Archive for the ‘Website’ Category

Ave de la Republique, Paris

Ave de la Republique

The Ave de la Republique is busy and full of character!

I arrived in Paris last night and went for a walk this morning, to get my bearings.

Restaurants, cafes, creperies, shops of all descriptions — and a reminder to me that not all shops open at 9:00am!

Restaurants may open at 12:00 noon, whereas sandwich shops may be open by 10:00am.

Clothing stores might open at 11:00, and I saw shoe stores open at 9:30am.

So it depends on the store, but generally assume 10:00 for a lot of places, some cafes at 7:00 and others at any other time after that.

Prefer to see the photos on Facebook? Pop over here >>

Postcards from Paris September 2015

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

 

Today I have been printing off my e-ticket to fly from Brisbane to Paris via Dubai, airport bus pick-up vouchers at both ends of the journey, access info for my rented apartment, sticky labels for the postcards and cards I’ll send to friends from gay Paree —

Follow my photos and videos on Facebook >>


MEET ME IN PARIS — OOH LA LA!

Got some spare time while you’re in Paris? Join one of my Adventures – it’ll be a lot of fun!

Only got time for a coffee or a cocktail? Get in touch and see what we can work out :-)


 

Postcards from Paris - other things to do

 Q & A • Question about Paris September 2015

A question from Sylvia:

“Hi Teena, how long will it take for you to get to Paris this year?”

Excellent question, Sylvia! This year I decided to pay a bit more for my airline tickets in order to reduce the waiting time inbetween flights, and I’m so pleased!

In the past I’ve had layovers in Guangzhou (pronounced “Gwang-joe”, China), Abu Dhabi, Singapore and this time the layover will be in Dubai.

Some of those layovers have been horrendous, time-wise, facilities, and many other factors.  In Abu Dhabi one year there were hundreds of us transit passengers who had to sit on the floor of the airport, in corridors, because the management refused to open the Translit Lounge until the flight was ready for boarding. Was it five hours, six or even seven? More? Thank heavens I’ve blocked the details from my brain, but take it from me — sitting on a floor for all those hours with so many rules and regulations about what we weren’t allowed to do, did NOT make for a fun time. Nerves were frayed, everyone was exhausted, we felt like cattle. Not a happy time.

Jumping forward to NOW, I am thrilled to say I will only have a 2 hour layover in Dubai, making the whole journey so much easier!

Here’s how it’ll work for me tonight:

  • catch a ferry to the mainland
  • airport bus pickup about 10pm, drive for about an hour to the airport
  • three and a half hours waiting for the flight to depart at 2:30am
  • fly to Dubai — 16.25 hours in the air
  • then a two hour layover
  • fly Dubai to Paris for 7.15 hours
  • 45 minute wait for scheduled airport bus pick-up
  • about an hour to drive in Paris
  • total travelling time approximately 32 hours all up.

And THAT’S why I stay for 4 weeks — if it was only 10-15 hours away, I’d be flying to Paris ALL the time :-)


 

Artists' Open Doors in Paris 2008 -- Paris September 2015

What’s on when I’m in Paris in September 2015?

What am I looking forward to in September?

One of the very first things I love to do after arriving in Paris — generally AFTER I’ve had my first croissant :-) — is to take a barge cruise on the outskirts of the River Seine, to reacquaint myself with the outer suburbs and the fascinating history (as told by the Barge storyteller). For two and a half hours I soak up the Parisian atmosphere without having to plan anything — I wave to the folks on the banks and on the little bridges which go across the river in its narrower parts. When the barge navigates down the locks of different heights, it’s a great way to be reminded about nature. We then slowly venture UNDER Paris, and when we get to the bit under the Bastille monument (in the 4th arrondissement), I heave a sigh of ‘history’, remembering what happened here (storming of the Bastille).

I’m also remembering the wonderful years I spent living just a few steps from this majestic Paris icon. OK – that’s enough waxing lyrical :-)

Here’s a bit more about it, with some of my photos:

I’m also looking forward to checking out the wonderful artists and their artwork at PORTES OUVERTES:

  • 25-26-27-28 September 2015

Brushing up on a few of my tips about Paris

 

Here’s a little video I made when I was in PARIS in 2012:

  • jump to 2 mins 29 seconds for a walking tour with me:

I’ll be making more videos this trip too — so stay tuned!

