Monday Morning Pic-Me-Up

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man...

"... then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."


-- Ernst Hemingway

Paris: traffic stopping action

As mum and I made our way up to Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre we happened upon this scene:

Yes, that's right, a couple snogging in the middle of the road, holding up all of the traffic! We had no idea what to think and neither did many of those watching. As the couple stepped out of their embrace the gathered crowd applauded (and the girl wiped her mouth!).

Then we saw the video cameras.

We waited as they filmed another take: the girl ran across the street towards the boy and then they were locked in a passionate embrace as a van and a Fiat 500 (my fav!) pulled up:

We couldn't decide if it might be for a television series or for a film or for an advertisement. What do you think?


We also didn't recognise the couple, anyone able to place these two?

Les photographies de Karl Lagerfeld

If you happen to be in Paris today, be sure to head to La Maison Européenne de la Photographie and check out the last day of the exhibition of les photographies de Karl Lagerfeld. Mum and I did when we were in Paris last week:

Paris: a teaser



Clockwise from top left: the Eiffel Tower by night, metro rides, ducks at le Jardin du Luxembourg, old-skool bike baskets, art deco architecture, shopping on Rue Cambon, Longchamp bags everywhere and chocolat chaud at Café de Flore.


Just a little teaser of my trip to Paris. Had an amazing time.

La belle Paris

Yesterday - whilst also being Valentine's Day - was three months until I go to Paris!!!!


I am so very excited.


I went to Paris for the first time last summer and loved it. So when the opportunity to go again arose, I jumped at it.


By way of explanation. When I lived in Italy, my roommate - Cecile - was a girl from Strasbourg. We were like sisters by the end of the experience but the distance makes it difficult to see each other very often. I last saw her when I was in Strasbourg for a week during my internship at the European Parliament in Brussels in 2007. We decided that it had been too long so I suggested Paris! We will be joined by another friend - Steph - who was in Italy with us. Steph actually lives in the UK, so I see Steph every few months. In fact, I saw her yesterday - as fate would have it. We celebrated Valentine's Day together with a beautifully romantic walk at dusk over the barrage in Cardiff Bay - arm-in-arm. (Photos to follow!)


I can't wait to see the beautiful city again and this time, to take my beloved camera with me.


In my research for the trip I came across a couple of blogs which I thought I would share with you:


God, I love Paris - is written by an American girl now living in the French capital.


Paris Daily Photo - features a photo a day of the city - surprisingly! But they are always beautiful and inspiring. Love.


Paris Breakfasts - another American in Paris - this one is obsessed with macarons - I love it!!


I have no idea what we will do for our 48 hours in the city. As I have already been once and made the effort to do all of the tourist things, I don't feel the pressure to rush around this time. Cecile has been to Paris often, so it will be nice to go with someone who knows the place a little.


I will try to put together a Guide to Paris on a Shoestring for the blog when I return. Which I will accompany with some photos from the trip!


For now, any tips, hints or recommendations that you have would be greatly appreciated!!


Merci beaucoup!!

How to... dress like a Parisian

I think it is clear from the last three Style Icon posts that I am having a 'French fashion moment'.


The French certainly have that "je ne sais quoi" about them as they saunter - not walk or run or, heaven forbid, rush - down the street.


Here is my guide to dressing like a Parisian.


It isn't necessarily that the French wear up-to-date trends. Instead they wear what is right for them. French women know good clothes and know what looks good on them.


While some women try to squeeze themselves into a size smaller to make themselves feel better, French women know that they will look better in a size that fits them.


A French palette tends to be reasonably neutral - blacks, whites, creams, beiges - with a splash of colour thrown in to brighten the whole outfit.


Each part of an outfit is put together, taking all of the other parts into consideration. A skirt length is complemented by a coat length. A trouser length complemented by a heel height. An outfit is, simply, an outfit and not a few pieces thrown together.


Hair and make up are done to look as if they haven't been. Hair is not poker straight or neatly pinned up. Make up is natural, with the ocassional scarlet lip.


French women are certainly 'well-heeled'. This does not mean that they necessarily wear heels. No, French women are just as comfortable in their Chanel ballet pumps. But they do not wear trainers. Or UGGS. Always shoes.


Of course it also helps if you live in a city famed for its style, elegance and chic and spend your days drinking cafe au lait.


I put together my very own Parisian-inspired lookbook. You can find it here.

Waffles, politics, six and a little boy peeing

There is a smell wafting through the open office window at the moment that smells just like a waffle stand in Brussels. Amazing.


Did I mention before that I lived in Brussels for three months a few years ago when I was doing an internship at the European Parliament?


