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The annual and always much anticipated Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain (FIAC) open to the public beginning October 21 through the 24th at the Grand Palais and the Cour Carrée of the Louvre with 195 galleries from 24 countries. Visit http://www.fiac.com for more information on this ever-interesting show of contemporary works.
Life goes on in Paris despite the strikes.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
French Strikes October 2010
If you are traveling to France this week (October 20) keep an eye on the political scene and the strike activity. Pension reform issues have set off over a week of major strikes, the public transit system and flights have been impacted. Gas stations are running low on fuel as workers have blocked pipelines.
I have delayed my flight to Paris from Istanbul for three days in hopes that all settles down a bit.
Keep an eye on the news.
I have delayed my flight to Paris from Istanbul for three days in hopes that all settles down a bit.
Keep an eye on the news.
Notes from Istanbul
Istanbul. Two treasures not in the Topkapi Palace. Kuru Fasulye & Kaymak. Yes this city is a fascinating blend of vigorous urbanism, Europe, Asia, splendid architecture & quarters ranging from upscale to in-the-ages. But sometimes it is those simply surprisingly delicious things that impress deeply.
My 'foodie' treats of this trip are ultra rich kaymak, a creme fraiche from water buffalo milk served with deeply flavored honey, and, checking out the versions of kuru fasulye (white beans in butter-tomato sauce). Both sound simple, both are utterly delicious. Of course this is just the tip of the foodie iceberg. Turkish food is flavorful and varied. Generally very good quality and very affordable.
Check out www.istanbuleats.com for great foodie tips all over town. This is proving to be an excellent resource.
I've been back to my favorite, the ever superb Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy on the Asian side twice for utterly delicious meals, but have found several new places I count as favorites during this trip. It is hard not to eat well (and reasonably) here.
Istanbul is legendary for shopping. The textiles are beautiful, patterned tiles, clothing, leathergoods, jewelry, glassware, porcelain, endless gorgeous scarves... it just goes on and on. I found a shop yesterday near Taksim Square off Iskital Caddessi that is a little different. Nahd is a gift shop and consignment shop run by women to support over 20 women's cooperatives around Turkey. This cute little shop stocks beautiful handmade soaps, handmade baby clothes, crafts items and decorative objects.
The consignment area had a great bin of lovely scarves for 5 lira each and also had racks of nice quality jackets, blouses, dresses and such. This is a great place to support women's development projects with your gift shopping lira. The address is Bekar Sokak no. 17.
The ever bustling Iskital Caddessi is a half block away and is an avenue that is chock full of interesting shops and cafes, galleries and covered passages. If you continue down Iskital towards Tunel watch for Ipek on the right after you pass Galatasary Lycee. Ipek has the most beautiful silk scarves and neckties... prices are very fair, the quality is just gorgeous, and most are made in Bursa, a historic center for fine silk and textile making. Food and scarves. I'm happy. And that's before we ride the Bosphorous ferries under a full moon, visit the fabulous monuments like Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Spice Market, the almost-overwhelming Grand Bazaar and simply walk, walk, walk and explore this remarkable city.
Take the walk from Taksim Square all the way down Iskital to Tunel (where the trendy and fun Asmailescit neighborhood is loaded with good bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping). This is a terrific part of Beyoglu on the European side of Istanbul.
Check out my new Istanbul.Ephesus.Cappodocia tour on www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com
The first tour in April is full but pending interest I can schedule a second in the fall. Istanbul is amazing. Come experience it!
My 'foodie' treats of this trip are ultra rich kaymak, a creme fraiche from water buffalo milk served with deeply flavored honey, and, checking out the versions of kuru fasulye (white beans in butter-tomato sauce). Both sound simple, both are utterly delicious. Of course this is just the tip of the foodie iceberg. Turkish food is flavorful and varied. Generally very good quality and very affordable.
Check out www.istanbuleats.com for great foodie tips all over town. This is proving to be an excellent resource.
I've been back to my favorite, the ever superb Ciya Sofrasi in Kadikoy on the Asian side twice for utterly delicious meals, but have found several new places I count as favorites during this trip. It is hard not to eat well (and reasonably) here.
