Institut Du Monde Arabe, Paris – A Hi-Tech Mashrabiyya

21/09/2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

Photo essay on the hi-tech Institute du Monde Arab (World Arab Institute), in Paris, designed by architect Jean Nouvel

Paris – Métro Station Cité

14/09/2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Cité, the only metro station on the Île de la Cité – the island where Paris began – is better known for its original, Hector Guimard designed, sinuous green cast-iron entrance (above). But its interior is no less appealing.Until next time…..happy travels no matter where life takes you.

Notre Dame de Paris – D’autres Vues

08/09/2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Once a little Gallo Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, this Gothic masterpiece celebrates its 850th anniversary this year. A thirteen meter high temporary structure built across from the entrance, works like a mini amphitheater for celebratory events in the Place du Parvis, and is a great, if rather ugly, vantage point to view its magnificent facade. […]

Paris – Les Meilleur Macaron

03/09/2013.Reading time 2 minutes.

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It seems to me like the whole world and its brother, considers Ladurée the Mecca of fine macarons. I personally know several people whose only request to friends visiting Paris, is to bring back a box of Ladurée goodies. So off I went to Ladurée on our first trip a few years ago, with the greatest expectation […]

Paris – A Moveable Feast!

14/08/2013.Reading time 3 minutes.

Not many might be aware of French gastronomy having been declared ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise really, knowing the French obsession with things culinary. Cuisine is greatly valued in many European societies. But the French take it up a notch. Here cuisine isn’t food. It is a tradition. A symbol […]

Paris – Pont des Arts

10/08/2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Locks of love on the Pont des Arts - Paris

The Pont des Arts. Weighed down by the burden of undying love. Until next time…happy travels, no matter where life takes you.

Paris – L’ancien Et Le Moderne

07/08/2013.Reading time 6 minutes.

Much of the Paris we see today is the product of the gargantuan nineteenth century ‘remaking’ of Paris by Baron Hausmann, that ripped out and restructured entire neighbourhoods, with scant attention to more than 2000 years of accrued history. Its ancient labyrinth of narrow, snaking streets and cramped dwellings, transformed into this sumptuous and alluring […]

Paris Moments

03/08/2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

My exquisitely plated starter at Pirouette restaurant, that foreshadowed a deliciously perfect evening. Now before you jump to conclusions let me assure you, we did a lot more than eat our way through Paris.

A Sunday In Paris

02/08/2013.Reading time 5 minutes.

The biggest allure of a visit to France for me is her array of neighbourhood markets. And Paris is undoubtedly a mecca for market enthusiasts, boasting more than 80 of them, some covered and permanent, and most temporary roving markets – called marchés volants – sprouting up a few days a week. Our Sunday morning starts with […]

Paris – An Edible Masterpiece

27/07/2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

The Ispahan No, not the city in Iran or the Damask rose. This is a concoction of fragrant rose cream with chopped litchis and luscious, whole raspberries, sandwiched between two crunchy, startling pink macaron shells. And topped with a single raspberry and a velvety rose petal, complete with a glistening sugar dewdrop.Enjoyed in the Place Saint […]

Paris – Pyramid du Louvre

26/07/2013.Reading time less than 1 minute.

I M Pei’s sparkling masterpiece of an entrance – albeit controversial – to an abode of exquisite masterpieces. It is said that of the 8 million average annual visitors to the Louvre, nearly 50% come for the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Pyramid! Until next time…happy travels no matter where life takes […]

France – Haut De Cagnes

26/04/2013.Reading time 3 minutes.

High up on the hills bounding the French riviera, like some lofty nests of birds of prey, sit the villages perchés. The perched villages, originally built as defensive fortifications against marauding pirates and invading armies, fell into disrepair postwar, receiving a new lease of life over the next decade, when coastal residents restored the crumbling buildings to their former glory. […]