May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
A transitionary home for my soul stuck somewhere between the Swiss Alps and Parisian chic.
November 28, 2019
November 24, 2019
BNF, the French National Library
November weekends can be pretty dreary in Paris. The temptation to stay at home stuck to your computer or watching TV is great and even though we always have plans for Saturday night, it seems like a waste not to take advantage of all the city has to offer... no matter how grey it might be outside.
Therefore, in defiance of the gilets jaunes, the women's march, and the rain I had booked two tickets for a guided tour around the National Library of France, Richelieu - otherwise known to the locals as the BNF - that just reopening after years of renovation.
The Richelieu library first opened to the public in 1868, making it one of the oldest centres for learning in Paris, who knew?
Today, the BNF is a public establishment under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. Its mission is to constitute collections, especially the copies of works published in France that must, by law, be deposited there, conserve them, and make them available to the public.
We spent the next 90 minutes listening to a charming architecture master student share her extensive knowledge on the building's history - and its additions over the centuries -, the design of the oval Labrouste reading room and indeed also the corridors and specialised manuscript sections where the current collection of 40 million items includes many ancient manuscripts, and a collection of Greek and Roman pottery.
The atmosphere was peaceful and hushed and the reading room was being well-used on a Saturday afternoon... however, I admit I was relieved to be only a visitor and not a student!
Therefore, in defiance of the gilets jaunes, the women's march, and the rain I had booked two tickets for a guided tour around the National Library of France, Richelieu - otherwise known to the locals as the BNF - that just reopening after years of renovation.
The Richelieu library first opened to the public in 1868, making it one of the oldest centres for learning in Paris, who knew?
Today, the BNF is a public establishment under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture. Its mission is to constitute collections, especially the copies of works published in France that must, by law, be deposited there, conserve them, and make them available to the public.
We spent the next 90 minutes listening to a charming architecture master student share her extensive knowledge on the building's history - and its additions over the centuries -, the design of the oval Labrouste reading room and indeed also the corridors and specialised manuscript sections where the current collection of 40 million items includes many ancient manuscripts, and a collection of Greek and Roman pottery.
The atmosphere was peaceful and hushed and the reading room was being well-used on a Saturday afternoon... however, I admit I was relieved to be only a visitor and not a student!
Kaleidoscopic oval reading room designed by academic architect Jean-Louis Pascal
The building was designed by Henri Labrouste and when he died in 1875 the library was expanded including the grand suitcase and the Oval Room by Jean-Louis Pascal.
Chandelier in vestibule at the National Library of France, Richelieu Site
The reading room is named after Henri Labrouste
who was the architect of the National Imperial library in 1854.
Architects Bruno Gaudin and Jean-François Lagneau have been spearheading the renovations since 2008. The anticipated completion date is 2020.
Intricate details of the hallway
A modern addition for quiet studying
The Auguste Rondel gallery.
The Rare Book Reserves was named after Monsieur Rondel, a patron of the arts.
Special manuscripts section
A modern skyway linking the buildings
"The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence
that we may yet have hope for the future of man." - T.S. Eliot
November 22, 2019
In love with the Eiffel Tower
Every once in a while a new intriguing site pops up in the city that simply needs checking out. This morning I was headed towards the Eiffel Tower - my absolute favourite Parisian landmark - for a giant transparent dome had been installed on the terrace on the first floor as an alternative to the 58 Tour Eiffel restaurant, closed for renovations until next spring.
Named the “La Bulle Parisienne” (Parisian Bubble) visitors are invited to enjoy different options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with unobstructed views onto the city.
Well, this calls for a partner in crime. My Southern Belle friend is the perfect match. And breakfast would be the best time to climb the tower.
9am and we are queuing to squeeze into the lift with hundreds of unsuspecting tourists who are heading all the way up to the top of the tower. We hop off at the second floor and take in the breathtaking views. After having taken enough photos in all 4 directions, we happily skip down the stairs to the first floor and head towards "La Bulle Parisienne" to delight your taste buds with a café crème and pastries created by chef by Thierry Marx.
Even the sun is out today and the tower is gleaming as if to convince me that this city is not that bad after all. It is on days like these that I fall in love with Paris all over again... and...
... I'll always have the Eiffel Tower to admire!
Named the “La Bulle Parisienne” (Parisian Bubble) visitors are invited to enjoy different options for breakfast, lunch and dinner with unobstructed views onto the city.
Well, this calls for a partner in crime. My Southern Belle friend is the perfect match. And breakfast would be the best time to climb the tower.
