Photo by myself on or about Rue Moffetard, in Paris.
The area on and around Rue Moffetard in Paris, is known for tons of eateries, bars and the occasional clothing store. The street is packed every night with students, visitors and locals, looking for dinner.
Unfortunately my photos from Paris are very limited this year; I was too preoccupied with looking around, and then there was an terrible accident with my camera and a bottle of water. Ugh.
My camera is pretty beaten up, so maybe this was good timing. The photo below was taken on my phone.
Outside a restaurant serving Spanish food, a giant pan of paella was being cooked up. The dish is served only on Wednesdays.
Related posts: No-Bull Hot Dogs, on the Upper West Side, Outside Baked by Melissa, in Soho, and Baked Fresh Daily, in Soho.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Up and Down Rue Moffetard, in Paris
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Serious Sweets, in Paris
Photo by myself, in Paris.
Two gentlemen ordered their pastries the other day in a little shop that sold treats covered in honey. I'm not sure which neighborhood this was, probably near Montparnasse, where we were walking around from beautiful boutique to beautiful boutique.
I must say, the bread places and patisseries that are open to the streets are pretty incredible. You can just smell freshly baked STUFF with butter. I'm very lucky not to have much of a sweet tooth, but even without one, I have been tempted by all the gorgeous cakes and things. The French take these pleasures very seriously, along with their coffees and wine.
Our typical day has gone like this: coffee and light breakfast while sitting outside, then a walk around, then a simple lunch, say a toasted sandwich with salad, with more coffee, then more walking around. Then perhaps a breather with a macaroon and coffee, then a careful yet deliberate search for the perfect dinner place, followed by desert somewhere else, such as perhaps a crepe made on the street. Yippee!!!!
The sweets on show at Thevenin, in the 6th Arr., near the Luxembourg Gardens. We sampled some really delicious macaroons.
Related posts: Get Your Street Sweets Here, Pistachio Cupcakes, in the East Village, and Serving It Up, at Naruto Ramen, in Park Slope.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Night View, in the Spiegelwartier, Amsterdam
Photo by myself in the Spielgelkwartier district, in Amsterdam.
Just the night view on one of the roads in the Spielgelkwartier, in Amsterdam. This lovely area is home to many antique and fine art stores, and is brightly lit at night.
I'm on vacation for the moment but will be home soon.
Related posts: From New Amsterdam to Amsterdam and Beyond, Sweet Memories, and On Custom Bikes, in the Village.
Monday, September 28, 2015
Beautiful Amsterdam, Day Two
Photo by myself, in the Jordaan neighborhood, Amsterdam.
Mark and I stumbled into a very pretty antique store in the Jordaan, on Saturday. This neighborhood is filled with similar beautiful shops selling beautiful things. Every item (clothing, gift, house ware, whatever) is artfully positioned.
If you have any interest in beautiful things, Amsterdam is the place for you. Just walking down a street looking at the old doors and doorknobs is enough to satisfy me.
We also visited a large outdoor street market. All sorts of food and clothing and furniture were being sold. There were many people moving at a leisurely pace, but it was a complete pleasure, and nothing at all like the grungy street fairs we have in New York.
A woman sold fresh cut flowers. Other stalls were selling bulbs and seeds.
I picked up a couple small rounds of gouda to bring home.
Related posts: From New Amsterdam to Amsterdam and Beyond, Sweet Memories, and On Custom Bikes, in the Village.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Street View, in Amsterdam
Photo by myself, in Amsterdam.
We are in Amsterdam for just a few days. Above, a typical beautiful street shot, where bikes and coffee shops and boutiques are commonplace. My fiancé Mark and I are spending our time walking around, sighing and saying 'Wow, this is beautiful.'
After Amsterdam, we will spend a few days in Paris. I'll post some more photos in a little bit.
Related posts: From New Amsterdam to Amsterdam and Beyond, Sweet Memories, and On Custom Bikes, in the Village.
Sunday, July 7, 2013
A Brief Glimpse of Woodstock, New York
Photo by myself, in Woodstock, New York.
The main streets of the lovely little town of Woodstock, New York, are lined with wood guitars, each one with a distinct personality. Some are decorated with childrens' wood blocks, buttons or graphics. I liked the one above the most, with its artistic collage.
We thought that further north would be a good escape from the summer heat for a few days, but NO. It is just as hot and humid, with temperatures hovering around 90F. Fortunately, there are many little streams and lakes in Woodstock, which are perfect for humans and dogs to cool off.
People have been very laid back and friendly. Like typical city slickers, we completely forgot that things close earlier outside the city (!) and were almost stuck on July 4th without dinner.
A photo of one of the main streets, lined with little shops and restaurants.
Outside The Old Forge, one of the many antiques stores, which sells all sorts of music and psychedelic memorabilia.
