Happy Valentine’s Day!

Leave a comment February 14, 2017 Elsa Fridl

Vancouver Cappuccino by Gord McKenna_Flickr Today I am sharing a recipe for French Hot Chocolate based on Cafe Angelina’s recipe, and a poem about love. We might live in a crazy, mixed-up world, where little makes sense, but that is no reason to forget simple pleasures in life, like love and good hot chocolate. In fact, I’d say it’s all the more reason to embrace these things. Take time out to read this short but lovely poem about love, which I’ve illustrated with scenes in Paris. Then enjoy the hot chocolate with the one you love.

Paris in rain by Milena Mihaylova Come watch the rain with me,

Couple walking in rain in Paris by four12_Flickr_2480754339_894bc0cf50_z And as it pours over our shoulders,

Under the rain by Vincent Anderlucci_Flickr_18126238743_f2e85c833d_z And beats atop our heads,

Paris dancing by Quentin Chernier Let it be said,

Montmartre after rain_3680661782_827f9ea4ee_z

That the rain confirmed our love.

by Samara Kae Gibbs

French Hot Chocolate

Yield: 2 large, intense cups of hot chocolate or 4 more reasonably-sized cups

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but delicious. Will intensify chocolate flavor)

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, at least 70%, chopped*

Giant bowl of whipped cream, for serving

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until small bubbles appear around edges. Do not allow the mixture to boil.

Remove saucepan from heat and stir the chopped chocolate until melted, returning the sauce to low heat if needed for the chocolate to melt completely. Serve warm, topped with lots of whipped cream.

Choose the best quality chocolate you can, such as Guittard, Ghiradelli, or Godiva, as the flavor carries the drink.

— from lawstudentswife.com

Salut !

Bonne Annee ! Happy New Year!

Leave a comment January 1, 2017 Elsa Fridl

Fireworks on Eiffel Tower by Yann Caradec_Flickr_7574806098_6ca78260e3_z Happy New Year! I hope January 1, 2017 finds you well and ready for a new year.

French people today will typically get together with only close friends and family. Having consumed crepes and Galette des Rois (“the Cake of Kings”) yesterday, tonight they will have a special dinner and might attend a ball, une soirée dansante (“a dancing night”).

Make a new year’s resolution to be more like the French, and focus on friends, family, eating well and enjoying life. Life expectancy in France as of 2012 is 82.57 years; in the U.S., it is 78.74 years. There is likely a myriad of reasons for this difference, and some might point to the French having socialized health care. But my time spent in France tells me there are probably other reasons for this difference. To begin with, French people eat far more fresh food than Americans, and take their time eating it. This is one reason why they eat less: the slower you eat, the less you consume. Having wine with dinner also helps, since it helps to satisfy the palate, also allowing you to eat less.

Wine, specifically red wine, has other health benefits as well: it releases flavonoids, which helps the brain to be more plastic, or in other words, makes the brain more capable of forming new memories and recover from injury. Sounds like a prescription for preventing Alzheimer’s Disease, doesn’t it? Dark chocolate, widely consumed in France, also provides this health benefit. Think quality, not quantity, should you decide to incorporate red wine and dark chocolate in your diet for health benefits. More is not necessarily better.

I will continue to write about how to incorporate the French way of life into your own life, as well as write about travelling to Paris. I am signing off for today to spend time with friends.

Those work emails can wait. Have a glass of wine. Eat some dark chocolate. Spend time with those you love today. Be more French.

Salut !

Fireworks on the Eiffel Tower by Yann Caradec, Flickr, CCBY 2.0.

Experience Christmas and New Year’s in Paris!

Leave a comment December 14, 2016 Elsa Fridl

Galeries Lafayette by Brett_Flickr If ever there was a time of year to visit Paris for just a few days, Christmas time is it.

Source: Christmas in Paris – New Year in Paris – Paris Tourist Office

Looking for a new tradition? Go to Paris for Christmas or to ring in the new year! The city dressed up for the holidays will take your breath away — if you go to Paris during Christmas time, you might think the city got their nickname “The City of Light” from this time of year. (Actually, it was probably because they were the first European city to use gas lamps outside.) The entire city is bathed in Christmas lights, from storefronts and windows to trees and landscapes. As always, there is plenty to do, including visiting Christmas markets and seasonal ice rinks.

I have given details below of several of my favorite things to do in Paris this time of year. But first, here are 12 pictures of holidays past to see for yourself: Paris during the holidays is a must-do. Even if it’s just once in your lifetime.

: The Eiffel Tower.

: A Paris street.

: Fouquet’s Paris.

: Au Printemps.

