Zynamic Gala

Hi from Champs-Élysées

Date : Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Time : 7:32 PM

I had a full 15 hr in Paris in between flights connection. With a shopping list in hands (requested by friends & colleagues), Jimmy & i set off to downtown.

A special day trip ticket which allowed unlimited travel on metro & bus could be purchased at EURO 17.05. Our first stop: Galeries Lafayette - a 10-story department store. The high-fashion displays and grand architecture of Paris' resolutely old-world Galeries Lafayette are perhaps the main attraction for visitors to this famous store. One can find almost all the Paris leading collection of chic and bold international fashions here. Let me warn u first, definitely not a lenient place for ur thin credit card and purse. FYI, foreigners are entitled to 10% discount at most of the stores here, and dun forget to ask for the necessary documents in order to claim back the 12% VAT refund at the airport!

Almost broke, we continued our journey to Champs-Élysées, an avenue that stretch from the Concorde square to the Arc de Triomphe, which is well-known as the most beautiful street and the most famous shopping area in the world. There are tons of international big brother brand flagstore and chic restaurants/cafes along the streets.

Shopping craze ended at LV Paris flagstore and we all decided it was time to pamper our stomach after a long day.The mussel lover would find an inexpensive home away from home at Leon de Bruxelles, a chain of restaurants, but unlike any chain you've seen before. The food was of good quality, the prices were reasonable and the atmosphere were fun. You'll find mussels cooked in umpteen styles - Provencal, white wine, Chef's surprise, to name a few. There's a great selection of Belgian beers draft. To the convenience of customers, one could find the suggested beer to go with listed in the menu by the side of each main course.

I guess its pointless to tell u how good it tasted. U just got to try it urself!

Mussels' aftermath--

All rite, time to catch a nap and prep for the next flight!

Labels: Lets Tuck In, Paris

posted by the little red devil at 7:32 PM

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Box Wine??

Date : Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Time : 12:21 PM

French man are too addicted to wine and hence came out with these carry-wherever-u-can tetra-box wine?? Saw this box-package Merlot and Chardonnay in my hotel room barfridge. Wow.. now wine-sucker can enjoy their sip more than they can imagine: picnicking, backpacking, skiing, fishing, even the airline might consider this. Got rather curious and decided to checkout its website on the internet.

Apparently this is more than convenient packing and marketing strategy. Claimed to be the state-of-art design, it is highly eco-friendly. French Rabbit -packaged French Wine was launched end of 2005. These are wine from the Languedoc region of France, produced by Boisset family, one of the larger wine export and distribution companies in France. Boisset got its start from rather humble beginnings as a negociant in Burgundy in the early 1960s, and in the three decades since has become a powerful force in the French wine industry. Instead of using the traditional glass bottles, they've developed their own version of a drink box to sell their wine in, and the results are pretty interesting. The box weighs just about four percent of an ordinary glass wine bottle, meaning it would take 25 trucks filled with bottles to equal one truck filled with empty Rabbits. The package itself is made from polyethelene, aluminum foil and paperboard, so it's 100% recyclable, and its collapsible, which reduces waste volume by about 90 percent. The twist-on cap makes using cork a thing of the past. French Rabbit together with American Forest have came out with this 'Plant A Tree' project. For every four French rabbits sold, one tree will be planted by American Forests.

While it may seem strange to drink wine from what amounts to an oversized juice box (I myself din try it), but reviews have been rather positive since its launch. Interesting, isnt it? Available in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Family Reserve White and Red, you can now purchase online.

Labels: 'In' Store, Lets Tuck In, Out of the Box, Paris

posted by the little red devil at 12:21 PM

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Enchanted Realms of Magic Land

Date : Thursday, February 15, 2007
Time : 10:01 PM

Stop over Paris during my flight back to SG.
Went to Paris Disneyland at Marne la Vallée in France with my colleague Danny.
No doubt Disneyland is always the ultimate fantasy for all kids, a cartoon moment will still cadge a smile from most grown-ups, and you can terrify yourself on a roller coaster at any age. Being an amusement park lover cun roller coaster freak, how could I possibly miss the thrill & fun!

