Je suis mes cheveux

I was lucky enough (well...there were 76,000 people in the stadium so maybe it wasn't that rare to get tickets..) to see Lady Gaga at the Stade de France on 22nd September 2012.

This provided a much needed break from all the drama and everything else that has been going on in my life. I have loved this song since I first heard it, I love the meaning, and I love the literal meaning. I used to fuss about my hair in school, maintaining that I feel good about myself, when my hair is at its best. I. Am. My. Hair.

Here's the clip of Lady Gaga live:

Where oh where can I find Dim Sum in Paris? (That is yummy?!)

The age old question, where can I find good chinese food in Paris? After a few attempts, I just gave up. I settled for Japan Town (9eme, Rue St Anne and surrounding areas) and sushi places as the only Asian cuisine that wouldn't horrify my tastebuds!

However, maybe you know of a good place? Otherwise I will have to settle for getting my fix every time I go back to England and demand a Dim Sum Sunday before my Eurostar! Currently, I like Royal China in Bayswater/Queensway. Even though the special fried rice recipe has changed (NOT in the better direction) it still is far better than anything I could get in Paris.

PS. If you are thinking this is not enough food for 5 people, YOU ARE RIGHT. We had about double this..at least on our table. We like food :) hehe.

Dim Sum: Chinese tradition, ALOT OF FOOD

Alain Ducasse - The Dorchester

It cannot be said that I don't like food, for we all know that is a lie in the highest nature! I also like to think of myself as quite generous, and sometimes giving is better than receiving (especially when you know that it will be very well received!)

On this note, I recently took my family out to dinner at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester in London. When you do such thing, you have to be prepared to spend the $$$ and I fully accepted this. It was the greatest feeling, treating your parents to something like this, and the experience was fantastic. We had a good evening and surrounded by so much lovely food.

We went for 4 courses (thinking that the portions would be small, but trust me you are fine with 3!), and we had little tidbits along the way that would fill us up even more. At such a standard, you would expect these little things, but all the same they make the evening seem more special.

Alain Ducasse: Michelin Stars, Dorchester, French Cuisine, Expensive!, Fine Dining

Fireworks - 14th July

I am becoming increasingly aware that I have to get a move on, in doing everything I want to in France. I don't know how long I will (want/be able to) stay in France, so I am not leaving anything to chance..time is of the essence and I have my check list to be going through!

This year I managed to see the fireworks show on the Champs de Mars, with the music, something I really was sad to not do last year. Despite the hour walk home from Champs de Mars to 5eme late at night (though I had company!), it was worth seeing.

Couldn't help think that Katy Perry's "Firework" song would have gone nicely in the set list, however cheesy show tunes etc I can not complain about!

Bastille Day: French, Revolution, 14th July, Fireworks

2012 Olympics

On Tower Bridge in London, you are able to see the Olympic rings.


To be perfectly honest I feel indifferent to the Summer Olympics, if I had to watch them, I'd choose the Winter Olympics, no matter what the sport..yes even curling!


I'll be in Paris/on holiday/ briefly in London during the Olympics period, and I can only hope that I don't have to fight the extra people in the streets/tube/transport since that is the most important effect it has on my thinking!


Olympics: Greece, Medals, Gold, Sports, Flags, Countries, Competition

I don't care what you think, you can't deny that Celine Dion can sing!

It's true, love or hate her, you'd be lying to yourself if you said that she is not an amazing singer.

I've had the chance to see her twice now, the same show (who cares?!), and can definately say that although she might sound good via youtube or albums, she is a thousand times better in real life!

I think the highlights of my show, if I really had to choose, was the encore 'My Heart Will Go On" see around from 5mins of the youtube video, and 'Ne Me Quitte Pas' which was sung with so much emotion, both times I heard her sing it, she had a tear fall down her face. Hmm, I also liked 'Open Arms' when the curtain drops and comes off the stage... ahh ok well here's a video which I think sums up the show entirely.