9am and we are queuing to squeeze into the lift with hundreds of unsuspecting tourists who are heading all the way up to the top of the tower. We hop off at the second floor and take in the breathtaking views. After having taken enough photos in all 4 directions, we happily skip down the stairs to the first floor and head towards "La Bulle Parisienne" to delight your taste buds with a café crème and pastries created by chef by Thierry Marx.
Even the sun is out today and the tower is gleaming as if to convince me that this city is not that bad after all. It is on days like these that I fall in love with Paris all over again... and...
... I'll always have the Eiffel Tower to admire!
Looking up rather than down!
La Bulle Parisinne
Cosy little French bistrot
The detail is mind boggling
View onto the Trocadero and La Défense
Looking down Champs de Mars and onto La Tour Montparnasse
Following the Seine river
Spot the Arc de Triomphe?
Beautiful autumn colours all around
Sacre Coeur in the distance
Beautiful examples of Hausmannien architecture
Standing under the Eiffel Tower
November 19, 2019
Retail therapy in Paris
Retail therapy is defined as the practice of shopping in order to make oneself feel more cheerful. Did you know that studies have shown that shopping actually causes your brain to release more Serotonin, which is a chemical that makes you feel good?!?
The next time you are having a bad day, maybe you can seek a mood boost with a little shopping... personally window shopping and taking pictures does the trick for me as well!
Paris' answer to New York's brown bags
A fun and colourful composition of basketballs at Café Fiat
NOW we are talking!
Can you spot the little diamonds sprinkled throughout the window display? What was Tiffany thinking when they decided on this theme?!?
When all else fails... chocolate is the answer!
Always need a little pink in my life.
Look up at the new Galleries Lafayette's art-deco hall on Champs Elysées
November 17, 2019
Je mange donc je suis...
How can I resist an exhibit entitled "Je mange donc je suis"? Even more so when my teenage daughter asks me to accompany her because it's part of a TOK homework assignment. Theory of knowledge will ring a bell IB (International Baccalaureate) parents!?!
Of course, the fact that it is held at the Musée d l'Homme is another plus not to mention that "Je mange donc je suis" must be one of the most quintessential phrases for the rhetoric, erudite, food-loving French.
I eat, therefore I am....
How does the act of feeding oneself, vital and daily, at the same time shape our identities through cultural practices, rituals and prohibitions? What role has food played in our evolution? Are there any "gendered" foods? What are the environmental impacts of producing resources to feed the world today and tomorrow?
Discussing all these questions with a teenager - ignoring the TOK complaining - was enlightening as we discussed the development of taste, table manners, gastro-diplomacy, agricultural models, culinary heritage and meat consumption. No, Expat Girl was not becoming a vegetarian under my roof.
A good mix between the research carried out by scientists from the National History Museum and works by modern and contemporary artists including Pablo Picasso, Gilles Barbier, Pilar Albarracin and Liu Bolin, as we discovered preconceived ideas on how we produce and consume food.
Albeit feeling slightly doomed as it seems we are heading towards ever increasing contemporary food-related challenges, it did satisfy our appetite… for knowledge!
Of course, the fact that it is held at the Musée d l'Homme is another plus not to mention that "Je mange donc je suis" must be one of the most quintessential phrases for the rhetoric, erudite, food-loving French.
I eat, therefore I am....
How does the act of feeding oneself, vital and daily, at the same time shape our identities through cultural practices, rituals and prohibitions? What role has food played in our evolution? Are there any "gendered" foods? What are the environmental impacts of producing resources to feed the world today and tomorrow?
Discussing all these questions with a teenager - ignoring the TOK complaining - was enlightening as we discussed the development of taste, table manners, gastro-diplomacy, agricultural models, culinary heritage and meat consumption. No, Expat Girl was not becoming a vegetarian under my roof.
A good mix between the research carried out by scientists from the National History Museum and works by modern and contemporary artists including Pablo Picasso, Gilles Barbier, Pilar Albarracin and Liu Bolin, as we discovered preconceived ideas on how we produce and consume food.
Albeit feeling slightly doomed as it seems we are heading towards ever increasing contemporary food-related challenges, it did satisfy our appetite… for knowledge!
A peek out of the Musée de l'Homme onto the Eiffel Tower
An unusual tourist strolling around Trocadero
Gilles Barbier's hommage to chocolate!
A simple, unpretentious museum with a nick for unconventional exhibits.
November 16, 2019
Back to where it all began...