Some pic to share. =) Can easily spot the redness due to frostbite on my nose tip and cheeks. =( however, queueing up for the games during the winter air is still hell better than exposing ur sweaty self under the big big summer sun.

Labels: Paris, Sheepish Breakaway

posted by the little red devil at 10:01 PM

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Here I come, Paris!

Date : Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Time : 6:45 PM

Hurray.. I shall be leaving for Paris wif a blast in an hr time =) will touch down 12 hr later??

lets see if i can post sth in Paris..

Em.. where shall i go in Paris during this freezing winter?? Speaking of dat.. I'd better go grab some thick clothing..

Keke.. My baggages this time rd. How exaggerate rite!! As if I am running away for years..

Wats inside?? ---

Full of coffee powder, choc & Ipanema sandals.. none of which belongs to me.

I should really impose some service charge on u guys =P

Labels: Days of My Life, Out of the Box, Paris

posted by the little red devil at 6:45 PM

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I can SMELL..

Date : Thursday, November 30, 2006
Time : 3:30 PM

Xmas!! Yeah.. its all in the air.

I was trapped in the car along Scotts Road when i was in SG. With a thousand golden and bejewelled birds, richly-coloured ornaments, gold foliage and fairy lights, the Orchard Road district has been transformed into ‘The Enchanted Christmas Garden’.

I was strolling along Champs-Elysees and the simple yet charming xmas lighting turns the street into a paradise, heralding both the festive and commercial seasons.

I stepped into office today, surprised by the Xmas decoration and immediately lighten up by the megawatt smile of my very own three Santarinas. =)

Three diff countries in three continents, embracing the same joy in celebrating this special seasons. Oh.. Christmas... how magical! =)

PS: Xmas Freebies for U!

Labels: Brazil, Jingle Bell, Paris

posted by the little red devil at 3:30 PM

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The Adventure to Paris

Date : Friday, April 28, 2006
Time : 11:33 AM

26th April 2006

Reached Changi Airport by 10:00pm.
I was one of the last few passengers who did the last min checking-in.
Baggage exceeded the 20kg limit by 12.4kg.
The handling officer was kind enough to let me get away. I guess he too was anxious to get his things done as the flight was going to depart in no time.

Didn't mention to many frens of my departure time. I couldn't bear the 'touchy-feely' scene where everyone hugging each other, mumbling words in crying voice as if I am not going to come back anymore.
In fact, I guess I m just too afraid that I might not be able to drag my feet towards the departure gate.

There are so many pp that I cant bear to leave with.
Mum n dad, dd, zico, colleagues and friends. I had to keep reminding myself its only 2 yrs and I will be back every 6 mths.
And now, it was time to say goodbye. I managed to stop my tears from spilling out of the corner of my eyes while walking into the gate.

Hurried towards the direction of Gate C20.
Walked past a duty-free boutique selling sun-glasses.
Oops, forgot to packed in my fav eye-shade.
Hesitated to walk in and one. Too bad...The PA system was announcing the closing of gate.
Hee.. guess I am still quite myself. The forever muddle-head and vain Ms Zee.

11:20pm.AF257. Seat 28G.

I got lucky. My seat was beside two sg gals about my age, probably slightly elder. They are heading to Greece for their backpacking. Three of us were being surrounded by a whole room of French handsomes and beauties. Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Well..so as Brazil. However, I am just not in the mood to feel the excitement.

A familiar tune got into my ears, French version of "Happi Birthday", an international song. A bunch of teenage French was giving their bday boy a surprise. The joy was contagious. Yet... my uncontrollable tears just rolled off the cheek without any pre-warning. I did not feel the grief, but somehow the emotion found a way to express itself.
Deep down, I tried to ignore the tiny sound regretting the decision made.

27th April 2006

Paris Time: 6:am Singapore Time: 12:00pm
Arrgh... 12 hr flight. My bouncy-juicy butts was now as flat as a sheet of paper.
Alight from the aircraft, woa... the air was freezing. Quickly hopped on the airport shuttle to terminal 2C. So great to receive dd's call. Thanks god, you called at the right moment... It boosted up my morale a bit

.