All that's left to say is, I would see her again and again if I could annndd...GET YOUR BUTTS TO VEGAS!

Celine Dion: Singer, Amazing Voice, Caesars Palace, Colosseum, Las Vegas

Las Vegas sure is HOT!

Last week, I was in Las Vegas. I remember thinking at the time that a) I needed a holiday and b) I needed to escape the dull weather. Needless to say, shortly after booking it the weather improved, but as always you can count on the weather changing its mind again and the week leading up to my departure from Europe it was grey and dull. This somehow made it all the bit sweeter, basking in the DRY (note, not humid!) sun.

I stayed at the Bellagio this time (last year it was off the strip in some place who's name I obviously didn't bother to remember) and it was niiiiice. Visiting all the hotels/casinos are free really, so I knew what to expect from the rooms and five star quality indeed.

I did my American Outlet shopping, Casinos, visted the Harley Davidson restaurant for the most yummy chicken fingers (more on that later!), saw Celine Dion (again) and O. The most amazing thing about Vegas is the fact that you know that at any point of the day, you will be able to do something. For example, waking up at 3am and deciding to go to the Casino until 11am followed by a hearty American Buffet Breakfast is pretty ok!

I lost about $200, but I 'saved' that in my head anyway from buying my Coach bag in the Outlet...so I'm not too fussed!

Las Vegas: Showgirls, Celine Dion, Bellagio, Caesar's Palace, Casinos, Dice, Elvis, Wedding, Sun.

Jamar Rogers

I have to say, that of all talent shows, I think Jamar Roger's from The Voice (US) has to be my favourite. Maybe part of it is due to that he is a recent contestant, however you decide for yourself.


His story is inspiring, his outlook to life is something that we all need to be a bit more, and his music style is simply a breath of fresh air. Should an album come out, I will be buying this ASAP.


I simply have to share this, I have been going on about him for a while now to my friends, so the only next logicial step is to make sure you have heard all about him too!!




The studio version is below, but the live version (which is the BEST) you can find here (for some reason, I can't find it in the youtube list to show the video)

Music invokes emotions

We all associate songs with people or memories, or sometimes music just stirs up some emotion. Soundtracks are quite important for this reason, and when done well, it stays in my mind forever.

I went to Florida last in 2009, and went to SeaWorld. Seeing the Shamu Rocks show, brought up so much emotion, not only when they showed a montage of serving soldiers and asked those serving or family members of those serving to stand up, but also during the show.

I remember this song so much, and maybe you have to have been there, but I hope it somehow works for you.

SeaWorld: Shamu, Dolphins, Rollercoasters, Florida

Shake it out

I think if you love or hate it, Glee does make you notice new songs. I'd made me like Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" before I first heard her version, and the same for Florence + The Machine's "Shake It Out"

This song right now is quite meaningful for me, and though it makes me sad, it also helps me deal with what I am going through. I have it on repeat all the time, and in the same way that "Stronger" is all about YOU and Self Confidence, this song lets me know that you just have to shake off whatever is bringing you down.

Enjoy!

 

Rekorderlig??

There's a place in Hoxton, that sells Rekorderlig Cider which must be the best thing EVER. I don't really like beer, Desperados is ok (maybe thats due to the tequila?), but Cider is normally a good one. I generally like fruity alcoholic drinks.

The usual Cider I go for, would be Koppaberg, but this one would win hands down. It's just not a fair fight though, as besides this one place, Koppaberg is more widely stocked. Saying that, I haven't seen either in Paris...BOO.

Cider: Fruit, Light, Refreshing

That all singing, all dancing, sequin filled, key change time of the year again.... Eurovision!!!!

I know I am a bit late on this post, but it is still May after all, so quite relevant!!


