Monday, June 25, 2007

ÉDITION VANCOUVER: CELEBRATING A NATION

This Sunday July 1st Canadians everywhere will unite in pride for their country. Canada has become a nation known for its open-mind, cultural diversity, breathtaking scenery and peaceful nature. July 1st we celebrate Canada Day.

Throughout Vancouver there will be a series of events from morning to night, including concerts, dancing, exhibitions and fireworks. The main hub for the festivities will be Canada Place, our exhibition centre located under the giant sails that jet out over the cosy inlet. This spot is home to some of the best views of Stanley Park, the small bay and the North Shore mountains.

Once the sun sets, the annual fireworks extravaganza will crown the day's events. It takes place in English Bay so come early with some friends and have a picnic on the beach to ensure a good spot for the show. Dress warmly for at night and plan for large crowds and some walking once the show is
over. For a more luxurious experience, watch the fireworks while on a dinner cruise around the bay.

A full schedule of events and other details is available at
http://www.canadaplace.ca/canadaday/


Wednesday, June 20, 2007

ÉDITION PARIS: HAPPY FETE DE LA MUSIQUE


Every June 21st several countries around the world celebrate the arrival of summer with Fete de la Musique. It is a celebration of music spanning all cultures and ages. Countries that participate in this global party organize free music concerts and exhibitions in every village, city and town. From morning to midnight, the streets of major cities are lined with musicians (anyone can participate), entertaining the locals in parks, pubs, castles and historical monuments.

France is one of Fete de la Musique's biggest supporters - the entire country is engulfed in the vibrant celebrations. If you are lucky enough to be in France, particularly in its capital, on June 21st, forget Orsay, Notre Dame and Hermes - spend the day strolling through the streets taking in the diverse little concerts you stumble upon. Try some reggae, classical, rock, salsa, African or Arabic. Then dance the night away under the stars to some jazz in a narrow cobblestone side street.
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Possibly the biggest concert put on for Fete de la musique is the big show put on by TV5. It lasts about 4 hours and has performances by most of France's most popular musicians of the time as well as the odd international superstar, such as Celine Dion, the Pussycat Dolls and Eros Ramazzotti. It always occurs at some very famous, humongous venue that can accommodate the couple hundred thousand people who attend every year. Past locations include the Trocadero, the Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower) and Versailles.
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Having been a couple times, I can tell you that the concert is fantastic, especially if you are a fan of some of the performers. However, people can be very pushy up closer to the stage and, like any other large public gathering, there are the occasional "weirdos" out and about. Think mosh-pit. Still there is always lots of security to make sure that things are kept under control. For safety reasons, the few closest metro stations to this venue are generally closed for the night so prepare for a bit of a walk home. The nearest open ones are so crowded they make the Tokyo subway look deserted.

For a complete list of concerts going on around France, visit the official website: http://www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr/index_flash.php
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Have
a wonderful time everyone and happy first day of summer!




Saturday, June 16, 2007

FAVORITES - JUNE

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Song: Fisherman's Duet from the opera Carmen, composed by Bizet

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Musician: Keyshia Cole

Book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Artist: Monet

Designer: Narciso Rodriguez

Trend: Wearing all white in the summer

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City: Vienna

Drink: Mojito

Food: Sashimi
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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

ÉDITION PARIS: WHERE HAVE ALL THE GIRLS GONE?

Twice a year something very strange happens in Paris: its entire female population seems to disappear. It is early in the day, but this morning they do not sit in cafes enjoying their ritual croissant, they have not shown up for work. All of a sudden you see a French woman dash by in a hurry and so you decide to follow her. As you turn a corner onto Avenue Montagne a great wind of eau de parfum engulfs you as you discover an incredible mass of girls lined up outside Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Prada. Mystery solved....the semi-annual French Sales have begun!

Every January and June all of France seems to go on sale. Known as the "Soldes" to the French, they last about a month and a half and are restricted by the government. In general, stores in France are only allowed to have sales during these two periods, at which time everything from the previous 6 months goes on sale. And this isn't just everyday labels such as Guess, Zara or the Gap. Everything from Dior to Christian Louboutin to Burberry can be had for at least 30% off (most of the time). This means clothes, shoes, bags, jewelery, accessories, houseware, books, etc.

