Everyone needs a hug …

… from the big white monster ! I am pleased again to share with you my second collaboration (photography) with Mademoiselle Lychee (illustration).

Children of Soweto

The task was simple: take my camera and snap a picture a yourself. Sounds normal. Except that this was not an experiment conducted in the streets of Paris (where the outcome might still be fun). This took place in Soweto,
South Africa, during my recent trip there. And the outcome was not simply fun, but magical. I hope you will feel the excitement and happiness, and in some instances confusion and surprise of these kids through the pictures
the way I felt it in the field.

Thank you kids!

The Enigmatic Lady

Who is she? Where is she? What book is she reading? Is she waiting for someone? Is it a date? Is it a friend? Does the person show up? Is she just another lonely soul? Is it crowded around her? Is someone watching her? Is she watching someone? Is she being photographed?…The Enigmatic Lady … is leaving it to your imagination to plot a story – her story.

Few hints: The Enigmatic Lady … is at “Au Petit Versailles du Marais” and her accessories which shows during a visit to the powder room are from Nathalie Bourgey-Biron. Now light up your brain cells.

Les toits de Paris

A collaboration between two or more artists can be a powerful experience, transforming the art from a form of dialogue between the artist and the work to a multi-dimentional conversation and debate. The examples of collaboration between artists are numerous from old to current days and can be achieved in the same art medium or through multiple art media. And I am pleased to share with you my collaboration (photography) with Mademoiselle Lychee (illustration). “Les toits de Paris” or “The roofs of Paris” is the first product of this collaboration, which hopefully you will see more of. Yes, you were thinking fiddlers on the roofs. But we thought Pirates!

The Wedding Dress

Is: What every little girl dreams of, the “piece de resistance” in any wedding, the most talked about and criticized part of a wedding, can make a woman look a million dollars (or not) and surely will make a wedding a hit or a miss. It’s the only physical memory other than the ring that will remind you of that day, hanging in your closest. Needless to say more, picking up the right one is a hard task. Nathalie Bourgey-Biron is an artist to consider for bespoke wedding dresses. And not only the craftsmanship strikes when you visit the store located at 50 Rue Saint-Georges, everything from the wallpaper to the furniture will remind you of the little girl you were, dreaming of that perfect princess wedding dress.

Nathalie Bourgey-Biron – Wedding Dresses Designer - 50 Rue Saint-Georges – 75009, Paris
Metro : Saint Georges, Tel: 01 40230324

Wasp

“Wasp” is by definition “any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is neither a bee nor an ant”. Too complicated? I know. But what I am talking about is the Italian word “Wasp”: VESPA! These beautiful scooters famous for their painted and pressed steel unibody, a flat floorboard, a prominent front fairing and cool accessories. Even more specifically, I am talking about the older Vespas. And for those lucky vintage Vespa owners, soon to be owners or simply renters who would like to explore the beauty of Paris the real cool hip way, I would like to introduce you to “Retromotion“: A place where “Car Talk” is Vespa Talk. Check them out at the address below. And one more thing: All Vespas at Retromotion have names. Cool huh?

Retromotion - Shop – 11 Rue Chaudron – 75010 Paris
Metro : Stalingrad / Louis Blanc , Tel : 01 71 97 93 84

Boletus Edulis

Needing a break from the streets of Paris, I headed for an experience that is associated with Fall and the Holiday Season: Ceps (Boletus Edulis) Picking! This edible mushroom has been referred to as “the wild mushroom par excellence” and “the most rewarding of all fungi in the kitchen for its taste and versatility” with a distinct nutty and slightly meaty flavor. Feeling hungry? Enjoy these pictures and pull out your cookbooks for some Porcini Lasagna or Porcini Risotto recipes!

Roman holiday

When planning for your next Roman Holiday, make sure you include the following in your “must do” list. While not featured in the movie that inspired the title of this posting, I can see Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn) enjoying each one of these spots! Take a quick trip back in time at Caffè Greco, one of the three most ancient cafes in the world, founded in 1760. Then for meat lovers, stop by Roscioli, a salumeria like no other and end it with a quintessential italian delicatessen, Castroni. Here are some photos from each. Divertirsi!