 


I’m heading to the airport in a few hours, so I’ll start waving to you now :-)

The next update will be from gay Paree! Woohoo!

Maybe I’ll see you there — that would be so fabulous :-)

ciao ciao for now,

Teena!


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Pop over there now and sign up so you don’t miss out!

 

Sign up for Teena Hughes' Postcards from Paris Video Newsletter today!

Paris Transport Changes September 1st 2015

At the beginning of September 2015,  a major overhaul of the Paris transport pass [Le Pass Navigo] will affect most locals and tourists — and change is good.

Paris Transport Changes come into force September 2015

What are the Paris transport changes?

The Navigo transport pass:

Le Pass Navigo will now be one unique price for the entire five zones in Ile-de-France region, making it so easy for everyone.

The price for a Navigo pass covering all of these zones will be set at €70 a month or €770 a year, meaning all commuters in and around the capital will pay the same price.

The idea is to make it easier and cheaper for those living in areas outside Paris, with the hope they will leave their cars behind and jump on a train instead. An added bonus is that it could creating a more regional identity, rather than the ‘us and them’ division between Paris and the suburbs as which currently exists.

Someone travelling to Paris from Orly will pay the same as someone who only travels through the centre of Paris from the Eiffel Tower to the Pere Lachaise.

Wondering what else is happening in September? Pop over here to find out more >>

Visit the French public transport website for more info (in English – or click the British flag icon) >>

Postcards from Paris July 2015

Postcards from Paris July 2015

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends of Postcards From Paris!

Bonjour from Teena Hughes of Postcards from Paris

In just under six weeks I will be winging my way across the planet to fly from Brisbane, Australia to Paris, France — magnifique!

I can’t wait to taste my first delicious croissant (or Pain au Chocolat!), see my friends, catch up with some of my Postcards from Paris followers, and make Paris my home for the next month :-)

The taste of the first baguette, first coffee, first time seeing the Eiffel Tower again — these and many others are what I crave when I’m not on Parisian soil, and I will savour each and every one of them.

If you haven’t had a look at my Paris Adventures yet, you might be interested to see the new ones I’ve added this year — I’m sharing my love of some unusual things and I do hope those that sign up for them will enjoy them as much as I do :-)

Want to meet me in Paris? Check out these dates and let’s catch up!

BOOK YOUR ADVENTURES IN PARIS TODAY!

 

More details from Youtube:

1 – 00:05 – Jardin alpin
Nestled in the heart of the Jardin des Plantes, the Alpine garden includes more than 2,000 mountain plant species .
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/ngNvu

2 – 00:15 – square des peupliers
This small private street ( no cars ) created in 1926 is an exquisite romantic and green place to take photos for a fashion shooting for example
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/qC1kU

3 – 00:25 – Terasse de l I.M.A
The Arab World Institute (IMA) is a Parisian cultural institute dedicated to the Arab world.
You can go for free on the rooftop and have an incredible view
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/zP50L

4 – 00:35 – les Passages Couverts
Real covered galleries in the middle of buildings and generally housing shops , Secret Parisian walkways are an architectural curiosity full of charm.

Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Nl96T

5 – 00:44 – Panthéon Boudique
The giant bamboos and stone slabs make of the Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon one of the most zen secret place of the capital .
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/LCp09

6 – 00:55 – Collèges des Bernardins
The collège was used until the French Revolution as a residence for Cistercian monks students at the University of Paris.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/5VAg9

7 – 01:03 – Hôtel Dieu
Hotel-Dieu de Paris is the oldest hospital in the capital.
You can enter for free and climb at the last level to have a view over notre dame … but please be respectful of the people resting inside, it’s still an hospital.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/yxK9T

8 – 01:13 La Petite Ceinture
The little belt railway was a Parisian railway that, from 1852, was a circular connection between Paris’s main railway stations. In a partial state of abandonment since 1934. Many French railway enthusiasts and associations would like to see the abandoned railway and its remaining stations preserved and protected as a part of France’s national heritage.
Map : this place is all around Paris, and it’s forbiden to enter so i will not give the information but if you really want to go just look on internet for « accès petite centure »

9 – 01:24 Jardin d’Agronomie Tropical
The Garden of Tropical Agriculture is in northeastern edge of the Bois de Vincennes. there you can find a half-wild nature and remnants buildings of the French colonial era sometimes half covered by vegetation.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/eVXEb

10 – 01:34 Design & Nature
The Design and Nature gallery specialises in the creation of stuffed animals, in entomology (the science of butterflies and insects) and in osteology, as well as in the presentation of organic and vegetal species.
Map : https://goo.gl/maps/Py8v8

(Video by Stern Mathieu)

 

FINALLY! MY BOOK LAUNCH DATE IS NEARLY HERE!