If you are lucky enough to be in Paris (or anywhere in France) during the
Soldes and you enjoy spending on some of the finer things in life, carpe diem and go nuts. If you are planning to buy several designer items (especially on a trip to Europe) it is worth planning your trip around these dates for the savings alone. Designer clothes and accessories are much cheaper in Europe, particularly during the sales. ie. Miu Miu patent leather mary janes 260 euros incl. tax in Paris vs. $540 CAN at Holt Renfrew in Canada not incl 14% tax.

This June the sales start on the 27th. If you have something specific in mind, hit the soldes early. If not, the discounts only get better as the time goes on. For designer handbags and other hot items, I definitely recommend lining up outside the stores at least an hour before they open so you can get first dibs (they only let a few people in at a time because things can sometimes get a little out of control). It also helps if you don't go to the flagship of these stores since that is were everyone else will be. For example, I was told at the Gucci accessories store at 350 Rue Saint Honoré (75001 Paris tel 33.1.42968327) that almost everyone goes to the other Gucci stores on the first day so this location is not nearly as busy. It is the best store to go to for the first few days of the sales.

Last but not least, when you spend at least 175 euros in one day at one store you qualify to get some of the tax back. Just get the cashier to fill out the "détaxe" form and show them your passport (it's very important to bring your passport with you when shopping) and then you can collect the tax back at the airport when you fly home. It really adds up and is another reason why it is often cheaper to shop in France than at home.

So to you who just happen to be in France in June 27th, shop till you drop!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

PICKS OF THE MONTH - JUNE

LONDON

Restaurant/Cafe: Sketch

9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, http://www.sketch.uk.com/

This restaurant/bar/cafe also happens to be an art gallery. An incredibly original venue, it has become known as a destination for art, music, food and drinks. Sketch is definitely one of my favorite places to go whenever I am in London. Although some of the dishes are quite pricey, a delicious little afternoon tea in "the parlour" can fit into anyone's budget at around £7.50 per person. P.S. the toilets in themselves are worth the visit.


Club/Lounge/Bar: Boujis

43 Thurole Street, South Kensington,
http://www.boujis.com/


Frequented by the in-crowd and the latest socialites, this venue is bound to give you a taste of the lives of Britain's rich and famous.


Shop: French Sole

6 Ellis Street, Sloane Square, Chelsea,
http://www.frenchsole.com/

As a self-proclaimed ballerina-slipper-aholic with several pairs of my own, I can say that French Sole are by far the nicest, most comfortable, good quality ballerina shoes out there. Forget Repetto and all the other big names, with super soft leather and every style imaginable, it is no wonder that they are also a favorite of Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan, Joss Stone....and the list goes on.


Cultural Visit: The Wallace Collection

Hertford House, Manchester Square, http://www.wallacecollection.org/newsite/public/.
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The museum's website describes the Wallace Collection as "a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury." My personal favorites are the several large paintings by roccoco painter François Boucher. There is also a lovely restaurant in a covered courtyard at the centre of the house.



PARIS

Restaurant: L'Épi Dupin

11, Rue Dupin, 75006,
Possibly the best value in town, this friendly little restaurant serves up a creative, delicious three-course meal for 30 euros per person. Packed nightly with both locals and tourists, I definitely recommend making a reservation at least a few days in advance.


Cafe: Cafe de Flore

172, boulevard St. Germain, 75006, www.cafe-de-flore.com/indexa.htm

Contrary to common belief, this internationally renowned cafe is not just populated by hoards of tourists; it is also a favourite hangout of Parisians. Famous for its past patrons, such as Sartre and de Beauvoir, it is great for people watching, reading a good book or meeting up with old friends. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimse of Karl Lagerfeld, who has been known to go there for a late coffee or an early breakfast.


