Europe Travel Essentials

Traveling to Europe makes any girl happy. But recently, I was able to find a bit more happiness when I was given a Kate Spade Cosmetic Case as a departing gift. Whimsical navy blue polka dots decorate my new favorite traveling accessory. Kate Spade possesses the savoir-faire and gives bountiful pockets that are beautifully lined with contrasting stripes in navy blue. Far too cute to be hidden away in my carry-on, I am conspiring a way to make my traveling cosmetic case a part of my on-flight outfit.

Generously included with my cosmetic case were some Europe essentials. One of the items is a traveling favorite of mine, Leg Lifts by Origins has saved my tired legs and feet many times. Now, whenever I travel to Europe I take along the undoubtedly needed Leg Lifts. After returning to my hotel after a long day of sight seeing and museum strolling, Leg Lifts does the trick. This amazing product includes invigorating Menthol, Cypress, Peppermint and Cedar wood. Ah, feel the cool tingle!

All of these lovely gifts are assisting me in getting one step closer to boarding my Air France flight. Kate Spade bag? Check! Leg Lifts? Check! Passport? Check!

Air France, Non-stop Los Angeles to Paris

In just 12 days from now when I take my Air France non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Paris it will be exactly 2 years to the day from my last trip to Europe. It feels like an eternity. I long to see the Eiffel Tower from above as the plane begins to make the descent. I yearn to hear the flight attendant say “Welcome to Paris”. I ache to be greeted with “Bonjour Madame” and to say “Merci” at every opportunity. But alas, I must suffer through an 11 hour flight first.

It’s a small price to pay if it get’s me France. I do, however, enjoy flying on Air France for a few different reasons. The first reason is that as soon as you get to the airport, no matter what city you live in, you start your European experience. From the moment you enter the Air France terminal you are surrounded by Europeans. You can quickly begin to speak French as soon you reach the ticket counter and continue using French with the flight attendants on the plane. Not to mention the ever so fashionable female flight attendants that leave you wondering, “where can I pick up one of those darling little navy blue suits with an accenting scarf”?

Another reason is the food on Air France. We know all too well that airplane food is nothing to write home about, but on Air France you definitely are served a better meal. Usually, you are served French yogurt, bread and cheese along with other French food items. And of course, on international flights the wine is offered at no cost. Voila! Free French wine. What a great way to start your vacation.

I can’t hide my enthusiasm when we are dropped off at the airport by friends or family when they ask “Which terminal are you flying out of”? I ardently respond with a contented smile and respond “Air France, please”. Air France, non-stop Los Angeles to Paris will be departing shortly.

Countdown To Europe

I may get teased by my friends who are better traveled than I am. But, I don’t care. I can’t help but to be excited about my upcoming trip to Europe. I am counting down the days until I take my 4th flight across the big ocean. I must wait 66 days more until my big day arrives.

Yes, that’s right. My friends who are more “well traveled” than I am have either lived in Europe or have visited Europe numerous times. All this experience with culture makes me the “inexperienced” one.

In my mind Europe is still the beautiful place where I am happiest at my core. I’ve been to major cities in the US like New York, San Francisco, Miami etc. and I’ve had my share of the Caribbean. But it is the European cities that claim my heart and I give it willingly. If I ever had the opportunity to live there, I'd jump at it. With my eyes open of course.

What I am the most enthusiastic about is being able to blog from Europe. This will be a new experience for me. Usually, I take a travel journal along with me and write down thoughts as I am experiencing them. And those thoughts are just for me to enjoy. And now, on this upcoming trip in March I will be able to blog as our trip progresses and share our adventures with all those who want to follow us through our journey in Europe.

The journey starts March 16, 2009, just 66 days away.

Preparing For France

In preparation for my upcoming trip to France, I am trying to incorporate aspects of French life into my already Frenchie Life. I started by setting the table with my table linens from Provence.

I wonder how the rest of the world prepares themselves for their trips to France. I'd love to hear how you personally prepare yourself for that flight across the ocean.

The Little Black Travel Dress for $24.99

Every girl needs a "little black dress" in her wardrobe. And I was fortunate enough to come across a great dress at a great price. I feel it is my obligation as a female to pass on this great buy. So here it is, the secret to my success.

I have been searching for classic pieces to add to my armoire. In particular, I am searching for clothing that is warm and easily packable (little or no ironing required) in preparation for my trip to France in Spring 2009. I was more than delighted when I found this dress at Target that suited all my criteria.

The dress by Merona is called "Pleat Scoop Neck Ponte Ebony Dress". It retails for $24.99 and you certainly get a lot of bang for your buck. The dress is classic and has many possibilities of dressing it up for evening or pulling it out of your closet when you don't know what to wear to work. It is a knit dress made of Rayon, Spandex, and Polyester. No need to send this dress to the cleaners, it is hand-washable. Fit to flatter, this A-line dress can easily go from day to night with the proper accessories. For chic affordable accessories visit Branché Boutique.

I was pleased to add this classic dress to my wardrobe and even happier when I realized it also came in gray. I fancy myself wearing this dress with either a black or other colored beret, a long necklace, black tights and black boots with a cardigan of choice. This dress will travel well and will be interchangeable for a day of shopping or an evening out to dinner.