I learned to love Brussels in that time. I'm not sure it is a city that you immediately fall for, like Paris or Rome but it certainly grows on you. Indeed it is a city of contrasts. On the one hand, it is famous for beer and the city's "mascot" is a little boy peeing and on the other, it is home to the European Parliament and European Commission offices. It is also home to French Belgians and those from Flanders which makes it a clash of cultures. Of course, it also houses an international population, from the African quarter to those in Brussels who work in one of the international institutions. The clashes and contrasts make for an exciting and interesting place to live and as I got to know the city better, so I learned to like it and finally, love it.


Belgium is not a very big country and, as I have found whenever I have travelled in continental Europe, rail travel is relatively cheap. So during my three months I endeavoured to see a little more of the country. One Sunday afternoon I found myself in Antwerp. Again, like most places in continental Europe, much of the city was closed for Sunday but it was a cool place to wander around. Since visiting I have read up more about it and really want to go back. Antwerp is the breading ground of a many a fashion designer, most famously the "Antwerp Six", Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dries van Noten, Dirk van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee. These six - with a seventh in tow (Martin Margiela) - graduated from the Belgian Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the city at the beginning of the 1980s and travelled to London and Paris together, showcasing their unique avant-garde style of fashion.

The city is home to MoMu - ModeMuseum - the popular fashion museum. The building (above) is also home to The Academy of Fashion and the Flanders Fashion Institute. If you are ever in Antwerp, check it out - I intend to!


Whilst researching the city and finding photos, etc, I came across this blog - Antwerp Fashion Observer. I think this demonstrates how Antwerp has produced such amazing designers and will continue to do so.


Hope you've enjoyed this. More soon. Love, SG

Three weeks in!

So I passed the three week mark of the shopping ban on Saturday and still have not broken it! Even after four days in Paris! It has taken some will power!

Paris was amazing! It was my first visit and my mum took me. I fell in love the first evening as we climbed the steps to the Sacre Coeur! I think one of the highlights was the evening boat trip down the Seine that we took, the whole place looked just magical as we floated past.

Obviously we did a little window shopping. Stopping off at Galleries La Fayette one afternoon, where mum bought me a gorgeous Pilgrim necklace. And on the Champs-Elysses I stopped at Sephora and bought myself a Chanel nail polish in a very pale pink. Chic and sophisiticated.

I have a lot of photos from the trip but have yet to work out how to download them from my BlackBerry. As soon as I work out how to use technology I will put them up!

Will write more soon, love, SG

Paris is burning

So a week on Monday I am off to Paris for three nights with my mum. I have never been before but my mum lived there for a year, as au pair, in her teens and always promised to take me. I cannot wait! For me Paris is synonomous with everything glamorous!

I have been trying to figure out what to pack for my trip. I need a travel outfit, three evening outfits and three day outfits. So this afternoon I searched google for, 'what to wear in Paris'. The search came back with a LOT of options. And from these I have compiled my own list for 'must haves' in gay Paris!

1. Black - slimming, classic, goes with everything. Parisian women wear a lot of black, apparently.

2. Scarves - are the perfect accessory. Wear around your neck, hair, tied to your handbag.

3. Jeans are a no, as are trainers. And leave the sports wear (joggers etc) at home.

4. Smart but comfortable shoes are a must as there'll be a lot of walking!

5. Hair and make up can be as neutral as you want!

Chanel in my mind sums up Parisian style perfectly. Below are pictures from the Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

I love the monocrome 'colour' scheme. I love the second dress in from the left.

Whilst searching for these pics I came across that one below. Now, that would be an incredible gift. Please! Anyone!!

Hope you enjoy the photos.

More soon, love, SG

Indonesia Travel Tips II

Here are more tips for you ... You can read other tips in ‘Indonesia Travel Tips I’

6. The staple food in Indonesia is steam rice. It is usually served with a variety side dishes. Most of the side dishes taste spicy. So if you can not tolerate spices, make sure you ask for non-spicy food before ordering. One more thing, make sure that you know exactly the prices of your food before ordering.
Then, do not drink from the tap water. The tap water here does not meet the requirement for safe drinking water. Keep a bottled water with you. You can purchase the bottled water from a supermarket.

7. As Indonesia is a hot and humid country; light clothing, like trousers, slack, shirt, is more comfortable. Avoid wearing halter-tops or shorts unless you are on the beach or around sport facilities area.

8. Do bargain when you buy souvenirs or hire a tour guide.

9. Public toilet here could also be a huge problem. Do not expect to find good and clean public toilet on the street, at bus terminals, train stations or even airports. Even for me, I try not to go to the public toilets unless I really really desperately need one. There are some good and clean public toilets in big shopping malls.

