjVHcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2890.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-EPKdz1KMk/X-y7QarNeQI/AAAAAAAAckM/4Yh_ujOpU4U9vscGHOW75pJwCa1NjVHcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_2890.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkF1vF8grsk/X-y7Q7EIOmI/AAAAAAAAckU/MKRyqbEJBp8SnRW6Gf2-06H4jRMHf5oPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3025.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkF1vF8grsk/X-y7Q7EIOmI/AAAAAAAAckU/MKRyqbEJBp8SnRW6Gf2-06H4jRMHf5oPACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_3025.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0f_qiZMIos/X-y7PL3Ng9I/AAAAAAAAckE/ODWrFTkrlh4QOQYBEkXe-bukYiqrMQryACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2861.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y0f_qiZMIos/X-y7PL3Ng9I/AAAAAAAAckE/ODWrFTkrlh4QOQYBEkXe-bukYiqrMQryACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_2861.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAtuiepjppE/X-y-DR627II/AAAAAAAAck0/tCPryeRnfvEDnO6JE4j4GQ_klzNbsRU3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3125.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAtuiepjppE/X-y-DR627II/AAAAAAAAck0/tCPryeRnfvEDnO6JE4j4GQ_klzNbsRU3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_3125.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6YcqCTRLhw/X-y-RqSg3wI/AAAAAAAAck8/Yr_msnhPdAwYX5UTiaOViSnEeKBT4_DIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6YcqCTRLhw/X-y-RqSg3wI/AAAAAAAAck8/Yr_msnhPdAwYX5UTiaOViSnEeKBT4_DIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w286-h400/IMG_3128.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfQ0NPh_8u4/X-y7O5lUd9I/AAAAAAAAcj8/mz-Rw-QBfMcdVPxBA7bXn9MHZ8H09BWuACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/E656F157-83CA-4C15-B5D9-6EC6D0F168CA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hfQ0NPh_8u4/X-y7O5lUd9I/AAAAAAAAcj8/mz-Rw-QBfMcdVPxBA7bXn9MHZ8H09BWuACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/E656F157-83CA-4C15-B5D9-6EC6D0F168CA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-71441909188739429352020-12-29T08:30:00.000+01:002020-12-30T19:02:08.144+01:00Napoli's Golden Boy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Making nearly 200 appearances in a golden era for Serie A side Napoli, Diego Maradona was affectionately named "El Pibe del Oro" or "The Golden Boy" and it's not hard to see why. With 81 goals for the Italian giants, garnering two titles and a Coppa Italia, Maradona shone with Partenopei, becoming one of the greatest players in the club's history. It was in Naples that Maradona’s status as a footballing deity, at least as far as the inhabitants of this gritty southern Italian city were concerned, was confirmed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nowhere was Maradona's hypnotic talent and personality more adored than in Naples helping the unfancied club to usurp Milan and Juventus. It really was a match made in heaven, the diminutive street urchin from the wrong side of the tracks in partnership with a dramatic, chaotic city in southern Italy that felt undervalued and looked down upon from the great cultural cities further north, of Rome, Turin and Milan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Napoli non e Italia" (Napoli is not Italy), Maradona used to say. He felt right at home in a city where wealth, poverty, violence and football all co-existed on a daily basis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He might have partied hard and with the wrong people, but the good memories are stronger and here <a href="https://expatwithkidsinparis.blogspot.com/2020/11/the-most-neapolitan-of-them-all-ad10s.html" target="_blank">Diego Armando Maradona</a> will forever take his seat next to God under the "cielo azzurro" of Napoli.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-eMeNMZ0CA/X-tkDqtL5XI/AAAAAAAAcho/LC9APDCBks0PeGylIDRoFXsSErPvp5lbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3099.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-eMeNMZ0CA/X-tkDqtL5XI/AAAAAAAAcho/LC9APDCBks0PeGylIDRoFXsSErPvp5lbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_3099.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took Napoli mayor only 24 hours after Maradona's death to rename the San Paolo's football stadium in his honour: Diego Armando Maradona stadium.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5NpV-xHRsk/X-tkD_8QBcI/AAAAAAAAchs/rKRV3Vw429gN4UgHIN-x_NyTo3OCZkdtgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3102.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5NpV-xHRsk/X-tkD_8QBcI/AAAAAAAAchs/rKRV3Vw429gN4UgHIN-x_NyTo3OCZkdtgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_3102.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Forza Napoli SEMPRE!</div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PWZF69SGlk/X-tkDSBe2NI/AAAAAAAAchk/0f8zYTVD55Q5s_KR4yETZMiaCtvS3FJsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3074.