Finding a classic dress and adding chic accessories is just another day in my European Style Life.

Did I leave my heart in San Francisco?

I sit listening to the song by Tony Bennett entitled"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" searching for inspiration to describe my sentiments on the "city by the bay". I found San Francisco to be another busy city with people’s aim to get here and there. While not completely smitten by the city, I found pleasure in the surrounding areas. I solicited advice from friends before leaving on my trip so that I could be “in the know” about Frisco's hotspots. That was one of the wisest things that I could have done. Along with my Insight Guide book on San Francisco I sought out to enjoy what some have called a romantic city.

I enjoyed the obvious tourist sights such as Union Square, Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach and the like. I also challenged myself to find my own special interests apart from what I’ve been told. Here is a look at what I enjoyed.

Sausalito – I enjoyed the beach town of Sausalito and found it to be tranquil and charming. It is just far enough away from the city to be in another world. A slower pace and less crowded, Sausalito has mom-and-pop-owned restaurants (although disturbingly there is a Starbucks) and shops. We took advice from friends and hit the restaurant simply named “Hamburgers”. We ordered a cheeseburger, which is served with cheese from Finland. This hamburger was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. No trip to Sausalito can be complete without a stop at this burger joint. The line was out the door but orders came fast. This burger alone made the town of Sausalito a winner with us.

Golden Gate Park – Seeking more refuge from the busy city we sought out quiet spots in the Golden Gate Park. We walked around small ponds and took advantage of the photo opportunities in the Japanese Gardens. Since we thrive on beautiful parks and botanical gardens our day in the park was a Frisco highlight.

Cable Cars – Our first experience on a cable car came near the end of our trip. I am glad that we saved something that we had been in anticipation of for the end of our vacation. Jumping onto a crowded cable car and holding onto the side railing was one of the moments where we were able to appreciate and enjoy the character and history of this crowded city. Going up and down the steep hills of Frisco on this unique form of transit is one of the most exhilarating of ways to view the city.

Dining Out – One can spend years trying to visit all the restaurants and cafes in Frisco. There are a few restaurants that stand out in our mind as being the type of dining experience that you would expect in San Francisco.

Chouchou

400 Dewey Boulevard

San Francisco, CA 94116

415.242.0960
http://www.chouchousf.com/index.htm

You will feel like you just walked into a Paris café when you enter Chouchou, with a twist of San Francisco sophistication that is. You will be greeted by a former Parisian in the typical French fashion, with a kiss on both cheeks. The menu has your appetite holding its breath until the food arrives at your table. All the senses are touched at Chouchou. We started with a spinach asparagus soup puree and a cheese plate. Holding on for the main course I had the Grilled Angus Flank Steak. Other guests in our party had the Baked Vegetarian Manicotti “Provencale” and the Duck Leg Confit. Each dinner was delicious-as we all tasted each others dinner. I would definitely return to this petite trendy restaurant, it satisfies both your craving for gourmet food and for France.

Panta Rei

431 Columbus Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94133

415.591.0900

http://www.pantareirestaurant.com/

This ultra chic Italian restaurant in North Beach is the place to be seen at night. We however opted for a quiet lunch. We loved our dish, penne pasta filled with gorgonzola in a tomato sauce and fresh basil. Mama Mia! The service was quick and friendly with a little bit of Italian warmth.

The Crepe House

429 Gough Street

San Francisco, CA 94102

415.863.2422

http://www.thecrepehouse.com/

With three locations in Frisco it’s hard to miss the Crepe House. It is warm and cozy with a relaxing atmosphere and great prices. The Crepe House offers plenty of choices besides crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We were directed here by frequent visitors to the bay area and were pleased to enjoy yet another quaint café. The portions were generous and tasty.

Understanding San Francisco

After contemplating my first experience in San Francisco I’ve reached the conclusion that it is a truly unique city among those in California. It differs greatly from Los Angeles, Monterey, San Diego and other beach cities in California.I enjoyed the diversity of Frisco and the endless dining options. I took in with ease my bay view from my hotel room. While I wasn’t inspired to poetry I am happy to have seen a part of California I have never seen before.

I confess that San Francisco did not steal my heart (apologies to Tony Bennett). My heart still belongs to Europe and more specifically France.What can I say? Enjoying a view, eating great food and exploring an unknown city is just another day in a European style life.

How To Be European in the US

Here is my fun list of ways to immerse European lifestyle into your daily routine in the United States. I'd like to hear your ideas of how to live Euro style. Post a comment if you so feel inclined.