Book - Memories of Paris by Teena HughesMy first print book to be published on Amazon will be ‘live’ in August, maybe even as little as a week away!

I’ve talked about it over the past year, published a short Kindle book on Paris last year, but now I’ve finally finished my 42 page “Memories of Paris” book based on a selection of my photos which I’ve turned into watercolour paintings.

I’m just waiting for the first ‘proof’ copy to arrive in the post for me to approve, then it’ll be available to the public — I can’t express how happy this makes me, I’ll be a published author sharing pix of my most favourite city in the world.

Because of my love of Paris, I created this website 8 years ago, and I’ve met the most amazing warm and funny folks through this site, people who send emails, tweets, Facebook messages, audio messages, Youtube and video messages — it is so lovely to share my love of Paris with others — thank you to each and every one of you! I’ll keep you posted and send a quick update when it’s on Amazon – woohoo!

What’s on when in Paris in August?

  • visit the BEACH in Paris! Yes, that’s right! “Paris Plage“!
  • Cinema en Plain Air [Open Air Cinema]
  • Paris Quartier d’Ete
  • read more >>

What’s on when I’m in Paris in September?

July and August are traditionally the hottest months, and many Parisians take off for the whole of August to be closer to the seaside and cooler weather. By deciding to be there for September, I’ll be visiting at a lovely time of year, still summer but not too hot …

Postcards from Paris - other things to do

 Q & A • Question from Facebook

Here’s my Paris page on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ANightInParisFrance

“Dear Teena, I am very concerned about the things I’ve read about the crime and pickpockets in Paris. Do you have any recommendations to try and avoid being victimized? Also we are taking the train in from Brussels. We get in at 10:30am but can’t check in our hotel until 2pm. Would it be safe to store our luggage in a locker or would we be better off going to our hotel with our luggage? I’m really nervous about having my stuff stolen. K”

Let me see if I can put your mind at ease.

CONTACT YOUR HOTEL

Your questions are all good and relevant — I suggest contacting your hotel and ask if you can bring your bags there first, most hotels have a secure storage area for arriving and departing guests. That way you know they’ll be safe and then you only have one place to go back to after your first adventure.

WHAT ABOUT PICKPOCKETS?!!

In regard to pickpockets, don’t wear anything on your back as that makes it easy in a crowd for someone to access your backpack while you’re being jostled. Generally Paris is extremely safe and if you stick with other people as you walk you should be very safe. When you’re eating or drinking, don’t leave your wallet, handbag or smartphone on the table or bar, as that makes them easy targets. If you have a handbag or shoulder bag, wear it or carry it in front of you so you can always see it.

USE YOUR PHONE/CAMERA + ONLINE STORAGE

Using your smart phone or camera, take photos of your passport’s relevant pages, and all cards in your wallet (backs and fronts) — upload them to secure storage like Dropbox.com for free, so you can access them easily from anywhere.

 

WHEN I FIRST ARRIVE IN PARIS

I love to see Paris from the water each time I arrive after my trip from Australia (where I live), so I take a 2.5 hr barge cruise for about $US30 (either morning or afternoon), and also I love the Champagne cruise at sunset to see the skyline, Eiffel Tower etc at night – beautiful! Here are links on my website for both of these:

  1. https://www.a-night-in-paris.com/paris-tours-barge-cruise.html
  2. https://a-night-in-paris.com/what-to-do-in-paris-france/drinking-champagne-on-a-river-cruise-in-paris.html

A bit more expensive at about $80, but such a fabulous thing to do!

Apart from that, I just love to stroll the streets, sit in sidewalk cafes and restaurants, go to wine bars at night and meet the locals. With only two days, there’s a chance you’ll try to see TOO MANY tourist attractions so my advice is — don’t. Only see one or two max, and spend the rest of the time being part of the Parisian culture.

I hope you have a simply marvellous time, do let me know how you get on!