Club/Lounge/Bar: Mandala Ray

34, rue Marbeuf, 75008, http://www.mandalaray.com/

This restaurant, and lounge-turned-club at night, is known for good food, its hip decor modeled after a buddhist temple and its fashionable crowd. It costs around 20 euros to get in once it switches into a club, but if you are already inside for dinner or a drink, then you do not have to pay a cover charge.


Shop: Tara Jarmon

Locations throughout Paris,
http://www.tarajarmon.com/

Created by a Canadian designer and her entrepreneur husband, this young, elegant, flirtatious label creates classic pieces with a modern twist. No french girl's wardrobe is complete without a few pieces from this designer (and neither is mine). Tara Jarmon outfits also cost significantly less in France than they do in many other boutiques abroad, especially in North America.


Cultural Visit: the Paris Ballet at Opera Garnier

Place de l'Opéra, 75009, http://www.operadeparis.fr/

Opera Garnier is probably my most beloved place in all of Paris. I like to walk up its grand staircase and through its ornate corridors as if I were back in the 19th century, surrounded by women in layered ballgowns and gentlemen in tophats. The ballet and opera here are world-class and definitely worth seeing, but if you aren't able to attend, visitors are still able to tour the opera house. Students can often purchase rush tickets right before a show for very cheap. They usually are for seats with limited visibility, but they still provide the opportunity to hear incredible music in a superb location. The Paris opera also happens to be the inspiration for the Phantom of the Opera, so keep an eye out for any hints of its mysterious past as you explore the interiors.


VANCOUVER

Restaurant/Cafe: Sciué

110-800 Pender St. at Howe,
http://sciue.ca/home.php

In my opinion the best pizza in town. I might even dare to say some of the best pizza I have tasted outside of Italy. Traditionally-made, quick yet delicious food makes Sciue a favorite among the trendy downtown business crowd as well as anyone else who ventures in. It also makes a great capuccino and has an large outdoor patio for eating in the summer.


Club/Lounge/Bar: Bar None

1222 Hamilton Street, Yaletown,
http://www.clubzone.com/c/Vancouver/Nightclub/Bar_None.html
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Definitely one of Vancouver's nicest clubs/lounges, Bar None attracts a slightly more upscale crowd than many of the city's other nightclubs. Dress nicely, order some cocktails from the bar and hit the dancefloor.


Shop: Holt Renfrew

633 Granville St, http://www.holtrenfrew.com

The revamped new Holt Renfrew just reopened its doors to Vancouver's fashionistas at the beginning of June. With modern blown-glass installations and a bright atrium at the center of the store, this retailer has created a backdrop for its designer labels that would rival any of its competitors on the international scene. Carrying lines ranging from Chanel to Prada to Tory Burch, "Holts" has established itself as the city's premiere provider of designer fashions. And soon they will be opening a beautiful roof-top restaurant as well so we fashion-aholics will have absolutely no excuse for having to leave the shop for a quick bite to eat.


Cultural Visit: a Shakespearean play at Bard on the Beach

Under the tents in Vanier Park,
http://www.bardonthebeach.org/


Bard on the Beach has now been running for 18 years and every year is better than the last. Set in theatre tents in a park alongside the ocean, the plays here are world-class to say the least. Produced under the watchful eye of founder, artistic director and altogether brilliant showman Christopher Gaze (who has become somewhat of a local celebrity of the years), the productions are original, show great attention to detail and radiate with talent. I would recommend this year's The Taming of the Shrew, which just happens to be set in the wild west - the entire crowd roared with laughter from beginning to end and so will you.



Travel Tip of the Month:

Always keep your purse or bag zipped shut, keeping the zipper pull in front of you so that it stays in your line of sight. If you carry a backpack, fanny pack or open bag/purse, you are making yourself a target for pit pockets. Don't be fooled by nice surroundings and fancy neighborhoods - you can never be too careful!

My personal favorite for traveling (and for at home) is my medium-sized Pliage purse from Longchamp. It goes with everything and is suitable during almost any occasion, it can fit all your belonging required for a day of sightseeing, it is easy to keep clean and it folds small for in your suitcase. Mine has paid for itself a dozen times over. It also just happens to be the perpetual it-bag for the modern french woman.