1.Act nonchalant about things you really enjoy.
2.Go for a short walk in the afternoon.
3. Say “ooh la la” instead of “wow”.
4. Watch American movies with French subtitles.
5. Say “ah-hah” when someone says something interesting.
6. Pucker your lips, raise your shoulders and shake your head slightly when someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to.
7. Own a scooter.
8. Own a copy of the soundtrack from “Amelie”.
9. Drink wine with lunch and dinner.
10. Greet your friends with a kiss on each cheek.
11. Answer your phone by saying “salut”.
12. Eat fresh fruit as a snack.
13. Sit at a restaurant for 3 hours during dinner and always order coffee at the end.
14. Walk to a nearby store and buy a baguette and fresh flowers.
15. Use regular sugar in your coffee and not Equal or Sweet N Low
16. Set the table even if you are only having cereal and toast.
17. Ride your bicycle in a cute outfit, preferably a skirt or a dress if you’re a girl.
18. Eat your fries using a fork with mayonnaise instead of ketchup.
19. Always wear high heels with your jeans if you are a girl.
20. Go to museums and botanical gardens on Saturdays and Sundays dressed as if you were going out to a nice dinner.
21. Drink water out of a wine glass.
22. Do not use ice in your drinks (even in the summer).
23. Do not use deodorant.
24. Eat and enjoy stinky cheese.
25. Ask for “Coke Light” instead of “Diet Coke”.
26. When ordering at a restaurant start your order by saying “I’ll take….”
27. Do not talk loudly on your cell phone.
28. Love soccer.
29. Hate Lance Armstrong.
30. Listen to French music instead of American.
31. You’ve visited Versailles but have never been to the White House.
32. Ride the metro, ride your bike or walk more than you use your car.
33. Have multiple hats and scarves in your closet.
34. Know the words to “La Vie En Rose”.
35. Always have at least one Paris metro ticket or coin in your wallet at all times.
36. Have an ample supply of Nutella in the cupboard.
37. Use the phrase “C’est la vie” liberally.
38. Name your dog “Fi Fi”.
39. Have friends that live in France and other parts of Europe.
40. Call your friends by their would be names in French.
41. Check the weather in Paris frequently.
42. Know more about the French Revolution than you do about the American Revolution.
43. Have at least two Eiffel Towers in your house.

44. Visit a Farmer's Market at least once a month, if not every week.

Paris Always Sizzles

I might be a self proclaimed authority on Paris, but in reality my insight on Paris is very well researched. While I am no Samantha Brown, I have a unique insight into this chic city. I've been there 3 times (working on 4). I am constantly in search of new things to do, and yet, there are things on my "Must See" list, even though I've done them before. Here is my list of "Must See". This is no list of typical stops highlighted on a map, rather a list of what my daily life would include, should I live there un jour. My favorite places would be too difficult to number in order of importance so pay no attention to the place they hold on my list. They are all places deemed worthy by the locals.

SALON DE THE

Café Angelina
226, rue de Rivoli 1st Arrondissement
75001 Paris
Ile-de-FranceFrance
+33-01-42608200

This cafe has been in place since the 1900's. The decor says it all. Immediately when you enter you feel transformed into the days of yesterday. This salon de thé (tea) is actually known for their chocolat chaud (hot chocolate). The best way to describe it is a melted bar of chocolate, but richer and thicker. It comes in a small pitcher. One can never hope to finish it, it's very rich and decadent. But oh so delicious! Stop in for chocolat chaud and a pastry. HINT: They also have wonderful macaroons. Prices range from 5-15 euro.

Grevi Firenze

1, Place Alphonse Deville
75006 Paris

No trip to Paris could ever be complete without a trip to this hat store. I simply adore hats and wear them all the time. By chance I happened across this store. Just like a dream, I bought a beautiful hat in Paris. Not to burst my own bubble, but these hats are made in Italy. There are only two stores in the world. One in Florence, Italy and one in Paris, France. That is what makes this store so unique. Imagine only two stores in the world and I stumbled across one of them! With so many hats to choose from, one could go broke in this store. Hats for all occasions, chic and casual Grevi will make any girl crazy for hats if they aren't already. Even if you don't buy one, it's fun to go in and look and try them on. I actually can not think of a better souvenir. This store excels in customer service and pretty packaging. In the US, it's very difficult to find great hats. This store really is a treat! Did I mention I have two Grevi hats? Prices range from 50-150 euro. It's worth every euro cent!


Au Pied de Cochon

6, Rue Coquillière75001

Paris, France
+33 1 40 13 03 81

Au Pied de Cochon (meaning the foot of the pig). I can't take any credit for this find. This restaurant was recommended to me by my friends who used to live in Paris. I have to say, this is the place where I truly had the best meal that I've ever eaten in my life. I can't imagine anything that could surpass it. I ordered the braised lamb and finished off with Crème brûlée. One great thing about this bistro is that you can make a reservation right from your home online. Prices range from 15-40 euro. They do have a set menu for 19 euro which includes three courses. You will not be disappointed.

Jardin du Luxembourg

The Jardin du Luxembourg is a public park. Parisians gather here on Sundays to relax and enjoy life amidst a busy city. Do not, however, underestimate what happens at this jardin. It is a live fashion show. Even the Parisian children are dressed to the nines. Women strut in their high heels and big sunglasses and men are equally dressed. I admire the way the French use every occasion to parade their wardrobe. 

This park is perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of old Paris, both intentional and unintentional. Great for relaxation, photographs and people-watching. If the French dress like this when they go to the park, what do they wear when they go out to a nice dinner?