: Vendome Place.

: Notre Dame.

: Galeries Lafayette.

: A Christmas decoration.

: The Champs-Elysees.

: A tree with lights.

: Decorations at Notre Dame.

: Paris Opera House.

Here are 3 of my favorite activities to do in Paris during the holidays:

“Reconnect” with loved ones on the ice; just be sure to wear gloves.

1. Go ice skating at one of the temporary ice skating rinks, such as: inside the Grand Palais (avenue Winston Churchill, from 14 December 2016 – 2 January 2017), or outside on the Eiffel Tower (5 avenue Anatole, from 15 December 2016 – 19 February 2017). Ice skating isn’t just for kids: it can be a good way to “reconnect” with the one you love, especially if one or both of you have a hard time staying upright on the ice. Doesn’t that sound like fun for the whole family? Just be sure to wear gloves as protection from the cold and others’ skates in case you fall. Or is that when you fall?

Christmas markets are a great place to eat and people-watch.

2. Walk and admire, eat, drink, and buy gifts at Christmas markets. There are Christmas markets all over Paris, but probably the largest is on the Champs-Elysees. The highlights of my visits to this market in 2014 were talking to a Moscovite about his black lacquer boxes he had for sale and eating a crepe with Grand Marnier. (Okay, I might have had two.) I also got a serving of German-made goulash that was so large I had leftovers for 2 more meals. Since you’re in France, you can also purchase hot and cold liquor drinks to warm your bones.

Celebrating New Year’s on the Champs-Elysees? Hope you like crowds!

3. Ring in the new year on the Champs-Elysees (31 December 2016). Could there be anything more romantic than celebrating New Year’s Eve with the one(s) you love under the stars in Paris? I doubt it.

Salut !

Fouquet’s Paris and Galeries Lafayette by Elsa L. Fridl. All other images from Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Featured image, Galeries Lafayette by Brett. The Eiffel Tower by C. A Paris Street by Dirk Haun. Au Printemps by Brett. Vendome Place by PhOtOnQuAnTIQuE. Notre Dame by Linus Mak. A Christmas Decoration by Jean-Yves Romanetti. The Champs-Elysees by Daxis. A Tree with Lights (“Christmas in Paris”) by John Stanforth. Decorations at Notre Dame (“Notre Dame dans la Boule”) by Luca Vanzella. Paris Opera House by Chris Chabot. Ice Skating on the Eiffel Tower by C. Christmas Market by Linus Mak. Celebrating New Year’s by Falcon Photography.

Paris Trip Day 29

Leave a comment December 6, 2016 Elsa Fridl

I said my good-byes and was on my way to the airport before Paris was awake.

I said my good-byes and was on my way to the airport before The City of Light was awake.

Tuesday. Travel day to go back to Washington, D.C. I got up at 3:00 A.M. to make sure I was ready before the shuttle came to pick me up at 4:45 A.M. I said my good-byes and grabbed a cup of cappuccino from the machine before I left. The van driver was nice enough to hold my cup for me while I climbed inside.

We had to pick up a few people before going to Charles de Gaulle Airport. I struck up a conversation with a couple from the States seated in front of me; later, I spoke with a young woman who lives in the E.U. and I felt a twinge of jealousy: she spoke of how easy it is for her to travel because she lives in the E.U., and I wished I could be her.

We arrived at the airport and I alighted. I started to make my way to the gate, but stopped first to tell an American something she was asking of her friend, loudly. I don’t even remember what it was, I was so tired as I walked away — I might have been awake, but I was running on adrenaline. Still, I found some coffee (people in Europe say they “have a coffee,” which I’ll miss) and sat down to write a note to French President Francois Hollande on my French stationery that I had bought in a shop near the Eiffel Tower. I told him how much I love his country and how much I’d like to teach English there. The stamp didn’t want to stick to the envelope: good thing I’m always prepared with transparent tape, though it wouldn’t surprise me if it made an awful impression on him or his staff. I located the mailbox downstairs and headed to my gate.

I’m leavin’ on a jet plane…don’t know when I’ll be back again.

I sat patiently waiting for the flight attendants of Turkish Airlines to tell us it was time to board. The flight took off without a hitch. We were served a meal shortly after take off. I struck up a conversation with a French woman who seemed to turn up her nose at me as a(n) (fill in the blank) American. (I didn’t know what she thought of me, but I gathered it wasn’t good.) That’s okay, she seemed to me a bit stiff. Not sure how else to describe it.

