Using a credit card in France

Sorry to tell you, but NOT everywhere accepts a debit or credit card even though they have the machine that looks like it will charge your card. Alos, when travelling abroad remember to tell your bank, if not the card gets rejected or your account is frozen and that would be a bad trip!

The reason why most american cards or other foriegn card don't work is because there is a chip in European careds.

When to carry cash:

• paying for metro/RER/bus tickets - avoid standing in lines for the booths and rather pay at the automated counters and yes you can buy your tickets in your language and more than likely your card does not work in the machines :(
• the market because 95% of vendors do not have the machines available
• museums - some don't offer credit card services and finding an atm is often difficult and in the tourist areas the lines will be long
• restaurants if they are mom and pop run, cash is better

Where you can more than likely use your card:

• Starbucks, Sephora, Galeries Lafayette
• big chain restuarants
• train tickets for the Eurostar or to go around France

But I think that it is better to carry around cash and to be safe rather than sorry!

A Whole New World of Monet

I have yet to go, but soon my ticket will be bought to see a new show of Monet's! I believe there is a quote that says "once you see one Monet you've seen them all", which is partly true. His countless paintings of Japanese waterlillies and churches at all hours of the day, but in Paris I hope to see another side of the artist. A hope to see the real painting through my eyes and not just a reproduction.

I did once see the Monet waterlillies at the Musee de l'Orangerie, and they were gorgeous.

The expo at the Grand Palais, should be a box office hit with 160 screens all dedicated to Monet, and it includes the 2 hour wait in line. Plus, do not miss out because Grand Palais expos are not something to miss out, the last few years have been quite successful: Picasso and Renoir.

To get a real sight of the old Paris, and French life, take a 8-12 euro stroll, and it will be well worth it!
Now showing till January 24, 2011, and tickets can be bought at Carrefour, or FNAC in advance!

Yes, it may be getting cold outside

but the best ice cream place is Berthillon and all the Parisians would agree!

With flavors like grapefruit, pear, blueberry, and of course the originals vanilla, double chocolate (brownie on a stick) the list continues to go on and ALL should not be missed. Check out the stores on Ile Saint Louis which is next to Notre Dame. Take my advice and walk farther down the street for cheaper prices and better selection, or better yet check out the headquarters, that even has a restuarant!

Even though the scoops may seem small, they taste amazing!

and even though the French might stick up their nose for eating in the street, an idea that I find very strange, walk or sit by the Seine and watch the tourist boats go by!

Check out Berthillon on your next visit.

Spotted: Dezir

before  it was at Paris Auto Show

My sister came to visit back in August and we were strolling towards Place du Vendome, where all the expensive jewelry stores are located, plus you never know who or what you might find hanging around. and voila, it was the Renault Dezir

There is only one that exists in the whole world and the company is not interested in commercializing it.



Have you ever seen anyone famous or something famous, while walking the streets of Paris? feel free to post your pictures!

Happy Strike week 2

This post is for those of you, who are currently on vacation in Paris or are coming sometime soon...beware of the transports (metro, bus, train).

Today starts week 2 of the transport strike and let me tell you it is not fun. Most of the metros, trams and buses iinside of Paris work so if you stay in the city, you shouldn't have problems. But for those who are like me, living in the suburbs or arriving at CDG, getting into Paris, may take longer than usual!

CDG-ers avoid the RER B at all costs, after a long fight, I would imagine you do  not want a headache, so take a taxi (only the ones that say taxi and have the lights, no black-market ones) usually around 40-70 euros depending on your luggage and the number of people. Also, avoid the RER when you need to go back to the airport, there are certain weekends when the train is not even going to the airport and instead there is a bus, again not worth the headache and getting in a  bad mood.

Going to Disneyland should be fine, the RER A is not on strike and is working normal, so no problems there!

same with RER C and going to Versailles, there does not seem to be any problems.

If you are thinking  that you can make a fast connection on rer e from Haussmann St. Lazare to Gare du Nord, avoid it. I take this train everyday (both ways) and it is not worth the zoo it becomes plus people aren't very nice.

To have a great trip in Paris without the headache, walk! The stroll from the Louvre to Arc de Triomphe is not that long and there are lots of exciting things to see along the way. Plus check out these other walking paths!

For more information about trains, metros and trams check out ratp.fr or transilien.fr

Arman at Centre Pompidou

Chopin's Waterloo

Accumulation series

coupes series

Who is he? A contemporary artist who is regarded as being less and less revoulutionary and radical today than in past years. Showing now at the Centre Pompidou till 17 january 2011 at the low price of 8 euros.

Check out this video about his expo:
Arman
envoyé par centrepompidou. - Futurs lauréats du Sundance.

Little more facts about him: He was discovered by Pierre Restany, an art critic, in the early 60's as a memeber of the New Realities group.  Arman's  objective was to redifine the art world, as the video shows. Most pieces of art include burnt objects and destroyed musical instruments that are often exploited. Thanks to him, his work is becoming the norm of 20th century artists!

For all those musicians out there like me, now we have a new use for our old instrument! 

Have you ever seen his works before in an exhibition?  What do you think about his artwork?

It's a new season in Paris

meaning new leaves! and new expos!

Here are some expos to check out when you are sick of walking the Champs-Elysées or sipping cafés.

Reporters with no borders    
Petit Palais

Photos from the collection of Pierre and Alexandra Boulat which opens the universe to photography and contemporary images of often unseen parts of the world.

Closed Mondays -9 September to 27 February 2011

Romantic Russia
Musée de la Vie Romantique

From the Tretiakov Gallery as a celebration of the year of Russia in France. Art galleries and museums are opening their doors to the culture of the North and this expo in particular covers the reigns of Alexander I and Nicolai I.

28 september to 16 January 2011 - closed Mondays

Travel the Capital: Louis Vuitton and Paris
Musée Caranvalet

In 1854, Vuitton opened his first store at Rue de Capucines, and in 2010, the brand has become known worldwide. This expo features the early days of Mr. Vuitton and his family and travels until today, like a suitcase opening its time capsule.

13 october to 27 february 2011, closed Mondays


Louise Bourgeois
Maison de Balzac
3 november to 6 february 2011

Works dedicated to Eugenie Grandet.
"I'm working on a show about Eugénie Grandet for the Maison de Balzac in Paris, opening next november. I love that story. It could be the story of my life." Louise Bourgeois pour The Guardian Newspaper, Londres, 19 septembre 2009.

Larry Clark   
Museum of Modern Art

8 october to 2 january 2011, audience under 18 - not allowed

 
From Tulsa, Texas, this photographer's work is showcases troubled teenagers from drugs to sex.

For more information, check out the links above or to find more expos in the Parisian area: paris.fr