samedi 8 mars 2014

Hot chocolate and macarons at Ladurée - on a date!


By now you all must know my opinion of Frenchmen. I don't take anything back and I'm still quite sure that I will never understand their way of thinking. But what I said about Paris being the best city for dating is also so true. Okay, the Frenchmen don't get the idea of casual dating but when they decide to be on their best behavior, they really know how to do that and the cliché of romantic French gentlemen seems almost real. 

I hadn't been on a date for over a month but this week I decided to go out with this guy I had been talking to and who seemed really nice. This will definitely be on the list "my favorite dates in Paris", that I shared with you. The sweetest, most adorable first date ever: this guy took me to the Ladurée café at Champs Elysées! I had a hot chocolate and he took a milkshake and we shared some macarons, how cute is that? The café was classy like Ladurée is (and full of tourists) but really cozy and I spent a lovely evening. In my anti-valentine's post I said that it's hard to find true love and lasting relationships in Paris, that after a dream date all that's left is sweet memories and nothing more. But you know what, this time I was so amazed and pleasantly surprised that I don't even care. But let's hope for the best. ;)

Here's some pics!
xoxo: Emi



 





vendredi 28 février 2014

Makes me happy

Thank you for reading my blog!! So cool, makes me happy! I didn't expect that my writing of French men and dating in Paris would get this much attention. More page views than ever before (except maybe A and Y's wedding), and so much commenting and discussion that I myself start getting a bit tired of this topic. I need a little break, then I'm sure I'll be ready to date again. The other day when I was walking around at rue Montorgueuil I looked into a souvenir shop and by chance found this book called "The best places to kiss in Paris". In order to broaden my vision and to reinforce my status as an expert in dating in Paris, of course I had to buy it. So (hopefully) more stories to come and should you need any tips for a romantic stay in Paris, feel free to ask me. 



 
One last word related to my anti-Valentine's post. Frenchmen: don't think that I will leave you alone now. Be careful what you say or do because everything may end up in my book. Which is not necessary a bad thing: every story needs a fairytale ending, do you want to be in mine? :)

I also bought another book, it's called "Paris - 100 lieux inattendus - les meilleurs plans pour profiter de la ville autrement". This because I don’t know if I’m staying in Paris for forever and I don't want to miss anything. Besides, you never know what will happen so you should enjoy the moment, do special things and make the most of every day. Some friends of mine that have always lived in Paris said that they think I’m already more Parisian than they are because I do so much. Probably but sometimes it feels like I don't do anything and when the spring comes, that has to change. So again, if you are out of ideas, let me know!





Other things that made me smile this past week. I came back from relaxing holidays in Finland and was greeted by spring and sunshine. On Monday the weather was even summer-like so after school I should have studied but instead I went for a walk, bought a smoothie (banana-blueberry-acai-apple juice-yogurt) and enjoyed the sun by the Saint Eustache -church, near Les Halles -shopping center.


I worked at a smoothie bar for almost two years - and got addicted to smoothies, now I need to have one almost every day.
 
I had a rdv with my friend D later at Galeries Lafayette so I walked there and did some window shopping on my way (no money for real shopping!). I noticed that in the 2nd arrondissement, by rue Montorgueuil there are lots of small cute boutiques with beautiful, colorful shop windows. This was the first time this year I was wearing only a light leather jacket and even though the summer lasted only for a day, it made me happy and gave me energy to wait for the real summer to come. Moreover, the mornings and the evenings are already a lot lighter than a couple of weeks ago!

+ 16 degrees at rue Montorgueuil!

window shopping vintage clothes...

... pink Benefit - cosmetics...

... tea in all possible colors and flavors...

... and traditional French food! Everything looked so delicious from closer.

I'm eating chocolate again (only reasonably) and I realized that trying not to eat sweets at all was a pointless torture. And I compensate chocolate with loads of sports. On Sunday with J we attended a one and a half hour body-attack class (that was tuff!), on Tuesday I did a balance and yesterday an attack again and then some relaxation in the sauna. I love sports and my Club Med - membership. Whatever is in my mind, when I’m at the gym I don’t think about anything, it's the only place where I'm really resting. I wish I could every day just go to the gym, walk around Paris and do nothing for Uni...