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5PWZF69SGlk/X-tkDSBe2NI/AAAAAAAAchk/0f8zYTVD55Q5s_KR4yETZMiaCtvS3FJsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_3074.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Curva B, in infamous fan club area of the stadium turned into an improvised Christmas shrine.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zajjpCAQc_Q/X-tkEKHN9gI/AAAAAAAAch0/IFzscCCULvQb8F0UCr-MSQF5njjDq8FrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3575.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1463" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zajjpCAQc_Q/X-tkEKHN9gI/AAAAAAAAch0/IFzscCCULvQb8F0UCr-MSQF5njjDq8FrACLcBGAsYHQ/w286-h400/IMG_3575.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This mural dating from 1990 by Argentine artist Francisco Bosoletti has turned into a shrine since his death on Nov 25th, 2020.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUe-o0LcZrw/X-tkEBvZxYI/AAAAAAAAchw/6sk-s-_F8Uo3YjbhuBI23mrjobCCKHjsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3573.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUe-o0LcZrw/X-tkEBvZxYI/AAAAAAAAchw/6sk-s-_F8Uo3YjbhuBI23mrjobCCKHjsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_3573.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The adoration is plastered across the city.... literally!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJAuPYYWwj4/X-tkCrzKQQI/AAAAAAAAchY/yNmxVdCwEKs3C20jr5K_LdWxk_v6G9nwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/9A0A37E2-6ECF-46A3-882B-DE704D94ED4F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJAuPYYWwj4/X-tkCrzKQQI/AAAAAAAAchY/yNmxVdCwEKs3C20jr5K_LdWxk_v6G9nwACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/9A0A37E2-6ECF-46A3-882B-DE704D94ED4F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little does it matter that Maradona played for Napoli over 30 years ago... he is still omnipresent...</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xEGKPypoYA/X-tkF2uf9hI/AAAAAAAAciE/Tz-bHUiSBc4qREbMnMECTiszjKU5TnMXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7123.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xEGKPypoYA/X-tkF2uf9hI/AAAAAAAAciE/Tz-bHUiSBc4qREbMnMECTiszjKU5TnMXACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/IMG_7123.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... in every nook and cranny of this city...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvYO7ZsRwW0/X-tkG1__7pI/AAAAAAAAciM/ruZHYZuhxIEqy14vf6qsVbGkGmJFF3a-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7916.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvYO7ZsRwW0/X-tkG1__7pI/AAAAAAAAciM/ruZHYZuhxIEqy14vf6qsVbGkGmJFF3a-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_7916.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">... where even Japanese Napoli fans welcome!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zqv-APsbWE/X-trKpmD4wI/AAAAAAAAcis/nM01F-hxpnUqs3MxG-gf4jwMydx3Rs7LQCLcBGAsYHQ/s968/Screenshot%2B2020-12-29%2Bat%2B18.44.44.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="772" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9zqv-APsbWE/X-trKpmD4wI/AAAAAAAAcis/nM01F-hxpnUqs3MxG-gf4jwMydx3Rs7LQCLcBGAsYHQ/w319-h400/Screenshot%2B2020-12-29%2Bat%2B18.44.44.png" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This mural by street artist tvboy lasted only a few days back in 2018.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvl_xZaV8kE/X-tv2zKX44I/AAAAAAAAci0/_f-8mvEANGwdYwudjcgGX2oIHz7qOt2iACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00129.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tvl_xZaV8kE/X-tv2zKX44I/AAAAAAAAci0/_f-8mvEANGwdYwudjcgGX2oIHz7qOt2iACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/DSC00129.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Souvenirs, souvenirs!!!</div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-48689093984604009232020-12-28T19:46:00.000+01:002020-12-28T19:46:43.057+01:00The spirit of Haute Couture<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honour where honour is due. Prestigious names that the whole world dreams of. Whether it be for a monogram or simply for a spot of window shopping, usually Avenue Montaigne is bustling with tourists and locals enjoying an extraordinary day among the grand hotels and luxury brands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week, I was pretty much on my own strolling down the most sophisticated avenue of Haute Couture savouring the fashion paradise offering window after window of high-class prêt-à-porter and luxury labels. Obviously, luxury does not rank high on priorities these days albeit the holiday season, nevertheless is was a sad sight peeping through the windows and seeing empty shops with bored staff waiting in vain for clients. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9ZtVvr9t1I/X-ogMlxeInI/AAAAAAAAceY/Ct8pdW1U17gbya8U8s_aWkm6Dw7n_hIrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BE1BB64F-AFC2-482C-A976-705BB4B1C40C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9ZtVvr9t1I/X-ogMlxeInI/AAAAAAAAceY/Ct8pdW1U17gbya8U8s_aWkm6Dw7n_hIrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE1BB64F-AFC2-482C-A976-705BB4B1C40C.