Love and a Pagoda

What better way to prepare for my Asia trip, than a visit to a Pagoda, right here in the middle of Paris!  (I'm going to Asia! Yippee!!!)  La Pagode is an independent theater located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris.  

Originally, built in 1896 by architect Alexandre Marcel, for François-Émile Morin, the then director of Le Bon Marché, as a gift for his wife (now, that's a serious declaration of love!).  Don't forget, it's France, which means that it would only be natural that there was some scandalous infidelity going on… right?  :) Yep, that same year, Madame Morin leaves her husband for his business partner (OUCH! Guess, a Pagoda wasn't going to save the marriage).  Over a century later, and this could totally be a modern day sex, love, and betrayal story.  In any event, Madame Morin would throw lavish parties at La Pagode until the closing of the hall in 1927. 

Four years later, in 1931, La Pagode was open to the public, and was the first and only movie theater in the 7th arrondissement.

La Pagode is well-known for it's Japanese room and garden, and it's probably the most unique and beautiful cinema's I've ever seen.  I definitely recommend a visit; plus it's a quaint and cozy cinema. 

Skating in the Skies

Back in December 2004, just in time for the holidays, and in an attempt to promote interest in Paris' candidacy in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, an ice-skating rink was opened on the first floor observation deck of La Tour Eiffel.  It was such a hit with the French and foreigners that seven years later it has become a holiday staple.  [Though, France was unsuccessful on the candidacy bid as London will be holding the Summer Olympics.]  Last year, I completely missed the fun, learning of the ice-skating rink only the day after it closed.  This year I was determined! 

Helena and I convinced Rafael that ice-skating on a small rink between two of the tower's massive legs was a must-do before he headed back to Brazil.  Rafael was a little hesitant at first, but we cajoled him into believing he was a natural born ice-skater (NOT) and what a great first time experience! [Helena ended up taking numerous videos of Rafael ice-skating and maybe falling … but I will spare him the public humiliation.]

As a kid, I spent many Saturday mornings at UTC learning to figure skate, but it dawned on me while about to board the elevator to the first floor observation deck that it had been over 24 years (yeah, I'm old) since I had been on skates.  Twenty-four plus years translates to: 4 dislocated knees; many torn ligaments; a few twisted ankles; and I'm sure I'm forgetting something (btw, have I mentioned that I'm a little bit of a klutz).  Maybe not one of my best laid plans, as I do have future travel plans that would be completely ruined if I ended up on crutches, but by the time we arrived to the first floor my fears had subsided. 

I'm proud to report that my ability to skate came back to me even after all these years, and I never fell :), but I still need lots of practice.  No double axels for me in the near future.  The most entertaining part of the evening (besides watching Rafael a 1.95m/6'4" grown man learn to skate) was watching Rafael skate right into the middle of a couple having a romantic moment.  Right before the big romantic Eiffel Tower skating kiss … big bang boom … like the make-out police, Rafael skated smack damn in the middle of the couple. LOL!!! The couple didn't know what hit them.  I immediately busted out laughing in one of my notorious uncontrollable laughs, and Helena was cursing at herself for missing the photo-op.     

All in all, skating 188 feet up above ground, within the structure of La Tour Eiffel is definitely something not to miss.  It's a small rink, expect tons of ice shavings as they don't seem to clean the ice, and the views of Paris are beautiful.  Access to the rink and skates are free with entrance to the Eiffel Tower.  So if you are in Paris (or nearby ... like London ... he he he) you should definitely head to the Eiffel Tower before the end of the month!  If you miss it, or are looking for a bigger rink, there is always ice-skating at l'hôtel de ville. 

Manchester or Bust!

Happy New Year! 

Sending my love and warm wishes to everyone for a wonderful 2012! 

I'm probably the only British citizen that had never set foot in the UK (Oh, wait … maybe my brother), until now that is!  When Rich and Justin invited me to head over to Manchester for a couple of days, I didn't have to think twice.  

This was my first ever Boxing Day celebration!  My personal British history professor, Justin, explained, that back in the day the wealthy gave a box of gifts to their servants and the 26th of December off, so the servants could celebrate Christmas with their own families.  Nowadays, it's just another excuse for a holiday, i.e., another reason to party!  And as I learned, the British know how to party!  

The Boxing Day Celebration started pretty much once I got off the plane … and went into the wee hours in the morning.  I was definitely out of my league! Luckily, the next day was another bank holiday, as we all were moving a little slower than usual, so we took advantage and had a relaxing day and caught up. We eventually motivated, and I got a personal walking tour of Urmston, and the following day we conquered downtown Manchester. 

While I was in Manchester, I was introduced to a host of British traditions, from Christmas cake to minced meat pie (a meatless pie - still confused at to why it's called minced meat though) to HP sauce a/k/a brown sauce.  A trip to the UK wouldn't be official if there wasn't any curry … so of course my last night in Manchester we headed to Rich and Justin's favorite Indian restaurant, The Hilal in Altrincham.  

Now, I just need to make it to London, Ireland, Scotland and Wales ...