analog, randomness, and snails
Simmy and I visited Paris in June to take some time off and to celebrate her birthday. We decided to rent an apartment, albeit a tiny apartment, but still a world better than a drab hotel room and a small step closer to the feeling of living in such an amazing city. This wasn't our first visit so we were spared from standing on all the lines waiting to see places like Notre Dame and the Louvre.
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| From Paris, France 2010 |
Our morning jogs along the Seine were fun and I was surprised we didn't observe a larger running culture in Paris. Jogging was a nice way to see the city and to work off some of the calories from our dinners. We had a chance to visit 2 supper clubs which are basically dinner at someone's house where the guests don't know one another. I highly recommend it, if you get a chance; it is a great way to spend an evening abroad. The concept is simple -- put random people in a room, serve dinner, and watch what happens. One of the evenings we attended a supper club hosted by an american named Jim Haynes and this amazing man has been serving Sunday dinners to strangers for over 30 years. All you have to do is call him on Sunday afternoon, pay the cost of the dinner, and be open minded. I met some fascinating people that I don't see myself having crossed paths with otherwise. There is something to this concept and it is enhanced by the randomness of the interactions and conversations. As I write this -- it just occurred to me that he's probably having dinner at his place now and I wish I was there.
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| From Paris, France 2010 |
A few weeks back I visited the NYC High line and I actually found its predecessor in Paris south of the Bastille. It's called Promenade Plantee and it is a restored above ground railroad that has been converted into a marvelous green space with amazing gardens and flowers. It is an elevated park and was converted in 1994, 15 years before the NYC High line in Chelsea. THe relationship between Paris and NYC is something I need to think about more. Digging through stacks of old records at the flea market in the Marais was lots of fun; almost made me want to go analog. I say that as I type away on my mac -- maybe just a record player. Until next time .
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| From Paris, France 2010 |
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