Our stop in Istanbul was uneventful. We got back on board to go to Dulles, and I curled up for the long flight. The plane was about half empty so everyone had a lot more room to spread out and sleep, or whatever. I spoke with a couple with a young child about taking more seats, and they said they had their eye on a row right after take-off. The food, as before, was great. I still love French food the best, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy another country’s food.

When we landed in Dulles I found myself hungry again. I tried to find something to eat but my taste buds were on full revolt: they didn’t want to come back to American food. It’s like they were saying, “We want more French food. Now.” Can’t help you there, taste buds. You’ll have to settle for what I can find to eat in the States. In the end, I bought a muffin from Starbuck’s that wasn’t very satisfying – but it was something.

I took the new $5.00 shuttle from Dulles Airport to the Silver Line. Not a bad way to travel, but I’ll bet it’s hurting cab and shuttle businesses. From Metro Center I took a cab to D.C. Lofty Hostel in Washington, D.C., and settled in my room. I’m not sure how long I will be staying, since I have to find a place to live — and accept the fact I’m in Washington for the foreseeable future.

Salut !

All images by Can Stock Photo. “I’m leavin’ on a jet plane…don’t know when I’ll be back again,” from the song, “I’m Leaving on a Jet Plane,” by John Denver, recorded by Peter, Paul & Mary.

Paris Trip Day 7

Leave a comment November 14, 2016 Elsa Fridl

I woke up in a mixed dorm with a man’s torso in my field of vision. Ooh la la!

Monday. I had to switch rooms because a group was coming in and they would need to stay together in my favorite room, the only room with 5 beds. (Violet gets to stay since she is only here for one more day.) I stayed in a mixed dorm and I woke up with a man’s torso in my field of vision! Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. The people in this room were all one group, and I waited for them to leave before I showered so as to stay out of their way. No sooner did I get dressed that my favorite chamber maid told me I could go back to my favorite room.

After I moved back to Violet’s room, she and I had another great conversation. It was great talking to someone who is so informed and knowledgeable about current issues facing her own nation and elsewhere. I asked her if she wanted to go for lunch or dinner. We decided to meet up at 7:00 P.M. for dinner. I told her how good the food is at Le Basilic and how large the portions are, including the appetizers.

I took this while on my way to buy some weights to use at the hostel.

Nicdadya told me where I can get some free weights so I can exercise while I am here. I went to get my weights from Decalthon near Ternes Metro. I bought 2 3kg (7 lbs.) weights: they’re perfect for what I want (lunges, squats, arm exercises, standing abdominals). I’ll probably start working out tomorrow. Violet thinks I’m making quite a commitment in getting weights to work out with, but I told her I can’t go for a whole month without exercising. They also didn’t cost much. Besides, I rest better after I exercise, and unfortunately, as much as walking tires me out, it isn’t enough to keep the weight off. And I just KNOW that all of the croissants and good French food I’ll be eating here will be taking its toll on my waistline, as it is.

Violet and Elsa talking at Le Basilic_canstockphoto13041679

Elsa and Violet at Le Basilic.

Violet and I went to Le Basilic (my third time) and we continued our great conversation. She asked me what made me make this place “my place” that I wanted to come back to again and again. I told her that while I found it a short distance from the hostel, I want to keep coming back because the food and service is so good. It’s funny, I was a bit startled by her asking me what I thought. Many times people talk to me because they want advice; people don’t often just talk to me because they want to know what I think. It was also nice to talk to an intelligent woman, because although I generally prefer a man’s company, I miss having woman friends like I used to have. There has been a real give-and-take to our conversations. Although I warned her that the portions here are quite large, tsk tsk, she didn’t listen. She ordered two appetizers as her meal and could barely finish one. She offered me some of the second one. I knew it would be hard for me to finish what I had ordered, so I only took a bite or two. I’m sorry she’s leaving tomorrow.

I set up my SkillPages page in an effort to teach English here.

Salut !

Image of Paris architecture by Elsa L. Fridl. All other images by Can Stock Photo.

40 Things To Do In Paris March 2016

Leave a comment February 29, 2016 Elsa Fridl

Spring is a time for renewal and trying new things. Grab a light coat, scarf, and umbrella and visit Paris ahead of the crowds. Here are three activities that I recommend.

See Paris by Helicopter on a trip to Versailles.

See Paris by Helicopter on a round-trip to Versailles.

Source: 40 Things To Do In Paris March 2016 | Paris Insiders Guide

VIP Helicopter Tour to Versailles

I love the water and being high in the sky. I’ve seen Paris taking a cruise on the Seine River — one of my best memories from my latest trip — and now I can’t wait to have the opportunity to go on a VIP Helicopter Tour to Versailles. You depart from Heliport de Paris in southwest Paris and fly to Versailles, where you soar over the grounds before landing. French law requires all helicopter tours to have a stopover for 1 hour, and you spend it by enjoying a glass of champagne, taking a few photos, and learning a bit about Versailles and your helicopter. You then board for your 10-minute flight back to the Heliport where you started.