10. Most Indonesian can not speak English and most sign boards are in Indonesian. May be it is better if you are familiar with Indonesian words, such as: Good morning: Selamat pagi; Good afternoon: Selamat siang; Good night: Selamat malam; Buka: open; Tutup: closed; Masuk: enter; Keluar: exit; WC/Toilet: washroom; Wanita: ladies; Pria: gents; Kanan: right; Kiri: left; Pesan: order; Terima kasih: thank you; Makan: to eat; Minum: to drink; Air: water.

11. Lastly, do not forget to take note of these emergency phone number:
Police department: 110
Fire department: 113
Ambulance/ medical emergency: 118/119
Phone directory: 108

Well, those are all tips that I think may be useful for your trip to Indonesia. Even that the public facilities are not as good as you have in your home country; visiting and exploring Indonesia’s natural landscape and culture would broaden your horizon ... because everything here is just different and unique ...

Welcome to Indonesia!!

Indonesia Travel Tips I

Indonesia is the biggest archipelago in the world. It has 5 big islands, (Sumatera, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua); and many other thousands small islands. Yes ... it is a huge country. It is not only Bali or Jakarta :). I have some friends from overseas and most of them are only familiar with Bali or Jakarta. It has about 300 ethnic groups and each group has its own culture, tradition, and language. So you can imagine how rich Indonesia is in terms of its multi-ethnic cultures, traditions and languages ...

Travelling to Indonesia can be an adventurous unique experience for you, apart from travelling to Bali of course. I think Bali is the most traveller-friendly place in Indonesia.
Well, may be some general traveling tips from me can help you to prepare before your visit to Indonesia.
Here you go:

1. Basically, there are only two seasons here: drought season (June to October) and rainy season (November to March). We have sunshine the all year. The best time to visit is during drought season as you do not have to worry about the rain and floods. The general temperature is 21°C (41°F) - 33°C (62°F). Humidity is high at all times, on average of 70%. So sunblock lotion is a must to avoid sunburning.

2. There are three different time zones here, namely West Indonesia Time (WIB: Waktu Indonesia Barat), Central Indonesia Time (WITA: Waktu Indonesia Tengah), and East Indonesia Time (WIT :Waktu Indonesia Timur).
West Indonesia Time/ WIB is UTC/GMT + 7 hours includes Sumatera, Java (including Jakarta) and Western and Central Kalimantan.
Central Indonesia Time/ WITA is UTC/GMT + 8 hours includes Eastern and Southern Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali and Nusa Tenggara.
East Indonesia Time/ WIT is UTC/GMT + 9hours includes Maluku and Papua.
So, always check the local time if you travel across the different time zone cities.

3. For electricity, we use 220 Volts and a two-pronged plug.

4. To make calls or send emails to your hometown/ home country is quite easy. The long distance calls within Indonesia, international calls, facsimile and internet services are available in most of big cities and hotels If you have a limited budget to make a call, you can go to the telecommunication offices, known as WARTEL (Warung Telekomunikasi). It is cheaper than making a call from the hotel. There are also public internet services (WARNET) available in big cities.
You also can accept international calls from your home country. Indonesia country code is +62. Check with the hotel for the local area code, eg. Surabaya area code is 031.

5. Do not expect a good and cheap public transport services here :(. The cheap public transports, like ‘bemos’, ‘bajajs’, and busses, are crowded, not reliable and not safe. If you still want to try the public transports, just be aware to pick-pockets or robbery. Be careful with your belongings. There is a new public transport in Jakarta, Trans Jakarta Busway. I have not tried this bus, so I do not how good it is.
Alternatively, you can take metered-cabs (available in some big cities in Indonesia, like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bali and Lampung) or rent a car (for the rest of other cities). Yup, it is a bit more expensive …
If you want to take a cab, hire a good one. Check with the hotel where you stay. Just be aware, there are some bad and unsafe taxis especially in Jakarta … the driver purposely takes you in the middle of traffic jam or does not take you through direct route to your destination … as a result, you have to pay extra.

If you want to rent a car, it is better to rent it with the driver. First, because we drive on the right hand side of the road here. So it would be a problem for you who are from the left-hand side driving country. Second, most of the road sign boards here are in Indonesian ... could be a problem if you do not familiar with Indonesian. Third, even you are the best driver in your home country, the traffic here is just crazy ... you will not only have to share your way with other lots of cars on the street, but also busses, bemos, motorcycles, bicycles, becaks (in some cities), people crossing the street etc, so you have to know artistically how to drive safely here. If you rent a car, then, it is important to know all the renting terms and conditions and the fare including fuel or driver meal.
In some big cities, you will find people sell food, snacks, drinks etc or singing beggar or beggar asking for money at the traffic light. Just wave your hand to them and do not open your window for safety reason ... just to avoid robbery.

More tips on the next post ...