Another place that I love and another thing that makes me happy: La Perle and spending time with E. Like Starbucks with J, La Perle with E has become a tradition, a (almost) weekly pastime. It’s a bar in the Marais, so close to my place that when E calls last minute and wants to go there for a glass of Sauvignon (only 3,8 euros!), I almost always say yes. The ambiance is cozy and it's always so much fun. La Perle is often mentioned as " The place to be among the chic and cool Marais-residents" and I totally agree (being a chic and cool Marais-resident myself ;)). La Perle also has good potential for meeting new people since everyone, especially in the summer, mostly stay on the terrace by the sidewalk, chatting with strangers. The address is 78 rue Vielle du Temple, Paris 3ème, come join us! 


This Monday at la Perle, packed with people as usually.

Me (and the first warm evening this spring!)

And E - on the move!


This afternoon I spent time with my friend T that I hadn't seen in a while. Tea, chocolate and talking, that was great. Now I'm listening to Lea Michele's debut album Louder. She has an amazing voice and an amazing attitude. She always stays positive and shows how to get through anything and in the end be even stronger than before. My dearest friends and everyone else living hard times right now, remember that bad things always come all at once but, also, are always followed by a new era of love, laughter, smiling, sunshine and happiness. And when you feel like it, do what Lea Michele says: come on and scream at little louder. Don't give up, I'm here for you. :)


xoxo: Emi

jeudi 13 février 2014

My anti-Valentine's post

French men, dating in Paris… There’s probably nothing I know more about. And still they manage to surprise me time and time again. French men are generally considered romantic and gentlemen. Are they? Certainly, but that’s not the whole truth. And why do we still care so much about them?

Close to Valentine’s Day and it’s everywhere. Stores, cafés, metro stations, at the gym, even my Spotify wants me to play “la playlist des amoureux” (which I’m, of course, listening to while writing this..). Last year I was happy in couple and spent a wonderful Valentine’s Day. This year I’m happy being single and, to be honest, quite disappointed with how the French men have behaved lately. But I’m planning to spend a wonderful Valentine’s Day anyway. 

Those who have seen the film “Valentine’s Day”, you remember how Kara (Jessica Biel) throws an “I hate Valentine’s Day”- party? One program at the party is to take a mallet and hit a stuffed heart shaped decoration with it until the feathers fly and the whole thing falls apart. Julia (Jennifer Garner) shows a brilliant example on how to extract your men-related aggressions in a healthy way. Unfortunately I will not be in Paris tomorrow night to organize a party so this post will have to do: For all my girls who share my opinion that being single is so much better then being with wrong guys: Happy Anti-Valentine's Day!






I came across this article (beyond many others on the same topic) in Marie Claire. It's about top 10 romantic places in Paris. 
Have a look. 10 best romantic places in Paris 

Traditional spots like the Eiffel Tower, Pont des Arts, a walk at Jardin de Luxembourg, Montmartre with Sacré Coeur steps and a view over Paris. The Square du Vert Galant, a quiet corner in the end of Ile de la Cité, is absolutely a must. But what is Champs Elysées doing on the list? Sure a shopping tour can be a nice part of a romantic stay in Paris but if a man really wanted to impress me, he should take me to rue Saint Honoré instead. 


Square du Vert Galant

From Montmartre

Why is this interesting? Because do the French really go on dates or are these tips only for tourists visiting our beautiful city? We had a big debate about this subject at school the other day, the dating culture in France vs in other countries. My friend S who is French and just came home from an exchange semester from Gothenburg started saying that what was impressing in Sweden is that people date. What she heard or experienced is that for a month or even two you can meet over a “fika” (a cup of coffee with something sweet to eat), or probably have dinner or drinks. That’s how you get to know the other person, no pressure, nothing too serious. And then you decide if you want something more or not. S was surprised about this, casual dating can be so much fun. And what did she think of Swedish guys? They were sweet but she said that the Scandinavians could be a bit more gentlemen, she likes when a guy chases her to get her on a date.