A long weekend and we are heading out of Paris... of course! This time to catch up with friends and family in Geneva and Lausanne.
Geneva was home for nearly a decade, it is the place where I lost my heart and married my handsome Italian in the little Anglican church in the city center before we set off to travel the world.
Lausanne is where Expat Boy is now studying hard, having found his passion and following it with great dedication and determination.
It was also an opportunity to visit yet another University with Expat Daughter even though EPFL was not necessarily on her "wish list". The architecture of the Rolex Learning Center was definitely worth the visit.
Last but not least, we enjoyed a home-cooked Neapolitan family lunch at my sister-in-law's new flat with a view... and what a view!
Ah, it's good to be back!
Geneva was home for nearly a decade, it is the place where I lost my heart and married my handsome Italian in the little Anglican church in the city center before we set off to travel the world.
Lausanne is where Expat Boy is now studying hard, having found his passion and following it with great dedication and determination.
It was also an opportunity to visit yet another University with Expat Daughter even though EPFL was not necessarily on her "wish list". The architecture of the Rolex Learning Center was definitely worth the visit.
Last but not least, we enjoyed a home-cooked Neapolitan family lunch at my sister-in-law's new flat with a view... and what a view!
Ah, it's good to be back!
Domaine du Château du Crest... and the scenery is magnificent.
Ready for a glass of local wine.
A typical Geneva autumn day... nevertheless I am happy to be back!
Lunch with an old friend at La Belotte, one of my favourite spots in Geneva.
The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is a research institute and university in Lausanne, specializing in the natural sciences and engineering.
Its roots can be traced back to the foundation of a private school in 1853,
which to start with only had 11 students. Those days are long gone though with student numbers in Lausanne now totaling over 10,000.
The Rolex Learning Centre is the campus hub and library for the ÉPFL. Designed by the winners of 2010 Pritzker Prize, Japanese-duo SANAA, it opened on 22 February 2010
Archival Constellations of the Montreux Jazz festival. This installation called "Jazz Luminairies" is based on the UNESCO Memory of the World collection, digitized at EPFL cuts, remixes and replays 5'400 jazz greats and over 13'000 videos. The mind boggles!
A morning jog along the lake.
When a photo says more than a thousand words!
... and finally a quick visit to the new Platform 10 “arts district” in Lausanne brings together the Cantonal Fine Arts Museum, the Elysée Museum and the Museum of Design and Contemporary Arts.
November 14, 2019
The most French of all Swiss
Feeling Swiss at heart I have kept many links to my home country. Swiss institutions like Swiss Airways or the Swiss embassy feel like home turf in any country. The Swiss representation in France has a special history: it was in Paris that the first Swiss delegation was established.
The seat of the Swiss embassy in Paris featured in Swiss TV a few weeks ago and peaked my curiosity. I learnt that the Besenval Palace once belonged to a baron from Solothurn called Pierre Victor de Besenval (1721-1791).
Pierre Victor de Besenval, who, having climbed all the hierarchy of the Swiss Guards under Louis XV, became a senior official of the army of Louis XVI and a very close confidant of Marie Antoinette.
When the French Revolution began de Besenval remained firmly attached to the royal court and he was given command of the troops which the king had concentrated in Paris in July 1789, a move which led to the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789.
Sadly, de Besenval showed incompetence in the crisis, and attempted to flee. He was arrested, tried by the tribunal of the Châtelet, but acquitted. He then fell into obscurity and died in Paris in 1791.
However, an embassy that can refer to a national historical figure is exceptional - as is the case with this "hotel particulier", which in addition, has its own value. It is the most beautiful Swiss embassy abroad and occasionally even serves as a movie backdrop due to its interior design.
A little treat for my German speaking readers.
The seat of the Swiss embassy in Paris featured in Swiss TV a few weeks ago and peaked my curiosity. I learnt that the Besenval Palace once belonged to a baron from Solothurn called Pierre Victor de Besenval (1721-1791).
Pierre Victor de Besenval, who, having climbed all the hierarchy of the Swiss Guards under Louis XV, became a senior official of the army of Louis XVI and a very close confidant of Marie Antoinette.
Built for the Abbé Chanac de Pompadour by architect Alexis Delamair in 1705 the embassy's garden has remained the same despite the transformations of the place in 1767 when de Besenval had the architect Brongniart add a floor to the original hotel.
An "oeuvre d'art" the current ambassador Livia Leu is especially proud of is the 1665 Gobelins tapestry illustrateing the renewal of alliance between France and Switzerland which took place in the cathedral Notre-Dame of Paris on November 18th, 1663. The scene represents Louis XIV and the ambassadors of the Swiss cantons lending itself on the Bible a mutual oath.