A cardboard cut out of Jimmi Hendrix standing with his drummer, Mitch Mitchell. The town's main street is in the background, beyond.
The above photos were taken with my iphone. We'll be heading back to Brooklyn on Monday.
Happy weekend, everyone!
Related posts: A Last Look at Beijing, China, The Hotel Shangri-La, in Santa Monica, and Highlights from Japan, Part Two.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Greetings, from the West Coast
Photo by myself on Ocean Avenue, in Santa Monica.
The sunsets can be really lovely here, in Santa Monica.
Ocean Avenue is one of the main north-south streets, along the water. There is a huge drop of (at least) sixty feet to the beach below. The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as the PCH, runs alongside the beach out of view.
In the daytime, it is brightly sunny and breezy. Above, the view along the beach and the dozens of colorful, playful (and expensive) beach houses. There is a path for joggers and cyclists. To the left is the beach, with volleyball nets set up for public use.
During the week, a smattering of people enjoy the beach. On the weekends, it is a little more crowded, but there is so much beach that it's never as terribly crowded as it can be in the northeast (!).
I'm here for a few days, while my fiance Mark is working. I'm flying back to New York, Wednesday evening.
Related posts: The Hotel Shangri-La, in Santa Monica, Greetings, from Santa Monica, and Sunset, from the Hotel Shangri-La, LA.
Monday, March 25, 2013
The New York, New York Hotel, on the Strip
Photo by myself outside the New York, New York Hotel, on the Las Vegas Strip.
No, not the Brooklyn Bridge, but a very good simulation out in Las Vegas!
The New York, New York hotel also has the Chrysler Building and Statue of Liberty outside, as well as a roller coaster. Inside, there are casinos, eateries and walkways lined with facades depicting New York City neighborhoods.
My fiance Mark and I were in Las Vegas for a couple days. A quick visit was plenty for us.
A view from the foot of the New York, New York hotel, complete with fake skyline.
Looking down the Strip at all the twinkly lights.
Related posts: A Day Excursion to Nara, Japan, Greetings, from Beijing, China, and Greetings, from Casa del Mar, in Santa Monica.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
A Glimpse of the Hard Rock Hotel, in Las Vegas
Photo by myself in the Hard Rock Hotel, in Las Vegas.
Shiny Harley Davidson motorcycles flank the entrance inside the casino at the Hard Rock Hotel where we're staying, in Las Vegas.
Beyond, you can see one of the many blackjack tables and one of the many, many bars, with tv screens on top. To the left, some of the slot machines.
Mark and I are here for a couple days, before driving to LA. I've never been to Las Vegas (!). It's a bit over the top, to say the least.
The hotel is great, but it's spring break and of course there are tons of crazy kids running around, whooping it up. It's about 70F during the day, and the pool areas are swarming. Meanwhile, the casinos here are open 24/7.
It's also basketball season. Below, a photo of the sports betting area at the hotel, where games and events are displayed so guys can bet all their money and hang out with their buddies.
The sports betting area at the Hard Rock Hotel. Everything you can possibly bet on is displayed on an immense curved screen.
Posts will continue while we're on the West Coast. We're due back in New York on Friday, March 29th.
Related posts: A Day Excursion to Nara, Japan, Greetings, from Beijing, China, and Greetings, from Casa del Mar, in Santa Monica.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
The Look, in Shibuya, Japan
One last look, or series of looks from Shibuya, a very busy part of Tokyo.
It was rush hour Friday, and tons of commuters were streaming by. The sun was setting, bathing everyone's heads in a warm glow. Some people noticed me and gave me looks. Others were completely oblivious.
Just behind me was a huge intersection where five streets come together. It's perhaps the busiest intersection on the planet.
We are returning to New York today. This weekend is Labor Day weekend in the States. Most businesses are closed on Monday!
Happy weekend, everyone!
Related posts: The Look, Outside the Flatiron Building, The Look, on Greene Street, in Soho, and The Look, Outside the Dakota.
Friday, August 31, 2012
A Glimpse of Old Japan, in Kyoto
A young woman dressed as a geisha walked down one of the picturesque streets in Kyoto, Japan.
Some of the streets in Kyoto are lined with traditional bars and tea houses, where geishas and geisha apprentices entertain visitors.
Kyoto is a very large city, located a couple hours outside Tokyo. Just a few streets away from the above photo were high end, modern shopping malls and streets teeming with people and taxis.
We had a lovely time walking about this city, if only for a couple days. It's been a long trip, though, and we'll be happy to return home.
Related posts: Greetings from Tokyo, Highlights from Japan, Part One, and Highlights from Japan, Part Two.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
A Farewell to Fukuoka, Japan and Ichiran Ramen
A night view at one of the many yatai along the canals in Fukuoka, Japan.