It was long time ago when I went on dates in Finland and I was really young back then but generally it is a lot like in Sweden. What S said illustrates perfectly an other cultural difference that is the behavior of girls. In the Nordic countries girls are taught to be independent and go for what they want. Something me and my Finnish friends have learnt by now is that in France a girl should never make the first move. If she does, she is considered a “fille facile” and the guy doesn’t want anything to do with her anymore. Asking a man out is just not something you should do, and it is hard to accept. 

On the other hand, you never really know what you should do here. Everything is a game, and who knows how to play, wins. And we are so tired of that. I will never forget when my friend E started to study law and her law book started with this idea: ”En mariage trompe qui peut mais en droit des affaires il y a certaines règles à respecter”. Last week I got a text from I guy I was supposed to go on a date with, saying: “Je préfère te prévenir que je ne suis pas célibataire. Mais de nos jours, ce n’est qu’un détail”. Or E’s favorite French proverb: “Ce n’est pas parce que tu as choisi ton plat que tu ne peux pas regarder le menu”. The list could go on and on. Lesson learned: never trust a French man. We so miss the honest and straightforward Finns. 

Back to casual dating and to France… S said that she has never been on a real date in France. The casual dating phase does not really exist, it’s a relationship right away. And, in my experience (and many of my friends), it doesn’t last. Me and my friends noticed this a while ago already. So often guys will be like “oh just come to my place”, instead of taking the girl out on a real date. And it’s not cool because girls love romantic dates! Besides, in Paris dating should be easy. As these articles show, there’s always something to do and the city is full of romantic spots. 

The non-dating is not always true though because me and my friends (especially me and E), we fight against this. We insist on going on dates and try to change the French mentality. Altogether with E we have been on so many dates with so many French guys that we can call ourselves experts. And I have to admit, occasionally they have even made an effort. Here comes my personal favorites:

- Once with my ex-boyfriend we climbed up to the Eiffel Tower late in the evening when there was no one else there, it was amazing.
- I’ve had dinner at Café Marly, overlooking the Louvre pyramid and lunch in the garden of Hotel Costes, both on a first date.
- One guy even took me to the theater on a first date, that was great! He also wanted to go on a hot air balloon tour with me but that never happened…
- One sunny Sunday afternoon last summer I had a date by the Canal St. Martin. There is a bar where you can have your drink to go, in a plastic cup. So we did that and sat by the canal for hours, drinking wine and enjoying the sun. I’ve also been to a Canal St. Martin cruise. With fewer tourists than on the Seine cruises the ambiance was quite lovely.
- Paris Plage every summer, even if it’s a cliché, is a perfect spot for a romantic date. There are bars with terraces where you can sip champagne in a chaise longue and then imagine that you’re walking hand in hand on a real beach. It’s not like in the south but the best we can do in Paris.
- Paris is also full of beautiful parks. My favorite is the garden of Musée Rodin. Go there on a date and you’ll soon forget about the actual museum (which is nice as well I think). There’s also Jardin des Tuileries with a Tivoli for a couple of weeks every summer. One guy took me there on a date once and it was so much fun. Not to mention “La grande roue de Paris”, the Ferris wheel overlooking all the Paris. My friend R’s boyfriend – now husband – proposed to her there on the top (Note: he’s not French, that must be why he’s such a romantic).
- And I have to mention the countless scooter rides around Paris by night. I could never get tired of that. However, I have to get my own scooter (mint green vintage Vespa) soon so that I don’t depend on men anymore….

Vue from la Tour Eiffel

Café Marly

Hôtel Costes


Canal Saint Martin

Musée Rodin

La Grande Roue


What we do here every day ;)

If we are looking for the ultimate, number one romantic date in Paris, I think E beats me in this. Once on a date this guy took her to a rooftop to watch Paris and the stars and then he kissed her for the first time. If anything, that is romantic. But E says that besides that and some lovely moments by the Seine, the illuminated Eiffel Tower in the background, there is nothing romantic about the Parisians. Hmm, not too optimistic.