If you know me, there's one thing you will probably know, and if you neither know me or knew of this, then now you will. When it comes to music, I am proud of what I like, whether it's the cheesy music, or the pop, musicals, classical, or indeed...Eurovision. To me, I have many thoughts about this annual event ranging from -England can never win..
-Neighbouring countries will always vote for each other, no matter how much they try to make it not so 
-Key changes are standard 
-I can never guess the winner 
-Awful can sometimes be amazing and so on 


Jedward were my favourites. The song is so catchy, and ever since they appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, I have gone from not being a fan, to actually liking them as personalities, and as Eurovision contestants. They do scream Eurovision to me. And this song is actually quite catchy!! Here are Jedward with their 2012 entry, along with one of my favourites from a previous contest, and of course the ESC 2012 winner. ( I actually like this song, so dancy and I was surprised dancy won!)


Eurovision: Cheese, Key Changes, Really....REALLY?!

Operation 'See more of France/Europe in 2012' continues with...Amsterdam!

I would guess that when you think of Amsterdam, two things come to mind, followed by a couple of other things. Would I be right in thinking that they would be "Weed" and "red light district" followed perhaps by images of Tulips, Clogs, Windmills and even Gouda cheese?! Despite all this, it is also famous for a number of museums. Plus it is also a Capital city, so there is much to see and do. 


I think I fell in love with this City.... It's quite relaxing to be there, and was perfect for a weekend break. I think this was a Bank holiday weekend well spent.


Take a look at this picture, and I dare you to tell me you think otherwise!


Amsterdam: Capital, Netherlands, Red Light District, Canals, Smoking

Oreo Milkshakes??

Alright folks, it looks like (for the zillionth time) that the weather has well and truly made up its mind. It's sunny! Which can only mean that ice-cream, frappacinos and cold milkshakes are needed to chill us down.

Does anyone know where in Paris you can find a decent Oreo Milkshake?? I tried HD Diner, but that has nothing compared to Tinseltown in London!

Saying that, HD diner will make a good substitute..for now. Anyway, I'd be going back from their burgers, that one with the Colorado Burger (Colorado Burger - Steak haché XL grillé à la demande, galette de pomme de terre, poitrine fumée, reblochon, cream cheese. Servi avec frites) is to die for.. or maybe thats because I miss Hash Browns and McDonalds in France doesn't serve them...who knows?!

Oreo Milkshake: Heavenly liquid.

Operation 'See more of France/Europe in 2012" has commenced - Dijon

For a brilliant €18, I took the TER from Paris-Bercy to Dijon for 24hrs in April. I think that's plenty of time to see the basics, and take a few hours to enjoy the wonderful cuisine, with no rush.


I booked a hotel near Gare SNCF Dijon, and the receptionist gave me a map with a planned walking route. So with that, as well as the Chouette Tour, combined with random straying off the map, I had a good (cheap) weekend in Dijon. 


I ate plenty of regional food (Jambon Persillé, Sorbet Cassis, Sauce a la moutarde et bien sur...Escargots de Bourgogne!), and saw the lovely Dijon style architecture, and museums.


I definitely recommend it, if not for the cheap price, but the fact that there are things to do here too. There are plenty of shops (Gal Laf, H&M, Mango etc), restaurants, streets to wander, Museums, and buildings to visit.


This trip has really kickstarted the European travelling bug, and I'm on the look out for more places to vist so if you have any ideas for me..do share!


(More photos will eventually crop up I am sure..but for now I am giving you THREE!)


Dijon: Moutarde, Bourgogne - Boeuf/Escargots, Cassis

Cheese and Bacon is a classic combo, but when you add in puff pastry..Totes Amaze!

Do you remember your school lunches? I would get excited whenever I saw Bacon Cheese Turnover's on the menu. It was by far one of the top 5 favourite school lunches. 

My school had quite enjoyable lunches, you had a choice of 2 meat/fish options, a vegetarian option, or the salad bar. Then a selection of desserts/yogurts/fruits. Not forgetting of course, that Friday was chip day! Chips, Cheese, and a roll - my standard Friday lunch. Yummmmy

Living in London with one of my best friends, we decided to recreate this. We bought puff pastry, bacon and cheese and made the fattest most unhealthy turnovers we could, and this was the result... PURE HEAVEN! 

