" Paris and Me "

more from here and there...

I ran into a sculpture near Musee Cluny and find this plaque of Montaigne.
Michel de Montaigne had this to say...

"Paris a mon coeur des mon enfance,
Je ne suis francais que par cette grande cite grand surtout et incomparable
en variete
la gloire de la france et l'un des plus nobles ornements du monde."

google translate it as:
Paris was my heart of my childhood
I'm french by this great city especially great and incomparable in variety
the glory of France and one of the noblest ornaments of the world.

poetic isn't it?!


and this is a Photo Exhibition outside Jardin de Luxembourg,
from the RER-luxembourg exit, we literally wheeled out
our luggage all the way to our hotel and each minute the load gets heavier.
I knew it was going to take us 15mts or more, but darn!
that walk took forever.
So, on the last day, we took the shuttle bus instead. ^-^



P.O. box -
I always like taking fotos of mail box, each city is different from the other,
apparently, their mails are segregated as overseas and locals,
now that's something new to me.


This is a typical "Metro" sign station.


In touristy spots like Jardin de tuileries etc, you'd sure to find one pesky lady like this,
asking for donations and whatnot.


I'd never forget La Madeleine, not because of its structure which, by the way looks historic as ever.
but because, apart from the obelisk at Place de la Concorde, it's become our point of origin,
whenever we got lost and seem perplexed by the map, we had to find our way back to this area. ^0^
It was also around this area, in Rue st. Honore where you'd find the famous La Duree,
Oui, the scrumptious maccarons. ^0^
We bought Rose petals and Pistachios.





and where a kind french bourgeois lady approached us out of nowhere and offered to help.




5th arrondissment, Le Pantheon.
The weather was against us that day.
It was afternoon-ish and foggy, misty, cloudy all rolled into one,
and the camera couldn't catch the right tone.
..and to think that I was looking forward to see this one...



In Paris, there are these courtyards and narrow cobbled streets like this one.
Very parisian eh?!...


Me, the Map and La Roue ( Ferriswheel ). ^0^
literally beside Place de la Concrode.


and fancy lights along the strips of champs elysee.



twinkling display of lights around champs elysee


and here's my favorite bridge, ^0^
where promises are for keeps.
the pont des arts or better yet, the bridge of love.


and of course, we went all the way to Centre de George Pompidou.
suddenly, it seems like you were transported into a different setting of Paris.


On our way to Pigalle, we passed by Gare St. Lazare station.
again, this area gives you the other side of Paris, that is less touristy, mostly middle class area.


and there's the famous Moulin Rouge, almost missed it! ^0^


and the whole trip wouldn't be memorable without meeting a friend.
Here's the three of us, Peter, Pepperoni and Me. ^0^
If you want to know more about Paris and its story,
then you have to visit Peter's Blog On this LiNK.


So, that ends my BCN and Paris trip.
Hope you enjoyed the fotos as much as I did.
I will be posting it soon on my other blog, Mon JOurnal du Voyage
this time, with more details.
sorry it took me some time to post,
just sorting out the pictures takes time and where to begin is another,
not to mention loads of work from real life.
ha! I just had my long break but I think I still needed one. ^-^

next post, it's back to Manila once again. ^-^
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" Paris and Me "

Paris is a city that i've been longing to visit since forever and I'm glad I finally did. ^0^
I'm also glad that I don't have to go through that torturing process with the french embassy
or else It would leave a tainted impression.

So, how do I summarize my trip? hmm...
Eventhough a bit tired from my morning flight from BCN to Paris and whilst, still missing a bit of Gaudi's architecture.
Paris throws at you this gigantic airport from terminal2 to terminal3,
I kid you not but you need to have good stamina and efficient feet because walking is the
name of the game. ^0^
Paris is a melange of old and new history all mold into one.
It's interesting and it doesn't bore you.
I've had my fair share to talk with a few Parisians in french and they were all very nice
and helpful ( in my opinion ), and not snobbish or rude as some people might have said. ^0^

First, on our list that is a must visit, bien-sur! The imposing Eiffel Tower.
We had to re-visit this more than twice, bec. the on the 1st night we were already tired, the 2nd night, it was literally foggy and
we couldn't get a glimpse of it,
so we had no choice but to go there again the next day and Voila! this is the a.m shot. ^-^
we got into the back view.


This is the 2nd night, can you almost see Eiffel lost amidst the fog? ^0^
we thought we were lost because we couldn't find La tour.