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Avenue Montaigne, at the very heart of the Golden Triangle, is punctuated with world-class boutiques, from French brands to Italian designers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZENhLL5Ocmk/X-ogNioNLsI/AAAAAAAAcek/fGGih4TXteAtt1PQeIv_pizJRMK9lwpyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2514.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZENhLL5Ocmk/X-ogNioNLsI/AAAAAAAAcek/fGGih4TXteAtt1PQeIv_pizJRMK9lwpyACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2514.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The iconic Chanel store encompasses 400 square meters of sleek interior mirroring the brand’s signature aesthetics with tweed sofas and an elegant palette of beige, white and gold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF0BQkW6hGo/X-ogN7s1FpI/AAAAAAAAceo/QDeP8_f5vRMPf3V5cHVoXqmr7k0URx4dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2520.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF0BQkW6hGo/X-ogN7s1FpI/AAAAAAAAceo/QDeP8_f5vRMPf3V5cHVoXqmr7k0URx4dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2520.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Dior boutique is known for its eclectic changing façades. It was built in 1865 by the illegitimate son of Napoleon. In 1947, Christian Dior, presented an impressive 90-piece collection to magazine editors at his recently acquired Parisian townhouse on Avenue Montaigne. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1rCf7-RfdI/X-ogNxG822I/AAAAAAAAces/iu--Rj5N20g0XXDU9ygdP4Aou6xLU2hvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2524.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1rCf7-RfdI/X-ogNxG822I/AAAAAAAAces/iu--Rj5N20g0XXDU9ygdP4Aou6xLU2hvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2524.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Christian Dior shop at 30 Avenue Montaigne is currently closed for large works. The reopening is planned in 2021 with 3,000 m² of sales space, a "Galerie Dior" and a garden restaurant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGacC_GKuc0/X-ogMdP2WYI/AAAAAAAAceU/H297miClWiA5SmNWHgfnPisRkYu-MuLFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2E22FABB-BC02-4CD1-B361-E568C0138743.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGacC_GKuc0/X-ogMdP2WYI/AAAAAAAAceU/H297miClWiA5SmNWHgfnPisRkYu-MuLFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2E22FABB-BC02-4CD1-B361-E568C0138743.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées was made famous by the creation of Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring” in 1913. Today's Parisian reality looks quite different!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je4X6XE25tE/X-ogMns5a8I/AAAAAAAAcec/cR47jSzrPWYdJfawosv4w98-mSw_aQ4kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/34ACA930-00B6-4B85-BB28-47DAB2CF0805.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Je4X6XE25tE/X-ogMns5a8I/AAAAAAAAcec/cR47jSzrPWYdJfawosv4w98-mSw_aQ4kgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/34ACA930-00B6-4B85-BB28-47DAB2CF0805.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A dreamy festive window by Repetto.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgjj5ilkK8k/X-ogNFlpRyI/AAAAAAAAceg/RvRwSP_RaykAM51sujErdRE4mNJEstFdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2510.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgjj5ilkK8k/X-ogNFlpRyI/AAAAAAAAceg/RvRwSP_RaykAM51sujErdRE4mNJEstFdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2510.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fendi’s Paris flagship is known for its Baguette Wall, dedicated to the house’s cult handbag style – perfect for those who are looking for a one-of-a-kind item.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-o53Ec_PRI/X-ogOUtATNI/AAAAAAAAcew/IN3m9VXcCj8F-BUy1HHPBOwYIKnPtTckwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1946/IMG_2531.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="1946" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-o53Ec_PRI/X-ogOUtATNI/AAAAAAAAcew/IN3m9VXcCj8F-BUy1HHPBOwYIKnPtTckwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2531.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Paris. This is the avenue. This is Dior, Dietrich and diamonds. This is where icons and trends are born and love stories have played out since 1913: the Hotel Plaza Athéenée!</div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-45522118761614548532020-12-27T20:43:00.002+01:002020-12-28T11:12:03.915+01:00Christmas spirit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"May you never be too grown up to search the skies on Christmas Eve."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CLLSI78Lu8/X-jiKNmUiYI/AAAAAAAAcck/VyiEG3MjV74Jvt6ZWB1yx0Z38M7C5lX_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BA27257F-DC4E-4CF0-AC74-4DCF2770AC9D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3CLLSI78Lu8/X-jiKNmUiYI/AAAAAAAAcck/VyiEG3MjV74Jvt6ZWB1yx0Z38M7C5lX_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BA27257F-DC4E-4CF0-AC74-4DCF2770AC9D.