This is actually making me want to create this...shame I don't have an oven in Paris :(. Anyone want to lend me one? I can pay you back in food??!

Bacon Cheese Turnovers: Not the most healthy dish, pure heaven, memories of school lunches

Recreating that one dish (and failing)

Living in University Halls, one of my best friends made a stir fry. It didn't particularly look appetising, nor did it look like anything special. However, it was. Totally special.

It became the "famous stir fry", the one stir fry all others would have to measure up against. Maybe because over time, we remember things in an exaggerated format, or maybe because it really was the best, it couldn't be re-created.

Some things in life you just have to enjoy for the moment, as you might not experience it again.

Here's a photo of one of the many attempts of trying to re create that. .. Damn, this photo makes me miss stir frys!

Cooking: An. Exact. Science. Unique.

That one scary ride..

I'll be going to Alton Towers this weekend (hope the weather is alright!! *fingers crossed*), and this got me thinking about Theme Parks.

I will admit it, I still have rides that I will avoid at theme parks. Don't get me wrong, I love a rollercoster, spin my upsidedown and corkscrew the life out of me, but I can't stand rides that are all dark.

What I mean by this, are the Haunted Houses of the Theme Park world, as well as rides that take you through rooms with moving mannequins. I can't stand them, too creepy. I'm sure it stems from one time I kept on thinking about the dead bride and the creepy music *shudders*.

I will go on them however, put if you make me go on them, I promise you that I will keep my eyes closed at all times, and listen to music or cover my eyes. 

Theme Parks: Thrilling, Screaming, Scary, Adrenaline, Costumed Characters, Queues

Macarons - mini bundles of joy

The most amazing news! Possibly the best place to get your chocolate/macaron needs has opened a store closer to where I live. ( I'll be honest prior to this the closes store was still not that far...). 

I'm talking about the chocolatier Georges Larnicol! The stores entice you with its gorgeous window displays of chocolate and chocolate/nut offerings everywhere, AS WELL as offering yummy macarons at what have to be the best value for money*. It's something like 4.50eur per 100g, and thats about 8 macarons. BARGAIN. And on top of that, they have also been awarded meilleur ouvrier de France, which means you are guaranteed top quality.

I'm not saying I judge these to be the best ever macarons (such task would be too difficult for me!), I'm just saying that the price/quality ratio is amazing.

My favourite flavours have to be chocolate, pistachio and rasberry. Here's what they look like pre Operation Eat-all-the-macarons

Macarons: Delicate, Flavoursome, Laduree, Georges Larnicol, Pierre Herme

*However these are the ones you select and are prone to being crushed... The ones in the boxes are slightly more expensive but will keep your macarons looking like macarons for a far longer time period!

Can anyone transport me to Thailand please? I miss genuine cheap Pad Thai!

This one's just a quick post to shout out how much I miss Thailand, especially all the lovely food I ate over there. I used to have fried rice or pad thai for breakfast, lunch and most often dinner too (though dinner was mostly saved for curries!)... and NO I'm not ashamed to admit that either :p

Anyway, eating for about 80 bhat (and trust me, that wasn't scrimping, you could get food from the street markets for 30 bhat), and delicious yummy food at that...makes you really miss the place more. Eating in such lovely picturesque surroundings IS in fact the proverbial cherry on the cake.

Pad Thai: Yum, Peanuts, Prawn/Chicken, Noodles

Enter..if you dare *cue creepy music*

So, earlier this year (when the weather was FREEEEEZING cold due to that shocking cold spell), one of my best friend's came to Paris and we did something that I had never done before. The Catacombs.

Besides the fact that it was underground so also warmer than just being outside, even if it was damp and dark and frankly, quite scary (to me), it was one more thing I can tick off my to do list. 

