Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Last month, last night, last chance,
You wish you could freeze the time for now.
Too fast, too slow,
Why can’t things be in the normal pace for things to grow?
Always a race against time,
Struggling to live the now with how it would be.
You wish you could freeze the time for now.
Too fast, too slow,
Why can’t things be in the normal pace for things to grow?
Always a race against time,
Struggling to live the now with how it would be.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Soirees in Paris
By definition a soiree is a party of people assembled in the evening (usually at a private house).
Back in high school, it would actually be referred to for our interaction with other schools. Since we were an exclusive school for girls run by nuns, these soirees were for the purpose of meeting our counterparts: students from an exclusive school for guys run by priests.
In Paris, soirees are commonly known for the VIP parties where you need to have the invite in order to get in. It's not that hard to get that invite, one would just need to subscribe to their mailing list and you'll be updated about it every week. The place varies each week, even though it's the same organizer with the same kind of deals. However, they still tend to be strict on a few things such as paying particular attention to the dress code: especially the shoes! Also quite interesting to note is how they assure that there's a good balance between the male and female population in the club. They haven't denied access for a group with mostly girls, but has been tough for a group with all guys with the bouncer clearly saying NO ENTRY!
What makes the soirees a pretty good deal is the buffet + drinks for a fixed price. Every Thursday is a bar near Champs Elysees that charges 12.5 EUR for unlimited food and drinks (champagne + cosmopolitan) but you have the early or fast in the cue since it's only until 9pm. A new discovery we had is a boat by the Seine, that charges 20EUR for unlimited drinks all night until morning (around 6am) but make sure you come in with a full stomach since no food is available. In most cases, it's really a nice way to enjoy the night, drink a bit, enjoy the music and meet some French people as some of my recent guests have managed to do during their short visit in Paris.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Last 200m
“Ready for the kill!!!”
Our coach would shout as we reach the last 200m of the regatta. Everyone gives his full energy, synergizes with the team and not as one strong individual, with every breath aspiring for the sweet victory.
In that last 200m, every second of the time is essential. It cannot wait; I am hardly able to catch up with it. The last weeks are approaching, all filled with excitement and anxiety.
I am excited about being able to finish the race. Ensure a smooth transition of the work I've done through the integration process. See the places I have yet to discover. Enjoy conversations with people over a cup of coffee rather than online. Be able to maximize the time left to live a life in Paris. At the same time I am very anxious what happens after the race? What will be the final results and my standing? What will be the next move, if not, minor steps to be taken?
Both excitement and anxiety keeps me moving forward. It’s the simple pleasures of life that allows me to, travelling as my form of therapy. My next flight is bound for US and Singapore. I will be tracing back my roots, meeting my relatives, with some of them I haven’t seen for about 10-15 years. I will be regaining back my energy from friends, sharing the same ideals and aspirations as we update about what happened in between. From old time schoolmates to newly formed network of friends, new races will be taken part for me to maximize each time with them.
For now excuse me as I get back to the game.
Our coach would shout as we reach the last 200m of the regatta. Everyone gives his full energy, synergizes with the team and not as one strong individual, with every breath aspiring for the sweet victory.
In that last 200m, every second of the time is essential. It cannot wait; I am hardly able to catch up with it. The last weeks are approaching, all filled with excitement and anxiety.
I am excited about being able to finish the race. Ensure a smooth transition of the work I've done through the integration process. See the places I have yet to discover. Enjoy conversations with people over a cup of coffee rather than online. Be able to maximize the time left to live a life in Paris. At the same time I am very anxious what happens after the race? What will be the final results and my standing? What will be the next move, if not, minor steps to be taken?
Both excitement and anxiety keeps me moving forward. It’s the simple pleasures of life that allows me to, travelling as my form of therapy. My next flight is bound for US and Singapore. I will be tracing back my roots, meeting my relatives, with some of them I haven’t seen for about 10-15 years. I will be regaining back my energy from friends, sharing the same ideals and aspirations as we update about what happened in between. From old time schoolmates to newly formed network of friends, new races will be taken part for me to maximize each time with them.
For now excuse me as I get back to the game.
Monday, January 08, 2007
pickpockets in Paris
Just like any of the big cities, one would always have to be careful about pickpockets who are taking advantage of ignorant tourists being amazed by the beauty of Paris for the first time. I’ve heard a lot about this before, but seeing an actual trick played on a poor tourist made me really suspicious now of anyone who might just come near me.