 


 

 Q & A • Question from Facebook

“BonSoir! Love your fabulous blog and spicy ideas! I’m about to move to Paris again soon and i would like to find a job, if you know something feel free to let me know. Love and Happiness all over Merci :)))”

FINDING A JOB IN PARIS

Bonjour! So lovely to get your message.

How exciting you’re moving to Paris, woohoo!!!

I live in Australia, and visit Paris each year or two, so I’m sorry I don’t personally know of any jobs for you right now — it will of course depend on many things — your age and your nationality (under 30s from some countries can work for a year), as well as whether or not you can work legally in France. But don’t despair!

“Most of the Americans, Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders living and working in France fall into one of three categories:

  1. They are married to a French (or another national of the European Union) citizen.
  2. They inherited dual citizenship from their parents.
  3. They are highly-skilled professionals sent to their company’s French office to achieve a specific task.  France currently has working holiday agreements whereby Canadian, Australian and New Zealander citizens aged between 18 and 30 years can undertake paid employment for up to one year.”

Doesn’t sound promising, does it?

I have written a blog post or two about jobs, so here are a couple of pages I’ve written which might help:

Here are a couple of articles which might also help:

Best of luck! Let me know how you get on!!!
Teena!


 

French Movies I Can Recommend on DVD

French movie HEARTBREAKER and ORCHESTRA SEATS

 

I watched both these movies this week and thoroughly enjoyed them both – read more >>

You should be able to find them on DVD, and if you do, let me know if you liked either of them :-)


 

 Q & A • Question from the website

 “Teena, what tips do you have for being organized for your arrival in Paris?”

Great question!

MY PARIS TRAVEL TIPS

Here are some things I do:

  1. research and book my flights a couple of months in advance if possible
  2. research accommodation (I like to rent an entire apartment, so a studio apartment is perfect)
  3. check out Google maps for the address where I’ll be staying, search for things “close by” like cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, Metro stops, bus stops (I may even print off a page or two from the map so I have it with me for me first day in the new location)
  4. organise a mobile phone — I bought one just to use in Paris about 5 years ago, so I take it with me, plug it in as soon as I arrive at my accommodation so it’ll be charging straight away;  find a place to buy a “recharge” for the phone so I can start using it (generally Tabacs are a good place to start, or you can also find a store for the brand of phone card you’re looking for)
  5. book a pick-up from the airport to your hotel, which can be done online, print the receipt and have it in your wallet for when you land in Paris;  call the toll-free number once you’ve collected your bag, and tell the operator which Terminal you’re at (there should be signs everywhere); now it’s a waiting game until you mini van arrives. If this all sounds too slow, grab a taxi instead.
  6. before I get on the plane to leave Australia, I turn off “roaming” on my iPhone (mobile phone) so I won’t be socked with a huge bill on my return to Australia, (a) I will still be able to use my smart phone to access the internet whenever I am in a wifi (pronounced “wee-fee” in French) zone (see how easy it is to do this in Paris) just by walking into any park or government building, (b) I’ll be able to make calls and send texts all over the planet for free by using the VIBER APP in a wifi zone when I’m out and about (I love love love this app!), (c) I also downloaded Viber onto my laptop, so I can type messages and make/receive phone calls via my computer when I’m back at the apartment
  7. once I’ve arrived, I take a photo of my building from the street (if it’s the first time I’ve been there), then I take a photo at the corner of the street so it’ll be easy to recognise on my way back;  if I then take a bus or the Metro (train) I take photos of the bus stop or Metro sign so I can remember HOW to get back home later that day
  8. after my first Parisian breakfast in a cafe, I head to the nearest Metro (train station) and buy a “carnet” of tickets (pronounced KAH-NAY) — ten tickets is a good place to start unless I want to get a monthly ticket. More info will be available at the Metro so read and work out which is best for your needs.
  9. next I like to visit the nearest Post Office to buy some stamps, so that when I’m whiling away the hours people-watching in a cafe I’ll have some stamps to put on those postcards I’ve just purchased.

Here’s a little video I made about PLANNING A TRIP TO PARS :

All of this gets me into my “Frenchified Teena” mode :-)


 

  • Do you have anything you do when you first arrive in Paris (if you’ve already been), or something you’d LOVE to do if you visit in the future? I’d love to hear from you — if you received my Postcards from Paris newsletter via email, just click REPLY. If you’re reading this on my website, just post a Comment below :-)
  • Would you like to recommend any cafes or restaurants, or things for me to do? Feel free to share! One of my long time readers – Michael (from USA) – has sent me some wonderful suggestions and restaurants to check out, as have a couple of other folks, so do please send them along!