I'll be honest, I did have to think that they were plastic, and it was like a ride in a theme park, but I still wouldn't go close to them nor would I let go of my friend's hand! The funniest thing I guess, is that a water droplet dripped on my face, and naturally I screamed causing my friend and the people around us to laugh.

It takes just under an hour, depending on how fast you walk, and I wouldn't really recommend it by yourself..though you might be more brave than I am!

It makes you think though, about the whole life and death thing though...and in the end, we all really are just the same.

Catacombs: Dark, Damp, Death

What Am I Like? I'm a Realist

I just took this test from the BBC Website, and I am a realist. I quite agree with this, so can't really say I am surprised. You try it, and let me know what you are..

_________________________________________

What's your personality type?

Find out with the 'What Am I Like?' Personality test.

• This test is 20 questions long and should take about 10 minutes
• It is made up of four sets of five questions and you will find out about a different aspect of your personality after every five questions
• At the end of the test you will be assigned one of 16 possible personality types
• This personality test can't tell you exactly what you are like. No survey can predict personality type with 100 % accuracy. Experts say we should use personality type descriptions to better understand ourselves and others, but shouldn't feel restricted by our results
• The test was developed for the television programme 'What Am I Like? The Personality Test'
• It is a simplified personality test based on personality type theory, devised by psychologists
• It is not a replacement for the full Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® questionnaire and the results are not intended to be the psychometric or practical equivalent to MBTI® questionnaire results

Section 1: Planner or Spontaneous?

1) When you go on holiday, what do you prefer to do?

1. Plan every detail in advance
2. Plan a rough itinerary in advance, leaving some time free
3. Look at a few options in advance, but only really decide when you're there
4. You rarely plan, just book at the last minute and go with the flow

2) What statement best describes how you do your regular grocery shop?

1. You make a detailed list of everything you need to buy
2. You make a rough list to jog your memory
3. You don't make a list, as you think it's a waste of time
4. You don't do a regular shop, you just go when you need to

3) You've been to a furniture store and have come back with some flat-pack furniture, like a wardrobe or a desk that you have to assemble. What are you most inclined to do?

1. Before you start, you check that all the components are there and that you have the tools you will need
2. You read through the instructions carefully first and then follow them step by step
3. You scan the instructions, although you don't always follow them exactly
4. You leap in, only referring to the instructions if you get stuck

4) Which description fits you best?

1. You are a perfectionist and can't leave anything unfinished
2. You need time, over-prepare and hate pressure
3. You're scatty, forgetful and disorganised
4. You put things off till the last minute and are often late

5) What happens when your local supermarket moves the food to different aisles?

1. You would notice and it would really bother you
2. You would notice, but you simply change the order in which you shop
3. You would notice, but it wouldn't bother you as you have no set routine
4. You probably wouldn't notice

Section 2: Facts or Ideas?

6) Of the following options which one describes you best?

1. Realistic
2. Efficient
3. Imaginative
4. Visionary

7) How do you usually give directions to your house? Do you…

1. Provide a step-by-step list of directions for the entire journey?
2. Draw a really detailed map that shows things like street names and roundabouts?
3. Just give general directions?
4. Sketch a rough map, as too many details can be confusing?

8) Which set of words best describes you?

1. Practical, thorough and stable
2. Realistic, enthusiastic and spontaneous
3. Inventive, imaginative and original
4. Creative, dynamic and adventurous

9) Which of these best describes how you do your supermarket shopping?

1. You usually go up and down the aisles in exactly the same order
2. You read and compare labels and prices
3. You're attracted to new things or special offers that catch your eye
4. You vary the way you go round the supermarket depending on what you feel like buying

10) Look at the picture below. Write down on a piece of paper what you see. Allow yourself about 30 seconds for this.

Now choose which statement best describes what you noted down.

1. Is it a list of what's in the picture?
2. A story about what's happening in the picture?
3. Have you tried to find the hidden meaning in this picture?
4. Or lots of ideas inspired by the picture?

