The lady in black

Walking around the Marais you are bound to meet interesting people.
I particularly like the atmosphere during or around fashion week, as the population of the Marais reflects the stylish trends of the catwalks, and the cafes are packed with fashionable crowds.

Yesterday, I stepped out of the office to go get a falafel and I crossed path with this interesting couple...She is the famous fashion blogger Diane Pernet from A shaded view on Fashion
Very charming and fascinating character...

Paris and the Tour the France

Sunday morning walk..Mr R and I wander the streets of Paris, in search for good coffee and a bit of shade in this unusually hot summer day.
We walked from my favorite Swedish Institute in the Marais, to Colette on rue St. Honore. We finally stopped for a decent espresso at Le Pain Quotidien (Mr. R was looking for a Pavlova, me just a coffee).

Finally we headed back, past Place Vendome towards the Tuileries gardens, before we realized we were in the middle of a mad yellow crowd. Le Tour was arriving in Paris!
People were everywhere, on the street, on the terraces of hotels, looking out the windows and climbing on the gates of the gardens.

I just stretched my arms and let the camera take a glimpse..

Vote Vote Vote!

You know me, you know I work at Context Travel.
What you may not know is that Context has been selected as a finalist for this year's Geotourism Award sponsored by National Geographic.
We're ecstatic. This is the travel industry's top laurel for sustainable tourism.

Being chosen as one of ten finalists, out of over 600 entrants, is a wonderful accomplishment and a recognition not only of our work in the area of sustainable tourism but also your, our clients', commitment to learning about the great cities of the world and defending what makes them unique.

But we need your help.

So please vote here: http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/16599/vote

Room with a view

I am back in Paris. This time I am spending the first two days in the 18th the lovely district of Montmartre. Our friends J and A are letting us stay at their lovely new apartment, a true love nest.
We are enjoying our time and really taking full advantage of the view from the bedroom. Here is what we see when we go to sleep:

Summer Nights at Villa D'Este

Rome is full wonderful sites, from archaeological areas to the lovely piazzas and dramatically beautiful churches, but every once in a while it is nice to get out of the city and enjoy the breeze of the countryside.
So last friday Ms. A , her wonderful parents and I hopped on Mimu's super car (there is very little super about it) and headed out to Tivoli's Villa D'Este. For the summer, the 16th century mansion of the exiled cardinal Ippolito d'Este is open late at night on fridays and saturdays.

I had visited Tivoli before, during the day, but I had never experienced such fantastic experience! The night visit really allows you to fully enjoy the magic of this place, with the fountains on and the water organ playing. I felt like I had been transported back in time to the 16oos!

Needless to say, the lovely parents had packed a delicious picnic that we sneaked into the villa (without authorization) and enjoyed while looking at the fountains.

For more info: http://www.villadestetivoli.info/

The beauty of Rome

A few days ago, while sipping prosecco and eating figs, I was reminded of the beauty of Rome.
We were with a group of friends, celebrating a happy moment and in front of us, was the most beautiful city in the world.


I know I am bias, I know I Rome has its defects, but when I looked out from the tarrace at Mr. P's house, I could not help but fall in love with my city again.

Gay Paris

Fashionable Paris

I know I have seen this woman before..maybe on the Sartorialist website, or maybe on the Streetstyl..

The minute I saw her I knew I had to photograph her. I was waiting for J&A outside the Pompidou in Paris and she just walked by..a bit too skinny, smoking a cigarette, but still stunning.