NOT ON MY MAILIMG LIST YET? CLICK HERE >>

A Night in Paris - Join Teena in Summer (Image)A bientot! See you soon in gay Paree!

Cheerio for now

Teena
MEET ME IN PARIS IN SEPTEMBER 2015!

 

 

One last video to whet your whistle about Postcards from Paris

Postcards from Paris 26 May 2015

Postcards from Paris is a newsletter about the city I love!

Bonjour mes amis! Hello my friends of Postcards From Paris!

I thought I’d start off today’s edition with a HUGE welcome to my last few subscribers this month! Maybe you’re one of these folks? If you are, please do write back to me and say BONJOUR! I’d love to hear from you :-)

  1. Bonjour from Teena Hughes of Postcards from ParisTeri from San Diego, USA
  2. Stephen from Vancouver, Canada
  3. Rod from Cleveland, USA
  4. Victoria from Mcdonough, USA
  5. Jim from Mesa, USA
  6. MaKenzie from Bloomington, USA
  7. Paula from Benton, USA
  8. Linda from Pasadena, USA
  9. Robin from Perth, Australia
  10. Liz from Georgia, USA
  11. Lida from Houston, USA
  12. Jenifer from Sanford, US
  13. Craig from Paris
  14. Bettie from South Africa

I do hope you enjoy my little tips and stories about the city I love — I live in Australia and I try to get to Paris every year or two to fill my soul with the joie de vivre (joy of life) I feel whenever I’m in this extraordinary city!

Ways to Meet Me in Paris in September!

I’ve been totally revamping all the things I love to share when I’m in Paris:

  • Painting Workshops
  • Plus Size Fashion Adventures
  • Over 40’s Lazy Paris Adventure

and I’d love to share some new options — but I want to know if any of you think these might be of interest … just because I’d love to do these doesn’t mean anyone else would :-)

  • Stationery Lovers’ Adventure (there are some beautiful traditional pen and paper stores!)
  • Coffee Conversations in French — meet me for an hour and a half in a cafe with 3 other people and learn the right amount of French to survive in a cafe on your own :-)
  • Textile Tidbits Adventure — would you love to find some fabulous stores in Paris specialising in hand-made haberdashery (ribbon, beads, leather, twine, knitting needles, silk, felt)? The two stores we’ll visit have goodies from the 1890s to 1930s, a real feast for the eyes.

I will be finalising the dates and details within the next few days, so I will send a quick email to let you know all the “deets” (details). Can’t wait to be there – woohoo!

Learn French from a wonderful little French girl telling a story based on a mix of other fairy tales :-)

I just came across this video and I have to share — listening to French children is a great way to learn the language! Let me know what you think of this — I think it’s adorable!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RQMVKcNgFw

I’ll be in Paris in September 2015 – will you be there?

Textile Tasters in Paris with Teena Hughes of How-to-paint-on-silk.comLast edition I wrote:

I have been dreaming in French, and in my dreams I’m in Paris, and when I wake I am speaking or singing in French — what do you think that means?!!

You’re right!

It means I’m way overdue to visit the city where I’ve left my heart, and to where I return whenever possible, from the other side of the planet in Australia -)

and the great news is I have booked my Paris apartment and am finalising my flights this week to spend an entire month speaking French and dipping my croissant into my hot coffee!

What about you? What would you love to do in Paris? Send me a message, I’d love to hear!

  • I am finalising the pages for the Adventures I will be hosting, so do pop back and check this page (I’ll add a link HERE) and you can also follow the Facebook Postcards from Paris page too where I post updates >>

Here are some of the ways to do that:

  1. click the “Say bonjour to Teena” button which should appear down the right side of the web page — you can record your voice straight away — and some of you have already been using this, I love it!
  2. take a “selfie” video or photo with your phone or camera, then email it
  3. record a voice message on your phone, then email it
  4. email me on bonjour [at] a-night-in-paris [dot com]
  5. connect via Facebook, Twitter or my website.

If you do ANY of these things, I’d love to have your permission to share on my website, newsletter etc — if that’s not OK, let me know when you contact me :-)

So – what’s on in Paris in June 2015?