Fukuoka is a canal city and is much smaller in scale than Tokyo. 'Yatai' are the street carts parked along the main canals in Fukuoka, at night. They serve up satay, ramen and beer. During the day, the cooks rest and the yatai are packed up and parked away.
My fiance Mark and I are leaving Fukuoka on Wednesday, traveling to Kyoto, a historic city about 3 hours away. This was our second visit to Fukuoka and I am absolutely saddened to leave.
There is a vibrant street culture here that is precious. People are friendly and very polite when approached (in general, the Japanese keep to themselves). We have enjoyed walking about and getting to know this city.
One of our favorite discoveries has been Ichiran noodles. Ichiran is a chain of restaurants throughout Japan.
Eating Ichiran noodles means sitting at a bar with blinders to either side, so you are focused on your food experience. The main attraction is tonkatsu ramen, a traditional ramen in a broth made from stewing pork bones for hours.
You order your food via vending machine, as with many Japanese restaurants. Then you customize your order with a checklist - firm noodles or soft, with hot sauce or without, with pork meat or not.
Then you place your order by pressing a button. A waiter/waitress rolls up the screen and takes your order. You can only see a bit of their torso. After a few minutes, presto, your ramen is delivered in a clay pot, and the screen is rolled down.
A photo of my Ichiran booth. Each booth has its own water dispenser, glasses, soup ladles and wall of instructions.
Each ramen costs about $10 US. You can add full or half-servings of noodles to your broth as well. I was so in love with this place, I went once for lunch and again for dinner!!!
Mark and I are delighted to learn that there will be an Ichiran opening in New York, though we're not sure when. I'm also doubtful how well these booths will hold up in New York, where younger kids tend to litter everything with graffiti.
For more about Ichiran, see their website (in English) here.
I am away in Japan through the rest of August! Posts will continue here, as usual.
Related posts: On Night Life in Fukuoka, Japan, A Trip to the Countryside, in Yufuin, Japan, and Highlights from Japan, Part One.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Cats for Hire at the Neko Cafe Keurig, in Fukuoka, Japan
One of 30 cats at the Neko Cafe Keurig paid me no mind, Sunday afternoon. In the background is the petting room and cafe entrance.
I stumbled upon a unique cafe in the Daimyo shopping district of Fukuoka, Sunday. 'Neko' means 'cat' in Japanese. In Japan, for those who love cats but cannot own one, the solution is to visit a neko cafe and spend time with cats (!).
There were cats on high perches, and cats walking across gangplanks, and cats walking about with customers. Six cats slept on top of each other in the corner of the front window (!). Meanwhile, small kittens slept in cages.
I met the cafe owner, Kayano Nomura. She is a sweet lady who rescues cats from the streets and finds homes for them. Nomura has saved some 200 cats already (!). She made me feel right at home.
A session of 30 minutes is 280 yen, or $3.50 US. Cooling drinks and snacks are served as well. I had a lovely time and will visit again on my next trip.
For more about the Neko Cafe Keurig and Nomura, including some great photos, click here.
For the Neko Cafe Keurig website, which links to their blog ('Today's Cat Cafe', both in Japanese) click here.
I am away in Japan through the rest of August! Posts will continue here, as usual.
Related posts: The Woman with a Cat on her Back, Cat on a Leash, in Midtown, and Beware of Cat, in the East Village.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
A Day Excursion to Nara, Japan
Several deer mingle with visitors in Nara. Above, one of the gorgeous historic wooden structures in the park.
Nara was once the capital of Japan, back between 710 to 784, when it was called Heijokyo. The city is located 4 hours from Fukuoka, where we are staying. It is 1 hour away from Kyoto, another historic city we will visit later, and it is 3.5 hours from Tokyo.
I visited Nara on Friday, as much to see the historic temples as the deer, which are not afraid of humans.
It was a bright and super-hot day. The walk from the train station to Nara Park was a short one, lined with stores and eateries. Deer were scattered about and hawkers were selling bread to feed them for 150 yen (about $2 US).
One of the first things I did was buy some bread to feed the deer. I immediately found myself swarmed by male bucks. The pushiest one kept poking me with his antlers. At one point I had my back turned and got some serious pokes from behind. All I can say is, OUCH!!
I love animals, but after a short while I decided the deer were stomachs on legs. The females and younger males were much less pushy.
As for the temples, they are certainly a must-see. Some seemed much larger than the ones I saw in Beijing earlier this year, with swooping roofs and deep overhangs. The gate near the Todaiji Temple was very tall, with soaring timber supports inside. You could see all the joinery, which was incredible.
I am away in Japan through the rest of August! Posts will continue here, as usual.
Related posts: On French Maids and Boston Terriers, in Japan, A Trip to the Countryside, in Yufuin, Japan, and A Visit to the Tsujiki Fish Market, in Tokyo.