When the French Revolution began de Besenval remained firmly attached to the royal court and he was given command of the troops which the king had concentrated in Paris in July 1789, a move which led to the storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789.
Sadly, de Besenval showed incompetence in the crisis, and attempted to flee. He was arrested, tried by the tribunal of the Châtelet, but acquitted. He then fell into obscurity and died in Paris in 1791.
However, an embassy that can refer to a national historical figure is exceptional - as is the case with this "hotel particulier", which in addition, has its own value. It is the most beautiful Swiss embassy abroad and occasionally even serves as a movie backdrop due to its interior design.
A little treat for my German speaking readers.
November 13, 2019
Attitude and Expressions!
In line with yesterday's blog post I thought I'd publish this famous quote by William James, father of American psychology: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that you can change your circumstances by changing your attitudes of mind”.
I know I have changed my attitude of mind... therefore, I am now wondering when will the circumstances start to follow me?
My expressions certainly are all pointing in the right direction. My top 10 most used words are:
1. Definately
2. Perfect
3. Absolutely
4. Brilliant
5. Fantastic
6. No problem!
7. Ok!
8. Really?
9. Oh, just get on with it!
10. Now!!!
I know I have changed my attitude of mind... therefore, I am now wondering when will the circumstances start to follow me?
My expressions certainly are all pointing in the right direction. My top 10 most used words are:
1. Definately
2. Perfect
3. Absolutely
4. Brilliant
5. Fantastic
6. No problem!
7. Ok!
8. Really?
9. Oh, just get on with it!
10. Now!!!
November 12, 2019
I'll always have Paris
Can you be in one place for too long? Depends on what floats your boat I suppose.
Our family is used to moving from one country to the next every few years. It seems, however, that we are stuck in Paris. Of course, you are thinking to yourself, there are worse places to be stuck in the world and you are absolutely right! I have blogged about my itching to move on before and the reasoning.
As of late, however, I have come across a few posts by Expatriate Magazine and I was shocked to hear my spontaneous answers to their open ended questions.
One of the most overrated things in Paris has to be ______
One thing I admire about the French is ______
What's your favourite French word that you like to slip in when you can?
How has living in France bettered you?
What are the strangest things you've heard from a neighbour through those thin walls?
When I start speaking out loud to myself it is never a good sign but to hear my gut reaction is a clear signal that we have served our time in this location.
By now, my family and I see straight through all the romantic connotations and emotions that Paris evokes because - the heart of the matter is - living in Paris is a different ballgame than being here on holiday. Dealing with endless bureaucracy, general strikes and bad weather is just the tip of the iceberg.
Paris has been good to us and we have definately made the most of our stay but it still doesn’t feel like home and we could happily explore and conquer a new destination.
In the meantime, I will keep posting photos of the Eiffel Tower sharing moments of romantic French vibes with my friends and followers.
Our family is used to moving from one country to the next every few years. It seems, however, that we are stuck in Paris. Of course, you are thinking to yourself, there are worse places to be stuck in the world and you are absolutely right! I have blogged about my itching to move on before and the reasoning.
As of late, however, I have come across a few posts by Expatriate Magazine and I was shocked to hear my spontaneous answers to their open ended questions.
One of the most overrated things in Paris has to be ______
One thing I admire about the French is ______
What's your favourite French word that you like to slip in when you can?
How has living in France bettered you?
What are the strangest things you've heard from a neighbour through those thin walls?
When I start speaking out loud to myself it is never a good sign but to hear my gut reaction is a clear signal that we have served our time in this location.
By now, my family and I see straight through all the romantic connotations and emotions that Paris evokes because - the heart of the matter is - living in Paris is a different ballgame than being here on holiday. Dealing with endless bureaucracy, general strikes and bad weather is just the tip of the iceberg.
Paris has been good to us and we have definately made the most of our stay but it still doesn’t feel like home and we could happily explore and conquer a new destination.
In the meantime, I will keep posting photos of the Eiffel Tower sharing moments of romantic French vibes with my friends and followers.
November 6, 2019
An autumn walk along the Seine
The iconic Eiffel Tower
Pont d'Alma
View from Champs de Mars
The flame of liberty
Le Grand Palais
Pont Alexandre III
View from Pont Neuf
Spot the Russian Orthodox Church?
Pont Bir Hakeim
Jardins du Trocadero
Newly weds favourite photo spot!
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