Cafes en Paris

Paris, it's Cafes and Bars, make it so Special.

One of the favourite past times of the French is to be Seated at a table with a good view of the Street so they can watch people walking past. Observing is a famous french favourite, so of course when in Paris .....

Some of the famous Cafes are that little bit more expensive, but worth while to view the exclusive Cliental.

We had an enjoyable glass of Champagne at "Cafe Marley" ( after an afternoon observing the Treasures of the "Louvre" ), Cafe Marley is owned by the 'Costes Brothers', as in "Hotel Costes", so it is very Chic and very expensive.

Pleasant Interior, great Music and Professional service. All the little Bars and Cafes are all special and places we frequent whilst living in Paris

Au revoir Heather x

Chiens De Paris - Vol. 2

I must admit the first 2 Dogs on this Blog are imports from Killearn ( Buchanan Country ) Scotland.

The Scottish Terrier called 'Archie' and the West Highland Terrier called 'Penny' were adorable, but of course I am Biased as Archie is the same Breed as my Adorable 'Lou Lou' who is being absolutely spoiled by her Auntie 'Ruth' in Christchurch. I Miss her so Much !

So I had a Definite Affinity with Archie ! They belonged to the Owners of the Pub "The Black Bull" where we had Drinks beside their Roaring Fire. They were adorable.

The other little Parisian dogs were just as Delightful.

The little French Bulldog sitting patiently in his Carry Bag on the Metro and the little Cairn Terrier waiting so patiently for his owner outside his Restaurant. Dear little Souls.

We saw 'Oliver Martinez' in Rue de Buci with his large dog ; both of them looked Gorgeous !

The darling little Wire Haired Terrier with it's owner in "Tacshen" did a little Dance for us, and the gorgeous little Maltese cradled safely in her Mother's arms outside "Les Deux Magot" in St Germain. There was even a Large dog ( Bear ) in a Taxidermist window in Rue de Bac .

We even saw in Pere Lachaise ( the Famous Cemetary ) a Statue of a Loved Son and his Dog.

I think that says it all !

Bon nuit from Paris

Heather X

Chiens De Paris - Vol. 1

Parisians Adore their Chien's (Dogs) and their infants, being an avid dog lover myself, my little Scottie "Lou Lou" comes with me everywhere: into "French", in the Car, she is my constant Companion. ( She would Love Paris as I do ! ).

So I can empathise with the French and their love of their dogs.

They are treated like stars in Paris. In Restaurants they trot in on Leads in their Designer Coats, or in the arms of their Mummies or Daddies, and have the Waiter wrapped around their little Paws !

Water bowls and succulent pieces of Meat, are handed to them. They are allowed to fly ( literally sit next to you ), go on the Metro and on the Bus. On the Trains, they are Adored by everyone they cast their little eyes on, and wag their tails at.

They have their own Beauty Salons, Kindergartens, Babysitters, and couture Clothes.

They go with their elegant owners to Fashion Shows, Oh the Life of a Dog in Paris is Truly Tres Magnifique !!

Abientot from Paris (Doggy Heaven)

Heather xxx

Paris Shops

The Shops in Paris are a joy to behold, from the large Department stores "Galeries Lafayette" and "Le Bon Marche" to the Charming little un antiquaire.

There is something for everyone from the Designer Shops Yves St Laurent, Chanel, and Colette to the smaller Chic boutiques, shopping in Paris is every Woman's Dream.

Their cute little Bookshops like "Shakespeare and Company" I could browse in for Hours, and "La Hune" on Boulevard St Germain. I could Happily spend a couple of hours totally transfixed with their Interior Design Books, not to forget "Taschen" on Rue De Buci ( I did most of my Xmas shopping in this gorgeous shop ).

So the city of Light is definitely a Shoppers Mecca.

Abientot Heather xx

Bonnee Scotland

Christian and I made a Detour from Paris and went to Ireland and Scotland ( a mere 2 Hour Flight from Paris ) to let him see his Heritage in Scotland.

Ireland was extremely Scenic and green, especially Blarney. We travelled from Blarney to Cork, then down to County Kerry.

Next day caught the Train to Belfast, and stayed over night in Larne. Then we caught the Ferry from Belfast to Stranraer in Ayeshire, Scotland. It was quite Emotional for Christian seeing Scotland for the first time arising out of the Mists. We travelled by Bus to Ayr and stayed in a Charming old Scottish Hotel called "The Station Hotel" which was nearly 200 years old.