Section 3: Heads or Hearts?

11) Which set of words best describes you?

1. Analytical, logical and objective
2. Decisive, driven and energetic
3. Caring, helpful and supportive
4. Complex, thoughtful and sensitive

12) What would you do if you had to decide between two homes to move into?

1. List your ideal features and compare which place has the most
2. Compare the good and bad features of both
3. Go with your gut feeling about which is best
4. Think about how each place affects the other people in your life

13) If your friend started dating someone you really disliked and asked you what you thought about their relationship, what would you do?

1. Be up front and honest about what you think
2. Try to be tactful - but still be truthful about what you think
3. Try not to hurt their feelings, changing the subject if necessary
4. Avoid hurting their feelings, telling a "white lie" if necessary

14) If you are with a group of friends and an argument breaks out, what do you tend to do?

1. Face the dispute head on
2. Try to find an answer to the problem
3. Try to meet everyone's needs
4. Anything to avoid hurting people's feelings

15) When you have to make a difficult decision, what is most important to you?

1. Arriving logically at the best choice
2. Being as fair as possible
3. Doing the right thing according to your own beliefs and values
4. Getting the approval and agreement of others

Section 4: Extravert or Introvert?

16) When you are out with a group of your friends, how much of the talking do you usually do?

1. Hardly any at all
2. A little less than most
3. Quite a lot
4. Almost all

17) When it comes to expressing yourself do you…

1. Hold back more, listening to others before speaking?
2. Think before you speak?
3. Think out loud?
4. Use your hands and facial expressions a lot?

18) What are you like when you have to meet a group of new people?

1. You stick with the people you've met before
2. You spend your time thinking about how to keep the conversation going
3. You aim to mingle with as many new people as possible
4. You just go out and have fun

19) Which set of words best describes you?

1. Cautious, thoughtful and loyal
2. Inquisitive, independent and contained
3. Lively, enthusiastic and energetic
4. Expressive, talkative and friendly

20) If you are in the middle of something important and the phone rings how do you usually react? Do you…

1. Ignore the phone, or let the machine pick up?
2. Take the call, but deal with it as quickly as possible?
3. Answer it as you welcome the chance to talk to someone, but keep it brief?
4. Answer the phone enthusiastically and be up for a long conversation?

Results

Section 1: Planner or Spontaneous
If you answered more (a)s and (b)s, you're a planner.
If you answered more (c)s and (d)s, you're spontaneous.

Section 2: Facts or Ideas
If you answered more (a)s and (b)s, you're a facts person.
If you answered more (c)s and (d)s, you're an ideas person.

Section 3: Head or Heart
If you answered more (a)s and (b)s, you're a head person.
If you answered more (c)s and (d)s, you're a heart person.

Section 4: Extrovert or Introvert
If you answered more (a)s and (b)s, you're a introvert.
If you answered more (c)s and (d)s, you're extrovert.

Find out your personality type

Click on the personality types to find out more.

Big Thinker = Spontaneous + Ideas + Heart + Extrovert
Counsellor = Planner + Ideas + Heart + Introvert
Go-getter = Spontaneous + Facts + Head + Extrovert
Idealist = Spontaneous + Ideas + Heart + Introvert
Innovator = Spontaneous + Ideas + Heart + Extrovert
Leader = Planner + Ideas + Head + Extrovert
Mastermind = Planner + Ideas + Head + Introvert
Mentor = Planner + Ideas + Heart + Extrovert
Nurturer = Planner + Facts + Heart + Introvert
Peacemaker = Spontaneous + Facts + Heart + Introvert
Performer = Spontaneous + Facts + Heart + Extrovert
Provider = Planner + Facts + Heart + Extrovert
Realist = Planner + Facts + Head + Introvert
Resolver = Spontaneous + Facts + Head + Introvert
Strategist = Spontaneous + Ideas + Head + Introvert
Supervisor = Planner + Facts + Head + Extrovert

Cruises

With the anniversary of Titanic, and how perhaps some of you might be feeling a bit sceptical with all that has gone on with the recent news about that Costa Cruises, and now the Azamara, it just made me think about my Cruise experiences.

