Category Archives: Stories
Canton Hong Kong Festin de Chine
Google just sent me an email out of the blue:
Your photos reached a new record on Google Maps!
When I went to a little Chinese restaurant in the Colonel Fabien area in Paris. It was another rainy day (yes, there were many this trip), so I was the only customer in the restaurant.
It was newer, open for less than a year. I noted it when I went for a few days in August, but I didn’t get a chance to eat there.
This time, I took the liberty of adding it on Google Maps, a strange thing I do for many new small businesses.
I also took a couple of snapshots to add to the Google Location.
My photo has received 119 view last week and 1,017 views since mid-June.
I generally like to be useful and helpful, and even on vacation, I love small businesses.
Here’s the thumbnail that was in the Google email:
The Parisians
I’ve heard stories from several people in the United States about “the rude shopkeepers in Paris.”
These stories confuse me. Of course, everyone knows I’m truly enchanted with the city, the history, the language, and the people.
I think Americans should try not being gruff and grouchy. Be friendly. They probably know about the area better than you. Ask what food they recommend.
I’ll tell you just one story during my first night in Paris this time.
It was cloudy for my entire trip and mostly rainy. This makes up for my last two years of having flawless weather.
I was at dinner. It was cloudy when I sat down, but it started raining during dinner. During dinner I was chatting occasionally with the waiter.
When it was time to go, I said goodbye, noticed the rain, and just said “Le pleut…..” (*sigh* The rain…..). The waiter told me to hold on for a minute.
He returned with an umbrella that he said a customer left behind about 2 months ago.
Nicest people ever!
Obviously, my experience is likely a little different as a French speaker, but travelers should at least know how to say “Thank you.”
Ask about their language, how to pronounce things on the menu, or if there’s anything going on that you missed on Google.
Video from Paris (Champs-Élysées)
Shopping in Paris
I made a quick video about shopping at Champs-Élysées. Even with rain, there are still beautiful cars around!
Parisian Goal
When I go to Paris, I’m going to be sure to find my photogenic artist.
This time, I’m going to look at his work.
Eventually, I’m going to get a picture from him.
That’s my goal. My immediate goal is to get another good picture.
Under the Bridges of Paris
After checking in, I decided to go to my favorite place, the Seine River. Naturally, I would love to waltz under the bridges of Paris, so I set out on my adventure to find a waltz!
(Those of you who are not familiar, there is a waltz called Under the Bridges of Paris. It’s one of my favorite waltzes, but it’s never played at any ballroom dances because it is short and too slow for most social ballroom dances)
(This post is silly, and it is primarily or solely to showcase my some of my photos from the first part of Day 1 in Paris in my 2015 trip)
Once I got checked in, the first place I ventured was Châtelet, which is a big metro HUB, but it’s also right by the Seine (between Notre Dame and La Louvre).
I got to the Seine and took some pictures.I saw a woman who said she had a nice camera and knew how to take pictures. So after passing the “let use my camera” rule (“I could definitely outrun this person, therefore I can be nice and accept their offer to take my picture”), I gave her my camera to take some pictures. I’ll post a couple pictures. The second is out of focus, but I like how she coached me to line it up (and yes, that is my passport and cards around my neck. I’ll make a post about traveling safety)
Then I went on my adventure to find my waltz!
There are stairs to go by the bank, and there’s a nice sidewalk all along the river. It closes at night, though.
Along the sidewalk, there is a naturally occurring beach with nice sand.
I then saw something that was peculiar and kind of cool. I figured he was a street artist, and I was pretty entertained. They were just setting up when I arrived.
After about 10 minutes, I saw the believed street artist leaving. It turned out wasn’t a street artist at all, but it was just a guy who had an idea for a crazy-fun picture. His friend was wearing a Santa hat. I wonder where they were heading to next!
…. but I continued…..
Next, I saw what was certainly an international Foosball competition.
Well that was a sport, and I see a large wooden floor, but that’s not waltzing…. so I continued….
I got distracted by the wonderful views, especially from down low, and I did have a camera in my hand, so I took a couple of quick snapshots.
But as I kept walking…. I found it! I found a place where they have dance lessons Under the Bridges of Paris! They were closed, but I can come back later, right?
I looked at their schedule. There were many options for Latin and Swing dances.
I was wrong the whole time. There is not waltz under the bridges of Paris, at least nothing organized.
I’ll have to bring a partner and sound system with me next time I go.
So ended my search for a waltz Under the Bridges of Paris.
Luckily, that was only one of several adventures in Paris. I’ll tell more stories and post more pictures for a while. While I was only in Paris for 3 days (plus travel), I have a lot of stories to share.
Until I make another post, you should read some other stories from traveling.
Oh So French (probably part one of many)
I’m in a cafe, and I dropped my fork.
I put it on the table crooked:
The waiter, after taking an order right behind me, nonchalantly and probably out of habit, just quickly straightened the fork and flipped it upright. He didn’t even slow down his very fast pace. It was very French.
On the other hand, he was patient when I ordered in French.
Also, I ordered a fresh squeezed lemon juice. It was lemon juice half filling a glass, and a glass of sugar packs and a bottle of water to make lemonade to taste.
Je s’ adore!