Category: Paris

23 years ago, two of the most exclusive streets in the Western World decided to become sisters!

Avenue Montaigne in Paris and Madison Avenue in New York.

Happy anniversary!

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There is an impressive exhibit at the Grand Palais entitled “La Voie du Tao” which draws a very contemplative, respectful and rather silent public. No crowds, no noise. As though the exhibit itself was what we imagine as Zen.

The entrance ticket. Tao?

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Sculpture … painting … photographs … artifacts … furniture and  fashion all find their way into museums and exhibits.

Mona Bismarck was a countess who created a Foundation in her Parisian mansion located on the Avenue de New York.  And right now, there is a very off-the-beaten-track exhibit entitled “Buttons: an artistic phenomenon, historical and cultural.” Hats off to Loïc Allio, collector and artist whose passion is shared by artists and historians … and who will delight you with his stories … in English or in French.

You are the Countess’ guest. No admission charge.

Inside …

there are thousands of these. All shapes, sizes, colors, materials, designs, ages.

dating from ancient history to modern fashion design. A must.

Buttoning and unbuttoning: a subject for another day!

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On the rue St. Jacques just next to the Paris-American Art Academy and the Chapel of the Val de Grace, is the Schola Cantorum. This music school is open to all, and trains young and not as young alike in all the musical arts. It has a garden and in the garden are a few sculptures. Here’s a photo of one of them. Next time you’re in the neighborhood, go in and through one of the doors to the garden. You won’t regret it.

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au Luco last Sunday at about 7.

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Apparently, “tampopo” (that’s to say the Japanese pronunciation of this word) means “dandelion” or in French,  “pissenlit.”

Japanese restaurant where the staff is Japanese. Call for reservations: 01 47 27 74 52.  Speak slowly and very clearly. For simplicity, you might want to reserve with well-known names like “Carla” or “Yoko.” Pour deux – Two, please. One o’clock. Treize heures.

Excellent timely service … not fast food.

66 rue Lauriston 75116 Paris

About dandelions, suburban American culture tends to demonize this delicious plant and its pretty yellow flowers as a weed. However,  green dandelion leaves are just a little bitter but crispy and are eaten in France as a treat. Wild salad.  Of course, the French eat all sorts of things, n’est-ce pas?

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A brilliant movie … even if the simple is complex here … or vice versa. Or the original is a copy of an original.

If you don’t like mental gymnastics, this is definitely NOT for you. BUT if you enjoy incredibly good acting as well as the charm, wit and emotional soul of Juliette Binoche speaking English, French and Italian fluently … you can’t possibly be disappointed.

((**** Congratulations, Ms. Binoche! Just heard the news! Palme d’Or for Best Actress in Copie Conforme. You deserve it!! ***** Brava!!))

Set in an authentic Tuscan setting, you feel there. It makes you want to be there. Beautifully filmed.

This may appear to be on the fringe of our reality. But it is someone’s reality. And movingly so. Even if … it is a fictional reality. Get it? You don’t? Don’t worry. Art can take time to get to you. The difference between “The” and “A” …

Here’s a posting in English from THE NYT . If you look at the right side of the screen, there is an audio of Juliette Binoche talking about this incredible film experience. She lets you in on the secrets of this masterpiece.

a double bill with kiarostami.

At the Balzac.

on rue Balzac (as in Honoré de ) just off the …

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For three days, the Champs Elysées has become an outdoor ‘nature’ gallery. How strange to see all these visitors – trees, wheat, tomato vines – even sheep and 4 cows – set up as exhibits.

The weather was perfect. Here are a few snapshots.

This is what I could see ahead. Green.

(Savannah goes Green on St. Patrick’s Day.)

There were all sorts of people: young, very young, and even younger.

And speaking of cross-cultural … I mean, cosmopolitan!

Speaking of age, I believe that’s young lavender. From what I read, all the plants and trees were for sale and if bought for a charity, were tax deductible.

I good way to clean up!

just 1/400 th of a second !

Lots of people so if you go … you’d better follow this proverb:

“The early bird gets the worm.”

PS: The sheep were protected from the crowds.But I’m not so sure they felt so safe …

Here they are:

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Last night, hundreds of workers were transforming the Champs Elysées into a “green place”

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Now here’s one rare place for Japanese tea in Paris.

You might need to reserve. And for the site,  you might need to read French, or failing that, Japanese. Though there are some nice pictures and the prices are in euros.

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