Postcards from Paris June 2015 Goutte d'Or en Fete

Excellent question! There is a ton of wonderful things to do in Paris in June each year, from jazz festivals, to fairs like the Foire St-Germain, and I’ll mention some of them here:

  1. 10-14th June — Goutte d’Or Music Festival
  2. 21st June — La Fete de La Musique #FDLM – read more in English >>
  3. 20th June – 14th July — Festival Chopin a Paris : Chopin Festival in Paris >>
  4. more things to do in June in Paris (and plan ahead for July!)

FESTIVAL-CHOPIN-2015_3072527867408385000

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fete-du-velo-2015-tousavelo

 

 

 Other news in Paris

The famous “love locks” which have appeared over the last few years are being removed from Paris’ centuries-old bridges, monuments, tourist attractions and other fences as the weight has become quite problematic, and placed some bridges under too much stress and strain.  Everyone has an opinion on it, but the bottom line is there is no area which has been created specifically for this type of romantic gesture.

Read more >>

Click the video below to play >>

What else can you do in Paris in June and July?

Have a picnic of course :-)

Buy a baguette, cheese, wine etc and go to one of the many beautiful parks in Paris.

Take a barge cruise UNDER Paris! I love this!

For an added adventure, take your picnic on a Barge Cruise — this is one of my all-time favourite things to do when I arrive, I get to relax for a couple of hours as I take in Paris and the outskirts from a barge, which also takes me on a magical journey BELOW Paris!

Oh you must try this if you’re there — it’s away from the madding tourist crowds and such a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon in the city I love.

I wrote more about it here :

.

Postcards from Paris - other things to do

Other fab things to do:

Ready to try something really unusual?

How about brunch, lunch or dinner in someone’s home? This is a great idea which has been going on for decades and is a great way to meet Parisians and other adventurous travellers — check out the article I wrote about this a while back:

“How do I get to my hotel?”

One of the most common questions I hear is about transport from the airports and major train stations to accommodation. I always use the Paris Shuttle for $27 which I book in advance, and there are some other great choices too.

Facebook Updates

Do you use Facebook? You might like to check out my page and join in the conversation:

Have you enjoyed this Postcards from Paris?

Please do write and let me know :-)

Hopefully I’ll see you there in September!

A bientot (see you soon), and don’t forget I’ll be sending you a quick email when the new Adventures are online in the next few days!

Teena!

 

Song Je ne veux pas travailler by French Martini

I love this song “Je ne veux pas travailler”!

by French Martini

I heard this recently and watched it on Youtube, and the tune is so catchy I find myself humming and singing it when I least expect it :-)

Here are the lyrics in French:

Ma chambre a la forme d’une cage
Le soleil passe son bras par la fenêtre
Les chasseurs à ma porte comme les p’tit soldats
Qui veulent me prendre

*Je ne veux pas travailler
Je ne veux pas déjeuner
Je veux seulement oublier
Et puis je fume

Déjà j’ai connu le parfum de l’amour
Un million de roses n’embaumerait pas autant
Maintenant une seule fleur dans mes entourages
Me rend malade

Repeat *

**Je ne suis pas fière de ça vie qui veut me tuer
C’est magnifique être sympatique
Mais je n’le connais jamais

Repeat *,**,*

Copyright:  Lyrics powered by www.musiXmatch.com

And here are the lyrics in English:

My room is a form of a cage,

The sun streams through the window,
the bellhops are at my door like those little soldiers
who want to take me away.

*I don’t want to work,
I don’t want to lunch
I only want to forget
and so I smoke.

Long ago I knew the smell of love,
a million roses didn’t smell as sweet.
Now a single flower in my way
makes me sick.

Repeat *

**I am not proud of this life
that wants to kill me.
It’s magnificent to be nice
but I have never known this.

Repeat *,**,*

Copyright to: http://lyricstranslate.com/en/je-ne-veux-pas-travailler-i-dont-want-work.html

Paris APPS for your smart phones, iPads etc

Last time I was in Paris, I had my brand new iPhone with me, and hardly knew how to use Apps.
Now of course I have plenty of App obsession knowledge and would like to share some of the Paris apps I like:
  • Duolingo — Learn a language for free (French, German, Italian, etc)
  • Viber — Free phone calls, text and voice messages worldwide — I have used this App every day since I installed it 2 years ago! I love it!
  • La Poste — French Post Office addresses, rates etc — all in French
  • Paris Metro by RATP — Very easy to use, type where you want to go (address or tourist attraction)
  • RATP — in English
  • Paris Metro — Great interactive maps of Paris. Click/Tap a station for more features.
Le Relais de Venise Restaurant in Paris 75017

Le Relais de Venise Restaurant in Paris 75017

In the mood for a very tasty steak and fries (“chips” and the French “frites“)? Pop over to Le Relais de Venise.