I read some other articles as well with tips for lovers in Paris and for romantic walks they always suggest the Marais neighborhood, Montmartre, Canal St.Martin and of course the Seine. Been there, done that and yes I especially love walks along the Seine, who wouldn’t? Four years ago when I had just come here, me and my friend S had a competition over who would be the first one of us to be kissed on a bridge of Seine. She won but I came close after. 



For those who are like me and E, already been on several dates in Paris, here’s another list I found:
The only one I’ve done is number 6: “Vin chaud on the Seine” so much still left for future dates… 

Oh and I found a third one that is nice: 
Surprise, written just before Valentine’s Day...

I agree, Paris sounds perfect. But what has all this given us? Lovely moments, sweet memories. Me and many friends of mine ask ourselves the same question: why does it never last? Why is it so hard to find true love and serious relationships here? 

I don’t know. My friend C (hmm and also J) keep saying that I have to lower my standards and expectations if I want to find a decent guy. But I’m not too difficult, am I? I only require that 1) he is tall, 2) he is ambitious and passionate about something, 3) he has his own apartment, 4) he treats me well and 5) he does not vanish into thin air as soon as I start having feelings for him. Is that too much to ask?

But one thing is sure. We’re all (okay not all but almost) in the same misery. And it brings us together and keeps us tight to each other. Endless talking, texting, crying and laughing over men. In the end the conclusion is: we’re better off alone. And when yet another French guy turns out to be a jerk, the good thing is that there will always be more of them, the next one is already waiting around the corner and here we go again.

I’m so happy to have you all, my girls. You remind me again that in Finland Valentine’s Day is called “Friend's Day”. Friendship is more important than any boy could ever be. Although I hope that we all one day will find the one, the one who’s the most important of all. As for me though, I doubt he will be French because I think I’ve gotten enough. Feel free to surprise me and prove that I’m wrong!

So Valentine’s Day and single, you choose what you’re going to do with it:

Me: I’ll spend the day at school with my new friends (I’m so happy that I’ve gotten to know you this year) and my old friends (I’m so happy that you’re back in Paris). Then I’ll hop on a plane with my two little loved ones, F and I, and finally in the evening I’ll be with my family. Not a bad plan I say.

S: “All my friends are either in couple or gone somewhere for holidays. Even my family will abandon me for a week so I will spend Valentine’s Day with my grandparents”. Why not...

E: She seriously considered flying to the south of France to spend Valentine’s Day with a guy she met at a party last week (and who immediately invited her to his place in the south, where’s the casual dating phase again?). But now, she’s sick in bed and hasn’t heard anything from the guy so I guess she’s not going there after all. I just spoke to her to have her opinion for this post and she said, I quote: “I don’t hate all the French guys! I mean, I hate everyone except one”. Right. I hope she will get to be with this special one, one day. 

And J: Well she’s going to watch Olympic ice hockey on TV!


Hyvää Ystävänpäivää – Happy Friend’s Day! 



Lot's of love,

xoxo: Emi

Ps. Speaking of heart shaped candies, I haven't been eating any candy after the new year, which means for exactly 44 days now - quite an achievement for me! So... Since I've done a good training series these past four days (attack - running - combat - attack) I think I could take a little break, enjoy a lazy couple of days in Finland and have some Finnish (okay Swedish) sweets that I love. After all, it's Valentine's Day. 

Pps. Don't take this post too seriously. There are always exceptions, luckily. ;)

lundi 3 février 2014

First signs of spring

Sun shining yesterday in the Marais!


From my window


Too bad I had to study (and I actually  did!), but the view from my window was so tempting - sun is so rare in Paris this time of the year - that I had to take a break and get out. I decided to go for a little run and ended up sunbathing by the Seine. I wish the weather could be like this every day now, I wouldn't mind if it didn't snow this year.


At Place de Vosges



By the Seine. Someone had already taken my usual sunbathing spot


Then just sun


And boats

And Ile St. Louis


In the evening I walked from my place to my friend A's in the 6th, where we had a Finnish-Swedish-Colombian get together with her plus M and I. I took some photos at Louvre while I walked. :)














Today Monday and last day off before going back to Uni. The sun is shining again, maybe this will last! :)

xoxo: Emi

Ps. Everyone's taking this test on Facebook: "Where in Paris should you live?" I got the 11th, apparently I "live in a cool apartment with neighbors who are graphic designers and I don't have much money." Right. Although I'm not far from there I still prefer where I am in the 4th, I think the 11th would be too much partying for me..