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best X-mas gift this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgpO4cfIfaE/X-jiKHkUROI/AAAAAAAAccs/j_j-kDT_sEsIfJvxgfaXtQtLptdf2LQRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2732.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TgpO4cfIfaE/X-jiKHkUROI/AAAAAAAAccs/j_j-kDT_sEsIfJvxgfaXtQtLptdf2LQRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2732.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Swiss touch in the kitchen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcmfa5OpnT4/X-jiLLEpq4I/AAAAAAAAcc0/MqBogTGDYbkz2M-7lz2SdV_VA1v5IJQzACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3337.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcmfa5OpnT4/X-jiLLEpq4I/AAAAAAAAcc0/MqBogTGDYbkz2M-7lz2SdV_VA1v5IJQzACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3337.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">X-mas table decorations: simple, traditional and festive</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RidsjA4YbNc/X-jiK0vZS9I/AAAAAAAAccw/l__VB8_9UswyY79-sgg7Yt9p157R5dfFACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3017.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RidsjA4YbNc/X-jiK0vZS9I/AAAAAAAAccw/l__VB8_9UswyY79-sgg7Yt9p157R5dfFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3017.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We cannot go without the Italian Panettone </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV5Z2P3g8vI/X-jiVm-glAI/AAAAAAAAcc8/fakWnE2p3soKuB0YDrUWRIsSC-zMb6MfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0D1BCEB6-7BF7-42A1-9DC2-1272ED34F551.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kV5Z2P3g8vI/X-jiVm-glAI/AAAAAAAAcc8/fakWnE2p3soKuB0YDrUWRIsSC-zMb6MfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/0D1BCEB6-7BF7-42A1-9DC2-1272ED34F551.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Busy baking with Expat Girl</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQQlAfgmQPE/X-jiLWiVmpI/AAAAAAAAcc4/mn0XmaAdWK8_m75QQiMF4NCLZdXcDnLEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3355%2B2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQQlAfgmQPE/X-jiLWiVmpI/AAAAAAAAcc4/mn0XmaAdWK8_m75QQiMF4NCLZdXcDnLEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3355%2B2.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In remembrance of Nonna... struffoli fatti in casa!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGwdL2H8-MA/X-mvTAAW8xI/AAAAAAAAcd8/RCFyzKkMg8segSoIUNLm4nyLjR-Va_-RACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/3A50CC2C-D6C9-43B8-A2B5-6B6833F14698.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGwdL2H8-MA/X-mvTAAW8xI/AAAAAAAAcd8/RCFyzKkMg8segSoIUNLm4nyLjR-Va_-RACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3A50CC2C-D6C9-43B8-A2B5-6B6833F14698.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Babà au rhum à la napolitaine.</div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-37862295325734297632020-12-25T08:00:00.001+01:002020-12-29T17:55:45.089+01:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmJgwtnlfbc/X-TMAsKMwmI/AAAAAAAAccQ/YnsuSi9yQdg4EY_Z1JKwwlKsqG1-YrFjgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1010/Screenshot%2B2020-12-24%2Bat%2B18.11.47.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QmJgwtnlfbc/X-TMAsKMwmI/AAAAAAAAccQ/YnsuSi9yQdg4EY_Z1JKwwlKsqG1-YrFjgCLcBGAsYHQ/w304-h400/Screenshot%2B2020-12-24%2Bat%2B18.11.47.png" width="304" /></a></div><p></p>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-82362199807225890452020-12-24T09:30:00.000+01:002020-12-29T17:54:53.199+01:00X-mas plans have changed...<p>Change of plans... our Christmas in Naples has been cancelled due to Italy going into lockdown as of Dec 24th. Before we knew it, our family of four were on the last plane back to Paris transiting through a completely deserted airport.</p><p>Long gone are the days of pre-Christmas holiday travel stress when easyjet canceled flights at midnight on Dec 23rd or Alitalia doesn't deliver your suitcase until 4 days after Christmas and you've been wearing the same clothes throughout the all the festivities... yes, we've had our fair share of Christmas travel adventures!</p><p>This morning I was out and about early to avoid the Parisian crowds... orata, gamberi, tortellini, panettone, dolcetti for the Italian tradition... turkey, cranberry sauce, mince pies, christmas pudding, mistletoe, poinsettia and lots of Christmas glitter for the Anglo saxon celebration. </p><p>Luckily I had secretly popped out to buy a proper Christmas tree the week before... all it took was Expat Girl expressing a wish to have a tree that reaches the ceiling... how could I refuse... I know, it is not really sustainable... but then again we have been stuck inside for most of this year. This was my treat!