On our last night,we finally caught up with him.
It was magical and really beautiful, eventhough, it was raining and my boots were already wet and my hands were starting to shiver. ^0^


Happenstance when I found this poster stating Paris, Pas cher "not expensive"... which is clearly the opposite,
everything from water to food is plus cher. ^0^


But I did manage to find something cheap from Gibert et Joseph, around the 6th arrondissment, 50 cents books!
you don't get that kind of bargain here in Manila, much less a nice french book.
so I was like a madman scouring for any good titles
and happily bought at least 10. but if only my luggage could take more... ^0^
I love books as much as I like shopping and they're always 2nd on my list.


Notre dame at anytime of the day looks stunning as ever and this was taken from the point of view of La Seine.
Even at night, the church is just filled with tourist all piled up curious to see what's inside.
A pity as this was my favorite to visit list but due to time constraint, I wasn't able to absorb its beauty more than I would've wanted to.


This is the view from La Seine during the morning.
If you're familiar with the english singer called "Adele"- then, take a look at her video "SOmeone Like You," the setting was here done in Black and white.


more postings... tomorrow. ^-^
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" Barcelona and Me "

Part II of our trip leads us to the Arc de Triomf structure, dated is what it looks like but interesting details once you look closely,
It is imposing just like I'd imagined.


Barri Gothic area, literally beside the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral, which is a must visit.


Tempting gift shops and whatnot along the streets of the Gothic quarter.


I think this one is heading to Dali's petite museum.
Interesting find as well.


One museum we almost wanted to skip because earlier that day, we went to Columbus' tower to view
its 360, but was dissapointed in its crammed and claustrophobic space.
But this newly renovated Palau Guell begs to differ.
Thankfully we both agreed to take a look inside and was the tour really worth it.
If only we weren't pressured for time, we could stay there for hours.
So much to see inside and what's more, you can take all the pictures you want without restrictions,
accompanied with an audio explanation in every room.
The entrance fee was 10 euros.
This is the exterior.


and a shot of its interior.


but the piece de resistance is at the top floor are
Gaudi's signature mosaic tiled works or
Trencadis which can be seen in the chimney tops.
really mind blowing, even the flooring is a bit wavy, you seem to be floating on top of the edifice.
the view is also breathtaking. ^0^


We also went to the huge Arenas de BCN and thereby, stopping at Placa Espanya.
the structure is the biggest torre I've ever seen. ^-^


Then, we were lured by this huge dome shaped structure ahead, we don't know what it was yet, but we went further,
and finally to MNAC museum.
Not what we had planned to visit, but sometimes its good to let your feet wander to where it leads you.
Again, the view of the Tibidabo and the city was picture perfect.


On our last day, that was the 25th of Dec.
ALL the shops are literally closed because of the holiday, we were worried where to eat or what to see,
so, we walked around Universitat, Passeig de Gracia, the winding roads of Calle de...,
all the way to Eixample where Casa Batlo and the more Casas are located.
But the one thing I forgot to see was La pedrera's Casa Mila.
I thought, we already did but I got the Batlo and Mila all mixed into One. ^0^
Well, we did took a haste photo of it while in the bus, I was hoping to take a closer look into it though.
Oh well...
and no, we opted not to go inside Casa Batlo even when it's open on that day.
the entrance fee cost 18.15 euros.




Most of the buildings here in BCN are interesting, something I don't see here everyday,
In fact, a lot of the locals are always looking at us when we were taking fotos,wondering
what in the world are they doing?! ^0^



One middle aged man kept calling me "Nee-Hau" several times, he thought I was chinese. ^-
He said, go further up the street, " Hay una bonita Casa Alli. " - there's a nice house there.
I said to myself, this better be not a sick fat joke or else...
and he was right, it was indeed beautiful. ^-^




and one thing that is clearly evident in all the shops are these loud Graffiti art.
even this tree wasn't spared.


In the alleyways, you'd sure to find clothesline all in a row.


Of course the trip wouldn't be complete without a few stranger shots.
I'm surprised to say that most Catalans are not camera shy, in fact, when they see your lens zooming their way,
they will give you their candid smile. ^-^

This is along Estacio de sants.


and oh! I just like the symmetry in this foto, it took me 15shots to capture the unblurry one. i think there's also a hint of my reflection.


and oh! i wish i could taste those tasty Paella, the smell coming from the pan will make you go hungry.


although, we never tried the metro, we did take a few fotos inside.
not really inviting was all I could say, It was dark and dim, there were beggars and potential thieves.
If you've been to Singapore or elsewhere, you know what I mean.




and wherever you go, you'd sure find one Pinoy in the city. ^0^
and the menu here says it all.