Spent at least 45 mins searching and asking, finally found my way to Gate 5.
The airport officers weren't very frenly but still okie. Not as bad as I expected.
Stood for another 20 mins like an idiot amidst the morning air. Was doing some self-entertainment: blowing breath into the air and watched the foggy smoke formed. Wat a fun, if only I am not just wearing a adidas jacket without anything underneath.

A very kind gentleman pointed to me a shuttle bus that I could have tried before a white minibus stopped in front of me. Checked with the driver and he nodded without even raised his head to look at me.Well.. French are notorious for their snobbishness.Couldn't ask for more, I was relief and quickly settled myself into the cozy seat.

The driver was a smart-looking black man, and he pulled the brake in front of a Building with the name 'Sofitel' on it after 10 mins ride.
I looked at him, puzzled, and he looked back.

"Sofitel. This is it."
"(Worried and shocked)... I want to go to Novotel. Where is Novotel then? I thot you said this bus go to Novotel?"
"No... no... no Novotel. You're confused."
"But I did check with you when I alighted."
"You said Sofitel and this is Sofitel."
I was speechless and lost.
"Alrite.. Then how am I going to .."
"Ok. Which Novotel? There are two. The one near to the airport or.."
"The one close to airport."
"Alrite then. You wait and I can take you there. (smile)
But REM this bus doesn't go to Novotel. Only Sofitel."
"Really?! u will take me there?! Oh Thank God! Thank you sooo much!
Ya.. ya.. I will take note next time"

What a close shave. I nearly ended up in nowhere.
Should I consider myself lucky in this situation then? Geez...

The receptionist @ the hotel isn't very friendly.
An Indian gal who spoke good English thou.

Got to wait for 30 mins before there was room available.
Eight to eight day room.Room 125.
Quickly washed up and finally felt better.
My phone was not working, can only receive call but couldn't call out.
Eventually had to use the hotel phone to call home. It was really great to hear from dad and mum.
The bed was beckoning me.. Dreamland seems extremely sweet after the long flight...

My sweet slumber lasted for an hour. Waken by a devilish headache.
My headache is getting more and more frequent these days. =(
Looked for the watch, 11:45am Paris time. Probably I should go get some food and also painkiller.
I did not have Euros with me. The hotel Cafe should be able to take plastic.
Alan called.. it was really nice to hear a familiar voice from half a world away.

Phew... The sickening headache had subsided to a moderate level that I can still tolerate.
The Hotel crew had ran out of painkiller and I was told to get it at the Terminal.

Anyway, somehow it got better after a fulfilling lunch @ Novotel Cafe.
A omelette and a heavenly hot choc did the miracle. The costs of Euro 12.80 survived me from food deprivation.

Tried to establish an wireless internet connection but unsuccessful.
It is 4:00pm Paris time and there is another 4 hr before check out.
I am going to take a nap again.. zzZZzzz

8pm, the sky is still blue and bright. Took the shuttle bus no.5 to the terminal.

Paris Time:8:54pm Paris Airport.
Its almost 3am in Singapore. Just enter the departure hall. The officer in the departure hall are friendlier than the arrival hall for sure. At least, they dun have the head in the cloud attitude.
Trying hard to find a wireless network while waiting. Not avail again.=( Going to take the flight AF442 at 11:30pm to Rio. Bye.. Paris..

28th April 2006

Touched down Rio de Janeiro @ 530am in the morning.
After clearing the immigration, I headed straight to the Duty-Free shop.
Uncle Larry had not failed to remind me to get some choc for the gals in my new office.
Hee.. got myself a Retro-design Polo Sunglasses too.

Waited for an hr but there still a sign of my baggage. Just when i thot it was going to take forever, a guy came upon and told me that my luggagge was delayed and I can only get it by tomorrow!!

Facing the beach Icarai, the location of where we stay are pretty nice and windy. well... its kinda convenient too!!Beside the building, there is this Sendas, similar to NTUC that we have in SG. There is a pharmacy opposite the apartment and a park round the corner of the road.

I am really really tired now.. after making myself a bowl of maggi mee..updating this blog.. i guess its time for a good and relaxing sleep finally...

Tciao tciao..

Labels: Days of My Life, Paris

posted by the little red devil at 11:33 AM

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