ANZAC DAY and HOLLY'S BIRTHDAY

A very sad day as we remember

But also a very happy day because HOLLY is 4 today.

 Happy Birthday to our sweet little HOLLY.

PARIS - CITY OF LIGHT NO MORE

Will Paris still be a ‘city of lights’ following illumination ban?

 

The lights will go out in Paris on 1 July, 2013. 

Or at least the lights in office buildings and store windows,

 as of 1am daily, for environmental reasons. 

Late night lovers will be left in the dark,

 no longer able to stroll through the streets window shopping

 in the "City of Love".

 It really loses its magic when the lights don't shine, yes!

 The Centre Georges Pompidou will lose its attraction.

Luckily, city centers that are tourist attractions are spared this new ruling

 from the Ministry of Ecology

So Notre Dame will still glow in the dark

 And the Eiffel Tower will still sparkle.

 à bientôt  
Judith :)

2013 - UNLUCKY FOR SOME

Hope the new year is turning out to be everything you wish it to be.

13 can be an unlucky number for some, me - I don't believe such tales - after all 13 is the number that has sat on my letterbox for near 23 years so how can it be unlucky.

 No 13 is not an unlucky number.

In fact let's hope that 13 is the luckiest number for all of us.

I could perhaps even live in the 13th Arrondissement in Paris

What do you think, is the 13th Arr. better than the 5th Arr. - Perhaps but I hardly think so. Even though they are located directly behind one another - I still love the 5th Arr.

I LOVE PARIS - AND I ALWAYS WILL

à bientôt  
Judith :)

A HOT CHRISTMAS

My dear sweet home of Perth has just experienced one of its hottest Christmas Days on record with the days that have followed being extremely hot as well.

A lot of people head to the beach on Christmas Day - it's a tradition to some...but give me french rain any day.

We are experiencing a heat wave my friends and where would I rather be, yes you guessed right, kicking my heels up in the cool breeze of Paris would be just grand.

I am writing this post on Saturday evening, 29 December 2012 and at 11pm it is currently 28.8c degrees with forecasts for Sunday at 40c, Monday (New Years Eve) at 40c, Tuesday (New Years Day) 39c and so on.  I can see how the rest of the world has trouble relating to us - we are definitely the sunburnt country.

à bientôt  
Judith :)

Yes I Would

 

Of course, right now this is where I would love to be.

How about you?

Pretty In Pink

 I would love to own the above keepsake box to keep my Paris dreams in.

And while I'm dreaming I could use the coasters below to rest my wine glass on.

Are they too pink for you?

What A Doll

 What little girl wouldn't love a dress up doll like this.

 In fact I would love a dress up doll like this.

I love people who are so creative and talented to make such wonderful things.  

What wonderful thing can you make, do tell?

Time Waits For No-one

Why is it that the week-end goes so fast and before we know it we have to think about going back to work. The upside is working allows us to save for holidays - and hopefully my next one will be in paris, sil vous plait!

Sunday in Paris

Markets are such a vibrant part of city life in Paris and a lazy Sunday strolling through one is a perfect way to end the weekend, oui?  Hey I might just see you there one day.

Weekend Is Here

 The weekend has finally arrived.  Weather is looking mighty fine.  Whether you are in Paris or Perth, the only thing that really counts is that you are wearing a smile.  Enjoy yourself won't you!

Rue de la Huchette

This little street is where I lived for the month of October in 2009.  The plan is to go again next year but this time for twice that long.  Now which street will I live in on my return.  Any ideas on where best to stay this time round?


 

Feeling Hungry

Two of my favourite pastries.
If you could only pick one, which one would you choose?

I Prefer Shopping, Merci

C'est la rentrée! Which means it's back to school, work and the everyday rhythm after France has been on holiday for the past two months.  Hmmm!!! I think that I would rather still be on holiday and enjoying the shopping, wouldn't you.

I Miss Paris

I would love to go to Paris.  Are you planning on going there soon.  Who knows, perhaps....

What I am currently reading...

Talk to the Snail by Stephen Clarke

(Ten Commandments for Understanding the French)

I confess, I have a bizarre hobby of reading books about France, or more truthfully about Paris.  Why exactly, I'm not really sure.  Perhaps it is because I love the city.  Not necessarily for its people or its places, more for its charm, yes Paris has charmed me and I can't wait to return.
I am just starting out and on the back cover it tells me: 
"The only book you'll need in order to understand what the French really think, how to get on with them and, most importantly, how to get the best out of them."
Interesting statement yes, I'll share my thoughts with you when I have finished.

You will see a lot of books of this theme on my reading list

Welcome to my Blog

The definition of the French word bienvenue is fairly straightforward. It means "welcome". There are some tips and tricks to using it properly.
The most common mistake people make when using the word bienvenue is choosing the masculine ending when the feminine ending is needed.
When there is no verb in the sentence, you must choose the feminine form. This mistake happens frequently on signs welcoming people in various languages; many people just open a dictionary and choose a form. On a sign, since there is usually no verb preceding the welcome message, one would choose the feminine form.

• Masculine form: bienvenu
• Feminine form: bienvenue

Proper use on a sign:

• Bienvenue (Welcome)
• Bienvenue tout la monde (all are welcome)

When bienvenue is used with a verb, it should match the gender of the person(s) to whom you are speaking:

• Soyez le bienvenu.
• Soyez la bienvenue.
• Soyez les bienvenus (or bienvenues if it's an all female group). 

This is why we all love PARIS

Watch and enjoy this comic version of all the things we love about Paris.