It was an early Saturday morning where the metro was not really filled with people. I was inside the metro where it passed by Gare du Nord station. It is where most of the regional and international trains arrive or people who are coming from the Charles de Gaulle airport would be connected to change to another metro. A guy enters the metro with an entire luggage, followed by a man who was suspiciously bending down and touching the guy’s lower pants. First thought in my mind was the man must be a fool, just trying to clean the guy’s shoes. Second assumption I had, as the guy started shouting to the man that “hey man! It’s ok, it’s there”, was that the man just dropped the pen that was on the other side of the guy’s shoes. The man eventually gave up until the guy realized that he has lost his wallet. He gets off the metro, tries to run after the guy, and the metro closes. It was also a late realization for me, and all of this happened in less than 1 minute. I was so shocked and felt sorry for the guy, since he’s probably just arrived Paris all alone and not really aware that he was already being robbed at that point. No one even had a clue and was just left shaking their head out of dismay, not that they could still be of help now.
This and many other stories, is what breaks the magic and beauty of Paris. At the same time, it should give as a warning to people who are just astonished by its beauty that you don’t realize some people might be taking advantage of it. It’s always worth the extra caution for any attention you get from strangers, coz they might just be waiting for you to be their next victim.
It was an early Saturday morning where the metro was not really filled with people. I was inside the metro where it passed by Gare du Nord station. It is where most of the regional and international trains arrive or people who are coming from the Charles de Gaulle airport would be connected to change to another metro. A guy enters the metro with an entire luggage, followed by a man who was suspiciously bending down and touching the guy’s lower pants. First thought in my mind was the man must be a fool, just trying to clean the guy’s shoes. Second assumption I had, as the guy started shouting to the man that “hey man! It’s ok, it’s there”, was that the man just dropped the pen that was on the other side of the guy’s shoes. The man eventually gave up until the guy realized that he has lost his wallet. He gets off the metro, tries to run after the guy, and the metro closes. It was also a late realization for me, and all of this happened in less than 1 minute. I was so shocked and felt sorry for the guy, since he’s probably just arrived Paris all alone and not really aware that he was already being robbed at that point. No one even had a clue and was just left shaking their head out of dismay, not that they could still be of help now.
This and many other stories, is what breaks the magic and beauty of Paris. At the same time, it should give as a warning to people who are just astonished by its beauty that you don’t realize some people might be taking advantage of it. It’s always worth the extra caution for any attention you get from strangers, coz they might just be waiting for you to be their next victim.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Surprises, surprises!!!
I am a big fan of surprises! When I was a kid, I would be asking my mom, “Tsupayt? (Surprise?)” which is basically waiting for some present from work.
The first surprise was a Christmas card from my Brazilan friend, Lele. She’s known for giving surprises but it’s still nice to get a nice Christmas card with her handwriting on it and a heart-felt message.
The second one was during New Year’s Eve a series of sms in my phone from family and friends who were celebrating 7 hours ahead. My French number is not really known to everyone, so it’s great to hear from people again who have managed to source the number from my mom or other friends most likely.
The unexpected one was a package that I had to pick up from the post office. It made me discover where the post office is in my neighbourhood, but also made me wonder who would have sent a registered mail rather than just sending it directly to my mailbox. As the lady was bringing me a small box, I was sure she must have been mistaken. Then I signed the receipt and to my delight, it was a present from the USA from my favorite uncle Julius, whom I haven't seen for years. We have been in touch again ever since I got here, when I sent my address to my family’s e-groups and hinted I receive any kind of mails, packages, etc. Since then he’s sent me letters and pictures of my cousins and recently some Christmas goodies in that little box. I suddenly felt that little kid again, who was so amazed to see some chocolates and goodies in that small box.
So as you can see, I am easily pleased with small gestures or actions that people give. There’s a saying in Filipino “mababaw ang kaligayahan”, and with the new year I feel that I should feel that blessed with the small good things that make up my wonderful life.
"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you don’t have. Rather, remember that what you have right now was once among the things you only hoped for, especially the blessing of being able to appreciate who you already are and what you have so far."
The first surprise was a Christmas card from my Brazilan friend, Lele. She’s known for giving surprises but it’s still nice to get a nice Christmas card with her handwriting on it and a heart-felt message.
The second one was during New Year’s Eve a series of sms in my phone from family and friends who were celebrating 7 hours ahead. My French number is not really known to everyone, so it’s great to hear from people again who have managed to source the number from my mom or other friends most likely.