Istanbul is legendary for shopping. The textiles are beautiful, patterned tiles, clothing, leathergoods, jewelry, glassware, porcelain, endless gorgeous scarves... it just goes on and on. I found a shop yesterday near Taksim Square off Iskital Caddessi that is a little different. Nahd is a gift shop and consignment shop run by women to support over 20 women's cooperatives around Turkey. This cute little shop stocks beautiful handmade soaps, handmade baby clothes, crafts items and decorative objects.
The consignment area had a great bin of lovely scarves for 5 lira each and also had racks of nice quality jackets, blouses, dresses and such. This is a great place to support women's development projects with your gift shopping lira. The address is Bekar Sokak no. 17.
The ever bustling Iskital Caddessi is a half block away and is an avenue that is chock full of interesting shops and cafes, galleries and covered passages. If you continue down Iskital towards Tunel watch for Ipek on the right after you pass Galatasary Lycee. Ipek has the most beautiful silk scarves and neckties... prices are very fair, the quality is just gorgeous, and most are made in Bursa, a historic center for fine silk and textile making. Food and scarves. I'm happy. And that's before we ride the Bosphorous ferries under a full moon, visit the fabulous monuments like Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Spice Market, the almost-overwhelming Grand Bazaar and simply walk, walk, walk and explore this remarkable city.
Take the walk from Taksim Square all the way down Iskital to Tunel (where the trendy and fun Asmailescit neighborhood is loaded with good bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping). This is a terrific part of Beyoglu on the European side of Istanbul.
Check out my new Istanbul.Ephesus.Cappodocia tour on www.yourgreatdaysinparis.com
The first tour in April is full but pending interest I can schedule a second in the fall. Istanbul is amazing. Come experience it!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Paris Salon du Chocolat
Love Chocolate? Here's the event for you. The annual Salon du Chocolat rolls into the Porte de Versailles Exposition halls from October 28 through November 1. Hall five.
This year's theme celebrates organic, top quality, sustainable chocolates. In addition to seeing and tasting an extraordinary array of chocolates from France's creme de la creme of chocolatiers you can view chocolate in multiple amazing guises... crafted into haute couture and more. This is an event where pros market to other pros but the public is welcomed.
http://www.salon-du-chocolat.com/salon_intro.aspx
This year's theme celebrates organic, top quality, sustainable chocolates. In addition to seeing and tasting an extraordinary array of chocolates from France's creme de la creme of chocolatiers you can view chocolate in multiple amazing guises... crafted into haute couture and more. This is an event where pros market to other pros but the public is welcomed.
http://www.salon-du-chocolat.com/salon_intro.aspx
Beware of work on the RER B to and from CDG in Oct. and Nov. 2010
Do you take the RER from Charles Degaulle Airport into Paris? Good move if you don't have big bags to schlep up and down the escalators and stairs. However, if you will be flying in or out of Charles de Gaulle Airport in the near future, be aware that the RER line B to the airport will be shut down for renovation work on Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 7.
Travelers should take the RER B to Mitry-Claye, where free shuttle buses will take them to the airport’s Terminal 1. For those going on to Terminal 2 or 3 you then have to take the (free) RoissyVal light railway. Allow an extra half-hour to get to Terminal 1 and an extra hour to get to Terminal 2.
To avoid the RER completely, take a taxi, the low-cost Roissybus (from Opéra, corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber) or the Air France bus (from Porte Maillot, Etoile, Orly, Montparnasse or Gare de Lyon). Or, you can always talk with Your Great Days in Paris about reliable van services to and from the airport.
Travelers should take the RER B to Mitry-Claye, where free shuttle buses will take them to the airport’s Terminal 1. For those going on to Terminal 2 or 3 you then have to take the (free) RoissyVal light railway. Allow an extra half-hour to get to Terminal 1 and an extra hour to get to Terminal 2.
To avoid the RER completely, take a taxi, the low-cost Roissybus (from Opéra, corner of Rue Scribe and Rue Auber) or the Air France bus (from Porte Maillot, Etoile, Orly, Montparnasse or Gare de Lyon). Or, you can always talk with Your Great Days in Paris about reliable van services to and from the airport.
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