</p><p>So, we are now in business for Neapolitan Natale tonight and British Christmas tomorrow! I'm just wondering if I can sneak in a French "Bûche de Noël" into the menu.</p><p>Tanti Auguri di Buon Natale! MERRY CHRISTMAS!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nRT7JYWpao/X-s-8pTxCSI/AAAAAAAAcgQ/MKUt_fg3ycwSGBnz5ee1HvX8-2Ma4-ofwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/A4D4805A-540F-43EB-B1CF-897CFDF61548.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nRT7JYWpao/X-s-8pTxCSI/AAAAAAAAcgQ/MKUt_fg3ycwSGBnz5ee1HvX8-2Ma4-ofwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/A4D4805A-540F-43EB-B1CF-897CFDF61548.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First time we'll be spending Christmas in Paris</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbq5rtMg6UU/X-s-8WOcAHI/AAAAAAAAcgM/CMfsAAKPYpkcYSuXPqgdQ4lfUbinSNwxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3159.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbq5rtMg6UU/X-s-8WOcAHI/AAAAAAAAcgM/CMfsAAKPYpkcYSuXPqgdQ4lfUbinSNwxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3159.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deserted Napoli airport on Dec 23rd</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDZw2wSglOs/X-s-8blvAWI/AAAAAAAAcgU/_10i-D0FxCEUkPSGghPMNCY0Ay_vGqItQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3182.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1462" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDZw2wSglOs/X-s-8blvAWI/AAAAAAAAcgU/_10i-D0FxCEUkPSGghPMNCY0Ay_vGqItQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3182.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Woman on a mission early morning Dec 24th</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94fb65nEXrE/X-s-9YEHg2I/AAAAAAAAcgY/RzFyh0mlvVQAUHd2BUo7R_KwqmjCbWbvACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3187.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1534" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94fb65nEXrE/X-s-9YEHg2I/AAAAAAAAcgY/RzFyh0mlvVQAUHd2BUo7R_KwqmjCbWbvACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3187.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little culinary indulgence at La Grande Epicerie</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0l2-pPkm7SQ/X-s-9XY_fJI/AAAAAAAAcgc/VO41jBamSuUqPpZFp-dKMaRwo3CxPB82ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3192.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0l2-pPkm7SQ/X-s-9XY_fJI/AAAAAAAAcgc/VO41jBamSuUqPpZFp-dKMaRwo3CxPB82ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3192.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our local market in full swing</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czo11bCnKWk/X-s-9qgYpeI/AAAAAAAAcgg/s8EQHBIt9GA9cluVULlh8iQkeD1XMeVQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3194.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czo11bCnKWk/X-s-9qgYpeI/AAAAAAAAcgg/s8EQHBIt9GA9cluVULlh8iQkeD1XMeVQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3194.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank Goodness for Marks & Sparks, where else would I find all the British Christmas goodies?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-AK35ImDXE/X-s--EK35_I/AAAAAAAAcgk/WHYwOU8y0skcmHTgZ-p3DUHCtLhVpROnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3198.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B-AK35ImDXE/X-s--EK35_I/AAAAAAAAcgk/WHYwOU8y0skcmHTgZ-p3DUHCtLhVpROnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3198.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who knew that Mistletoe was called Gui in French?</div>Expat with Kidshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04063495870241236010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6286488466033051301.post-44604775846996693602020-12-21T19:03:00.000+01:002020-12-21T19:03:00.990+01:00Paris' Christmas windows<p>Every December many Parisians stroll down to the 9th arrondissement to admire the Christmas windows of the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, glittering and shining even at 10 am in the morning. Much to the childrens' delight many mechanical figurines make the windows even more exciting. </p><p>I must be honest, despite Covid restriction I did venture out an hour to take a quick peak, it is a tradition I just cannot skip... especially during current times when the Christmas cheer is hard to come by.</p><p>I did not dare enter the department stores thinking I might be pushing my luck but it was a real treat to watch the toddlers standing in awe in front of the colourful windows... a true breath of fresh air for the lungs, for the mind and for the soul.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ9zHXeWfVo/X-De_ZTJcLI/AAAAAAAAcbA/GepHzXvXguca0OBQveQH6pUXMJ496ByUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZ9zHXeWfVo/X-De_ZTJcLI/AAAAAAAAcbA/GepHzXvXguca0OBQveQH6pUXMJ496ByUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2450.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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