lastly, the trip wouldn't be complete without meeting a fellow blogger from BCN daily foto.
Here's a foto of Rob, Mandy and Me outside the bar.
Thanks for giving us a quick tour, a taste of the catalan's Sangria and your warmest welcome, despite your busy schedule.


and to Albert, a dear friend of Pepperoni, who treated us with warm teas and delectable brownies at Caj Chai.
It took us awhile to find the place, because even the locals have a hard time remembering the narrow streets. ^0^


so ends the BCN tour here.
I will be posting more of the trip on my other blog, Mon Journal de Voyage which I hope you could take a visit.
and Next stop, On va a Paris. ^0^
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" Barcelona and Me "

It took me almost two weeks before I can take a pause and post a few bits of my trip.
Believe it or not, I still have a huge hangover with Europe that I'm still adjusting with its time zone. ^0^
Thankfully though, i think i'm back to normal again.
Beware though, this is a terribly Long post, so skip if you think you needed to...

Well, First off, I would like to share Barcelona (BCN) with you.
I have good impressions with them despite the multiple warnings about carteristas ( pickpokets).
In fact, even applying for a Schengen Visa here isn't as hard as I thought it would be,
the consul who interviewed me, didn't catch her name but Thank you! ^0^
she was nice and polite, although you have to pay for a fee when
asking for a schedule for the interview,
It wasn't hard, except for the security guard downstairs where you had to wait for your turn,
he can be a bit bossy, but the second time, we were there, he's already smiling and even wink at us
and said, "oh!
good luck on your trip, you finally got your visa." ^0^

Contrary to the french embassy though.
Our first request was through email for a schedule and because we haven't received any reply,
we thought It got lost or something, we decided to gave them a call.
The person on the other line, unfriendly and sort of irritated as she was, said to patiently wait for
the email and that night they did reply and had scheduled us a month before the
said trip, just a month! and while you have to wait for 15 days for your visa.
How can you even make plans with days of waiting and not knowing if you're going to approved or not?!
We tried calling again hoping for a re-schedule but that person again said they're busy and
can't accommodate our questions.
Desperate and about to give up on my trip,
I stumbled through a local blog here called Wanderlass.com, who shares her insights about the French embassy
and later realized that most of their schedules are really like that,
the consuls, depending in which window are sometimes hot and cold,
the employees are more unhelpful than their boss.
unless, you're someone who knows someone, then maybe you can set a better schedule.
And disappointing to say that I'm not happy about are those Pinoys working inside the embassy
who thinks highly of themselves and takes a snob off these people applying for a visa.
They're the ones making the schedule, skimming your data and filtering the details, you know what I mean...

We finally applied in the Spanish embassy, I glad I did and the trip made it even worthwhile.
In fact, I miss BCN terribly that I wish I can visit it again soon. haha!

Now for the post,
to describe Barcelona in one sitting isn't enough and as much as I wanted to post every picture of
what i've seen, it will take forever.
so here's a glimpse of BCN. hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did. ^0^

I think for a first timer, the Hop on -hop off bus called Bus Turistic, a double decker bus and is
the best ride you could take.
there's a red, blue and green line that goes in different directions,
but during the winter months, the green line is not available.
It will take you to its major sights and worth the time and money.
I commend the every 10 minutes wait for a bus to arrive and helpful staffs inside the bus,
they spoke good english and they don't cheat you with time schedules.
plus the discounts and handouts they gave you are also informative.
for two days, it's less than 30euros.



You can't say you went to BCN and not see the imposing Sagrada Familia.
this one taken during lunch time, the weather was pretty great btw.



this one at a different angle taken earlier.


next stop, Park Guell.
The hilly climb on top is worth it once you're there,
the view's amazing and although, flocked by tourist from left to right.
the works of Gaudi is awe inspiring.


The famous Placa Catalunya, just 10 minutes from our hotel,
come sundown, the place is pack with people.



Las Ramblas and its fancy lights.



Things you'd find along this area.
Lots of shopping galore, souvenirs, souvenirs and more souvenirs.
Tourist opening their maps and finding their way,
Your easiest way to el raval, port vell, barri gothic...
Street performers, sketch artists and more! ^0^



getting lost at La Boqueria- be like the locals as you wander around stores selling bombones ( candies),
Jamon, fruits, marisco, etc...


where Columbus is pointing...



Rambla del Mar -
the sea view, though I've seen it many times in fotos and blogs, looks beautiful once you're there, plus the
amazing weather.
If only I could stay there for hours and let my mind ease off and not worry about anything. ^-^


More BCN fotos hasta mañana!
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