I am unashamedly paranoid about cruises, and would never dream of doing a transatlantic one (yes, I would be thinking about Titanic and Poseidon here...). However, I have had good experiences (apart from the immense over eating, which is undoubtedly self inflicted pain!). There is often plenty to do, either swimming, sleeping, watching tv/films, activities laid on for you, gym, FOOD!, and excursions etc. 

I also like the fact that you dress up in fancy dresses, it some how makes you feel a bit special and makes you feel good about yourself. Sometimes I think it's nice to dress up now and again, if only for self confidence and to make pretty photos..

Cruise: Buffet, Cinema, Ocean, Swimming Pools, Spas

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

I have to say, I haven't felt like this since the Breakaway album, but Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger" is the best feel good and jump around/prance and dance around song I have heard in a while (possibly since "Since U been gone")

All I can say is I'm re-loving Kelly Clarkson to the highest heights ever!! (Not that I stopped but this is IT, quite simply, it's IT)*

Just remember.... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger

*I saw Kelly Clarkson perform "Since U been gone" at the BRITs and "Beacause of You" at the Grammy's. Just after Celine Dion in Vegas, she has been the best thing I have heard live.

Living unicorn! NOT an April Fool's joke!!

If Wikipedia is law, then you'll know I'm telling the truth!

The Narwhal's The scientific name, Monodon monoceros, is derived from Greek: "one-toothed unicorn"... SEE! Told you so! :p

So I only learnt about this creature in La Grande Galerie de l'evolution in the Jardin des Plantes (5eme) and was amazed that they exist. I definitely think museums are quite interesting, you just need an open mind, and to be nicely awake (they always seem to tire me out?) so if you are a coffee drinker, it would probably be a good time to drink that coffee before hand! I always learn something, and feel more cultured after a visit, it's well worth your time, especially to those EU citizens out there under 26...its free!

Unicorn: Mythical, Real

Life is like a box of chocolates..

..you never know what you're gonna get, ESPECIALLY if you wander around a city. 

The benefit of arriving early to meet a friend is the fact that you aren't pressed to arrive and you can wander about near by streets, sometimes you can end up finding little gems such as this.

This is a statue of Moliere, in the 1st by Rue de Richelieu, which just reminded me how much I like Paris/France. I love fountains/statues like this, and it makes me happy to know that I have discovered another one.

On a side note, this is also close to what I am affectionately going to refer to as Japan-town. It's like London's Chinatown (NOT Paris' Chinatown which I think is rather lacking, so Paris' Japan-town will be my preferred Asian area despite me originating from China..), filled with cheap yummy eats. Sorry other Japanese restaurants of Paris, you are now dead to me.

Discovery: Excitement, Knowledge

p.s. I will most likely write about Japan-town, since I plan on going there ALOT

If I were a betting person...

So earlier this month, I went to the Hippodrome de Vincennes and for the first time in my life, went to a race track. It wasn't anything fancy, and I'm not the most animal loving person you'll ever come across, but I'll admit it was an experience.

You're allowed to wander in the stables, and see the horses and jockeys up close all before the races start. 

Yes, I did bet ( we were given 4euros worth, which was two "go's") and I did win, however I wouldn't really do it again even if my strategy was just playing my two favourite numbers. I opted for the placing, which means that if your horse is in the top 3 you win, but a fraction of what the odds are. Playing for the winner means you're in the "big bucks" but obviously more risky..you know what they say, high risk high return!

It's quite nice watching the races in the restaurant, there is good food and you're not waiting around too much, and if you really want to, you can ignore the race completely and just see at the end if you have won or not!

Horse Racing: Betting, Jockeys, Horses, Sport