Details:

Price: Adults and Children age 3-11: from $471.27 per person (price might vary)

Depart/Return: Heliport de Paris, southwest Paris (Metro:

Check-in: 30 minutes before departure

Helicopter: 6-passenger Ecureil

Book here

Le Grand Orgue (The Grand Organ) and West Rose window of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame Cathedral Special Easter Season Performances

While Easter this year is Sunday, March 27, Notre Dame Cathedral is holding a series of concerts to celebrate the season, including a concert by Notre Dame’s celebrated organ on March 15.

Reservations are required. Prices vary.

View the schedule and book here

Market Tour & Classic French Cooking

Paris Insider’s Guide offers a wide variety of 1-time cooking and baking classes. My two favorites are the Market Tour & Classic French Cooking class (6-hour market and cooking class) and the Secrets of Croissants (2 1/2 – 3 hours).

Price: Market Tour & Classic French Cooking Class is 190 euros per person ($207.70 ), 2 people min. Baking classes are 125 euros per person ($136.65).

View the schedule and book here

Au revoir!

Aerial view of Paris by Gabriel, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Image of Notre Dame organ by JanetandPhil, Flickr, CCBY 2.0. Illustrations by CanStockPhoto.

Boutique Hostel Hunting in Paris? Plug-Inn Hostel is the Ritz of Hostels

Leave a comment January 6, 2016 Elsa Fridl

Conveniently located between Blanche and Abbesse metro stations in the 18th arrondissement, Plug-Inn Hostel is the Ritz of hostels.

Plug-Inn’s reception area is a mix of form-meets-function and edgy coolness.

I chose to stay at Plug-Inn Hostel during my last trip to Paris for a variety of reasons: the price was right, it offered free Wi-Fi and computer use in their lobby, a free breakfast, and it was very close to two metro stations. I also admit I was taken by the beautiful photographs on their website. I will return because it was incredibly clean and the staff was super-friendly.

They have a huge, purple banner outside their door, so you can’t miss it. With a 24-hour check-in, arriving there at 11:30 P.M. was not a problem. After paying for my stay I was in bed within minutes.

A typical dorm room in Plug-Inn Hostel.

I stayed in several rooms, mostly in all-female dorms, all of which had their own bathroom. Rooms are nicely, if sparsely, furnished, as space is tight, but remember, you’re IN PARIS and not paying very much, all things considered. Their interior designer knew how to make the most of a small space using color and amenities, such as a spiral staircase. (Note: Their lift, or elevator, is one of the smallest I’ve ever seen. But then I live in the United States where elevators are often twice as big as a walk-in closet.) Plug-Inn offers so much: besides the things I’ve already mentioned, included in your room fee are towels and bedding, self-locking lockers for your personal valuables, and showers for early arrivals (if you arrive before the room is ready). They also have large screen TVs in their private rooms, and a large screen TV in a common area, which is always locked or under the watchful eye of the front desk person. Guests often leave their luggage here instead of taking up space in their dorm room.

Moulin Rouge is a short walk from Plug-Inn Hostel and even closer to Blanche metro and a bus stop.

You’re right in the middle of Montmartre here, the 18th arrondissement, which has a bohemian or village feel to it; you’re close to Moulin Rouge and Sacre-Coeur (in different directions). You’re also close to Montmartre’s hill, with bakeries, vegetable and seafood stands, clothes and trinket shops, and even a small grocery store and dry cleaner nearby. A short walk from the hostel, I discovered Le Basilic, a French restaurant on rue Lepic that was so good I ate there five or six times. I also ate or grabbed take-away numerous times at a near-by Asian restaurant on rue Lepic near the bottom of Montmartre’s hill.

Not all cab drivers know of Plug-Inn Hostel, however. I showed my cab driver the written address and he said he “thought” he knew where it was. It was a 50 euro cab ride to the hostel from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Sure, I could have taken the metro, but I was very tired and had landed late at night. Better to be safe and take a cab.

Plug-Inn’s value and customer service are hard to beat. I highly recommend it.

Plug-Inn Boutique Hostel
7 rue Aristide Bruant
75018 Paris France
+ 33 (0)1 42 58 42 58
http://plug-inn.fr/

Click here for how to get to Plug-Inn Hostel.

Au revoir!

Images of Plug-Inn Hostel from their website. Image of Moulin Rouge by Elsa L. Fridl.