 










vendredi 31 janvier 2014

I live when I write

I'm writing my blog again! At a corner table at Starbucks Hotel de Ville with a cup of Tea Chai I listen to the background music and watch people come and go and once again I wonder why a) Everything (studying, writing) is always so much easier at a Starbucks than at home and b) I still, having lived in Paris for four years, always go to Starbucks and not to some charming Parisian cafés. Maybe one day I'll try something French, but I just like the Starbucks ambiance so much!

Anyway, last summer I stopped writing this blog because I felt that I didn't have time to write regularly and it would have been stupid to post something once a month. And then school started and soon got as hectic as always, or even more intense if possible. I sure was writing something every day but for school. Now I'm on holidays before the second semester starts and I know that nothing will change, I will still have lots of work to do for Uni and I also need to write my first Master thesis this spring. But holidays are always good time for thinking. So I've been doing some thinking and decided that I'm just making excuses. If I manage to find time for all the other things I do, I sure will find it for my blog as well. And for example my studies, in theory I like studying and mostly it is interesting but I don't enjoy going to every lecture, doing every written assignment or oral presentation I have to or studying days and nights for exams. But I still find time to do it. I also find time to do my dishes, to wash my clothes and to keep my apartment in order. So why wouldn't I find time for something I love? 

Besides, writing my blog always made me do things because I needed to have something else than my ordinary boring life to write about. It's like I live when I write. :) We'll see how it goes now.

For the moment, I can tell you that I am living even a bit too much. Something's happened to me (and I'm not the only one!). Since the beginning of this year (and even during the weeks when I was supposed to study for my exams), I'm always somewhere. I go out for dinners, drinks or dates almost every night. Or just hang out with my friends at someone's place (or at Starbucks with J). It feels like I'm living in 2010 again. And it's nice, not taking life too seriously, being 20 again. But when school starts again I need to find a balance between my real, "I'm a serious student"-life, and my imaginary, "I'm young and having fun"-life. It's time not only to do everything I have to do for Uni but also to apply to different schools for my last year of Master and find an internship for the summer. All this hoping that everything goes well and that I will graduate one day. Wish me luck!

Champagne with girls to celebrate E's birthday, the end of exams and M leaving to Australia for a while. And just the fact that we're young and happy and friends!


So much fun this night with J going around in bars at Mabillon


Tapas with M at rue Mouffetard


Cocktail catch up with R at St. Michel

Also, what I have been thinking about lately, again, is that I love Paris and that I don't appreciate enough the fact that I'm living here, in this beautiful city. Almost every day I worry about the future and about how my life will turn out and so I forget to live. I think of leaving Paris soon and moving somewhere else. And then I realize that if I actually left, I would miss this place so much. When I tell people that I live in the Marais they always say the same things, that I'm so lucky, that it must be great and I just nod and smile but I don't really get it. Being a student and not even working at the moment, I could have it a lot worse. Walking around in Paris always reminds me of all this. It's really quite nice here. :)


Sunrise at Pont des Arts one morning




A lovely soirée in an apartment at Trocadéro, this is the view from the balcony


E and the Eiffel Tower. I want a place like this!


Moreover, there's always something to do in this city. I've made a promise to myself to do something cultural more often. I started with small exhibitions, it's lighter than walking around in a museum for a whole day. I went to one exhibition at Hotel de Ville, called Brassaï - Pour l'amour de Paris, to see beautiful photos of old Paris and to Musée d'Orsay to one other called Masculin/Masculin - l'homme nu dans l'art, to see old and new paintings, sculptures and photos of, yes, naked men. I wonder what they come up with next. (And no, I couldn't take photos there, that's too bad).








More is to come, my blog is back and I'll keep posting about Paris. Now I'll go out with E for a while, then some sleep and tomorrow morning to the gym (and then some studying!). Enjoy your Friday night, everyone!

xoxo: Emi