We collected a Rental Car and proceeded to Alloway to see 'Robert Burns', the famous Scottish Poet's birth place. We saw the Cottage and the Brig a doon.

Consulting our Map, we headed for Loch Lomond - Home of the Buchanan Clan.

We stayed in a charming old Hotel in Luss ( on the Banks of Loch Lomond ) called "The Colquhoun Arms Hotel", which was 400 years old and apparently inhibited by Ghosts. It was where the famous English series 'The High Road' was Filmed.

Arose bright and early the next day, and travelled the length of Loch Lomond which was 23 Miles ( the largest and most beautiful Lake in Scotland ). It's beauty was Heart rending, and just made your Heart sing ! We then travelled to "Buchanan Castle" which is set in the 'Buchanan Castle Golf Club' which is in Drymen, east of Loch Lomond. It is now owned by the Duke of Montrose. We stayed in the "Buchanan Arms Hotel" ( even with Buchanan Tartan carpets ).

We also visited the Buchanan Church and the Buchanan School. One famous Buchanan 'George Buchanan' tutored Mary, Queen of Scots, and he has a huge Monument dedicated to him by the people of Killearn. So proud of our Buchanan Scottish Heritage, they are such warm friendly people the Scots.

The Buchanan motto: "I prefer the Brave"

Bye Heather xx

Petit Palais, Patrick Demarchelier Exhibition

We had a wonderful relaxing Sunday in Paris, we went to the exhibition of the famous French Photographer 'Patrick Demarchelier' at the "Petit Palais" on the Champs Elysees.
When we arrived there was a long queue ( french people love to queue and they do it so graciously ). Us Nouvelle Zealanders hate queuing, but we endured the wait and it was well worth it.

The Petit Palais is the most charming and elegant venue to hold any exhibition, but the

Patrick Demarchelier one was amazing.

Photographs of Film stars, Pop stars and Royalty abound, the most poignant Photo's I loved were the ones of Princess Diana, and her sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

They were such Charismatic Photographs of a Beautiful woman, and her adorable sons.

Her life was cut short, so tragically on the "Pont D'alma" Tunnel in Paris. Incidently I was in Paris with my daughter Rebecca when Diana died, and I lais Lilies on the 'Flame Statue', symbolic of the Pont D'alma. Subsequently I was interviewed by "CNN TV", recalling my thoughts on such a Tragedy as a New Zealander in Paris, so sad.

I also thought of her when we were at "The Ritz".

The Frescoes at the Petit Palais on the ceiling, Christian captured them splendidly on Camera.

There was an amazing photo of 'Robert De Niro' that was so life like, you felt you could just reach out and touch him.

We walked back up the Champs Elysees and caught the Metro home just in time for me to meet my french Architect friend 'Lawri' for drinks at "Cafe Flore" Boulevard St Germain.

We then went on to have dinner at "Maison Du Jardin" in Rue De Vaugirard.

Tomorrow Christian and I fly to Ireland, and then to Scotland so I can show him his Scottish Heritage 'The Buchanan Clan', so I will continue the Blog in 2 weeks.

Bonsoir from Paris

Heather xx

Bonne Annee From Paris

New Years Eve was extremely vibrant in Paris. The Champs Elysees, and Boulevard St

Germain were lit up with amazing lights and Place Vendome, The Ritz was spectacular.

We started our evening with bubbles at Rue St Sulpice, then drinks at "Deux Magot" on Boulevard St Germain.

Then we went to "Hotel Costes" for Dinner, an amazing Hotel, interior design by 'Jaques Garcia', so Chic and the Music, Hotel Costes that I sell at "French" was playing.

Such an amazing atmosphere.

Drank Champayne for New Years, and then ended up having cocktails at The Ritz in Place Vendome, Hemingway Bar. They had a great DJ there playing great Chill Music, ended up strolling around Place Vendome, window gazing at the elegant shops, in this oh so elegant part of Paris ! Caught a cab to Rue Bonaparte ( next to where we live ) and went to the Club "Colin" for some dancing and fun. ( Christian especially enjoyed dancing with the French girls ).

All in all a Delightful evening. P.S. The Book that I am writing "My Parisian Life" is coming along very well.

A Bientot from Paris

Heather xxx