I love a good steak and I really love Chateaubriand, but if you’re not looking for something so rich, you might enjoy this great resto (and the great news is they’re also in London (x 3!) and New York!)

  • head on over to Porte-Maillot metro in the 17th arrondissement
  • no reservation is necessary
  • when ordering your how your steak will be cooked, you’ll only have TWO choices — rare or well-done, so please don’t ask for anything else :-)

This restaurant has also become known by the name of L’Entrecôte and you can ask for directions and everyone will know which restaurant you mean.

Once you’re seated at your table, your waitress will ask you: “Saignant?”  (rare), or “Bien cuit?  (well done)”.

That’s it — no other choices, no “medium” or “medium rare” — so knowing that up-front will make it easier to choose. The steak is thin so it can really only be cooked in two ways. Easy, non?

When your steak arrives it will be thinly sliced and covered with an amazing sauce (and it’s a secret recipe handed down through the generations), paired with delicious “frites” (or fries, also known as “hot chips” in the UK, Australia and New Zealand).
When you’re ready for dessert you’ll have many wonderful delicacies to choose from, so go ahead and enjoy!

Your Say

If you do visit this restaurant, I’d love to hear what you think about it – just send a Comment below, or a voicemail (click the button on the right of the website) or tell me about it on my Facebook page, Twitter etc — thanks in advance!

http://www.relaisdevenise.com

271 Boulevard Pereire
Porte-Maillot 75017
Tel: 0145 74 27 97

Map to Le Relais de Venise Restaurant

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For other great famous French food to eat, pop over here >>

How to talk to shopkeepers in French

Knowing what to say and how to talk to shopkeepers in Paris will help you to have a wonderful experience.

Here is a great video I found which will help you — practice the pronunciation and in just a couple of minutes you’ll know enough French to get by each time you go shopping.

 

Examples of what to say to shopkeepers:

  • Je voudrais acheter six tomates, svp (s’il vous plait = please) = I would like six tomatoes please.
  • Je voudrais deux baguettes, svp. = I would like two baguettes (French bread sticks) please.
  • Je voudrais 500 gram de camembert, svp. = I would like 500 grams of camembert (cheese) please.
  • Je voudrais 200 gram de paté de compagne, svp (country paté). = I would like 200 grams of country paté please.

And you? Et toi?

Share your experience by leaving your comment below :

What do you normally say when you go shopping in local shops?
Can you now write down your own phrases and the French translation?
Did you notice other phrases when going to the shops and talking to shopkeepers?

New Years Day Parade in Paris France

Watch the New Year’s Day Parade!

One of the most famous New Year parades takes place in Paris, France.  La Grande Parade (New Year’s Day parade) originates from the 1400s and takes place in various venues, especially the Grands Boulevards. It proceeds through Chantilly on 31st December and reaches Trocadero under the Eiffel Tower on January 1st.

Spectators line the streets to watch thousands of performers, entertainers, singers and dancers put on a spectacular show.

Fireworks and events are mostly concentrated around the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysees, although the more traditional fireworks have recently been replaced by a spectacular light show  – whatever and wherever, you can guarantee it’ll be fabulous!

New Year in France is also known as Jour de l’An.

La Galette des Rois

The New Year holidays in France end on January 6th with the ceremonial cutting of a cake known as la Galette des Rois (Cake of the Kings).

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is know as la Saint-Sylvestre. A special New Year feast is called le Reveillon de Saint-Sylvestre consisting of traditional dishes like pancakes, foie gras (flavored duck or goose pate) and of course — champagne to top it all off.

 Map of Eiffel Tower district

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Postcards from Paris December 2013

Postcards from Paris December 2013

 

postcards from Paris

 

with Teena Hughes   |  december 2013 video newsletter

Postcards from Paris Newsletter from A-Night-in-Paris.com

Bonjour and Welcome to today’s Postcards from Paris!