The unexpected one was a package that I had to pick up from the post office. It made me discover where the post office is in my neighbourhood, but also made me wonder who would have sent a registered mail rather than just sending it directly to my mailbox. As the lady was bringing me a small box, I was sure she must have been mistaken. Then I signed the receipt and to my delight, it was a present from the USA from my favorite uncle Julius, whom I haven't seen for years. We have been in touch again ever since I got here, when I sent my address to my family’s e-groups and hinted I receive any kind of mails, packages, etc. Since then he’s sent me letters and pictures of my cousins and recently some Christmas goodies in that little box. I suddenly felt that little kid again, who was so amazed to see some chocolates and goodies in that small box.
So as you can see, I am easily pleased with small gestures or actions that people give. There’s a saying in Filipino “mababaw ang kaligayahan”, and with the new year I feel that I should feel that blessed with the small good things that make up my wonderful life.
"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you don’t have. Rather, remember that what you have right now was once among the things you only hoped for, especially the blessing of being able to appreciate who you already are and what you have so far."
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go.
As early as 5pm I was already receiving sms from family and friends from Philippines, already jumping, shouting and lighting the fireworks in the streets. The celebrations in Paris was planned to be with friends, with a lovely invitation to Arshak’s apartment. His place is located at the center of Paris so we were also planning to walk to Champs Elysees just before midnight. With much dismay, it was a rainy evening so the indoor party seemed much more cozy to welcome 2007 with a bang!
There were about 40 people (or more?) in his apartment and champagne for everyone as we did the countdown to 2007. Great, lively music & enough supply of cocktails and wine kept us until the following morning. I didn’t even realize it was already 6am, just in time to catch the first metro where it seemed like a morning rush on the way home with the crowd of people at that time.
A new year has begun, with a new life to look ahead. Most of it may still be facing lots of uncertainties, but definitely I am looking for whatever challenges ahead. The past year may have brought a lot of pains, tests and discouragement but looking forward it also initiated forgiveness, healing and putting it all behind with a free heart.
Happy New Year! Bonne Annee! Maligayang Pasko! S Novim Godom!
As early as 5pm I was already receiving sms from family and friends from Philippines, already jumping, shouting and lighting the fireworks in the streets. The celebrations in Paris was planned to be with friends, with a lovely invitation to Arshak’s apartment. His place is located at the center of Paris so we were also planning to walk to Champs Elysees just before midnight. With much dismay, it was a rainy evening so the indoor party seemed much more cozy to welcome 2007 with a bang!
There were about 40 people (or more?) in his apartment and champagne for everyone as we did the countdown to 2007. Great, lively music & enough supply of cocktails and wine kept us until the following morning. I didn’t even realize it was already 6am, just in time to catch the first metro where it seemed like a morning rush on the way home with the crowd of people at that time.
A new year has begun, with a new life to look ahead. Most of it may still be facing lots of uncertainties, but definitely I am looking for whatever challenges ahead. The past year may have brought a lot of pains, tests and discouragement but looking forward it also initiated forgiveness, healing and putting it all behind with a free heart.
Happy New Year! Bonne Annee! Maligayang Pasko! S Novim Godom!
The heat is on....
All of a sudden, my flatmate called me and said that the flame that you see from our heater is suddenly gone. I was thinking then it’s just temporary or she forgot to switch something for it to work. When I got home last Thursday, I was imagining a nice warm bath after taking a nice 20-minute walk from my office to Galeries La Fayette, but to my disappointment it was still not working, and that meant no heating, no warm water, just pure cold house.
So we tried to call the technician the following morning, and we were glad to hear that it’s possible for them to visit us on Saturday. In a country where you have to set a rendezvous for everything, I was surprised that they didn’t specify a time they were arriving and made me just block the whole Saturday for them to arrive. As we were probably still in the middle of our dreams, we didn’t manage to get their call at 8am nor did they bother ringing the bell and just left without giving another call during the day. What seem to be just one more night of freezing in the house turned out to be 4 nights since there was the long holiday, but at least there were some parties happening that kept me out of the house for most of the time.
This morning, the technician finally came and what a delight to finally feel the heat in the room, take a relaxed warm shower, and wash dishes with warm water. I’ll always appreciate the sound of the gas heating, which sometimes makes you feel it’s going to pop but it’s just regulating the temperature around the house. Now it’s a place that I shall call home again…