Hi – this is Teena Hughes, and here’s my Christmas message – click to play!

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“Joyeux Noel! Bonne Annee!” – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I haven’t made a video this month, but I have some others I’d like to share with you- this is one of the last ones I made in Paris on my last trip, in my local cafe early in the morning savoring a coffee and croissant – yum!

This video shows you how to use a foreign laptop plug when staying in my favourite city :-)

 

 

I’ve found some great videos online to get you in the Christmas mood – ready to jump right in?

This is a cute little video for the kids – a popular French Christmas carol – I dare you to try not to smile :-)

 

This one is Christmas carols for grownups sung in French  – I do hope you like it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAC2y3WZWH8

 

If you wish you were shopping in the beautifu stores of Paris, here’s a video showing shoppers doing their Christmas shopping in the Galieries Lafayette this year – the window displays are so cool! :

 

This video was taken last month at an ice skating rink at the Christmas Markets — oooooooh I wish I was there :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiFfROsG5Rk

The Christimas lights on the Champs Elysees look amazing – the energy saver Light Rings on the trees which line the promenade are very cool:

Did you like those videos?  I love watching different videos about Paris throughout the year to keep me in a French frame of mind.

What’s on in Paris in December & January?

There is so much to do in Paris even though it’s mid-winter, and simply walking the streets and absorbing the history is a great thing to do — and then stop and have some hot roasted chestnuts from a street stall, and explore some more until you find a Crepe stand to buy Nutella Crepes or my favourite – Lemon and Sugar – yum!

Here are some more tips of things to get up to:

And don’t forget Disneyland Paris ! Here is a recent video taken at night – now this puts me in the holiday mood :-) :

It’s been many years since I spent Christmas in Paris – about 16 or 17 I think – and it was always a magical time.

The important thing for visitors to remember is the WEATHER — wear WATERPROOF warm shoes, thermal underwear and socks, gloves, hats and scarves to keep the cold air out from your warm clothing.

The second most important thing to remember is … HAVE A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY and enjoy yourself!!

Postcards from Paris Related Links

Calendar of Events > Christmas in Paris > Christmas Lunch | December | Lights/Noel | Christmas Markets | Shopping

How can I fix a Visa card problem in Paris?

I have a Visa card problem and I'm in Paris

Lynne wrote to me recently asking if I had any suggestions for her daughter’s Visa card problem in Paris.

Visa card problem in Paris, what to do?Teena,

My daughter is currently studying abroad in Paris. She is having trouble with many of the merchants not accepting her American Visa credit card.

Do you know of a prepay loadable card that she can easily put money on to use? or do you have another solution than her hitting the ATM and carrying Euros everywhere?

Lyn

Teena’s reply to “Visa card problem in Paris”

Hi there Lynn,

I’m sorry to hear your daughter’s had problems.  I was in Paris a year ago with my Australian Visa card and didn’t have any problems, but to avoid lots of fees I also made sure to have 100-200 euro on me in cash at all times.

I did go to my bank before I left Australia and tried a pre-paid debit card which could be used as a credit card too — that worked out well, but the fees were quite high.

Just a thought — smaller merchants might have to pay high fees to accept credit cards, so they probably only accept cash.

If your daughter doesn’t like to carry much cash, perhaps she could try Traveller’s Cheques / Travelers’ Checks, but to be honest I haven’t used those for year, and she may have the same problems trying to cash them with smaller merchants.

Has your daughter met any other girls her age living in Paris who might offer suggestions for her?

Finding out how others cope in the same situation might be helpful.

As long as your daughter is careful not to flash her open wallet around, and keeps it in her handbag in FRONT of her as she walks along the streets, she shouldn’t experience any difficulties with cash.

I’m sorry I don’t have any other solution for you, but do let me know how she gets on, if she tries one of these suggestions or comes up with a much better one.

What a wonderful adventure for her to have – wouldn’t it be lovely if we could all meet up for a latte in Paris one afternoon? Ahhhhh bliss!

Ciao for now, best of luck!
Teena

Your Say

I hope Lynne’s daughter has now solved this tricky issue when shopping in Paris.

Have you ever had a Visa card problem in Paris? I’d love to hear from you if you have any tips or suggestions. Thanks!

Teena

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