The Macaron

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Originally uploaded by kewlio.

A very popular cookie in France is the macaron. These are melt in your mouth delights that come in a variety of flavors. There was a contest in 2005 that rated the best macaron in Paris. This contest was divided into 3 categories: Classic, Surprising, and Popular. The tops in each respective category were Jean-Paul Hevin, L'artisan des Saveurs, and Ladurée.

Libération Newspaper Blog

The Libération Newspaper Blog "A L'heure américaine" has a button which is very handy, "if your french is so-so". It looks like they have created a link to the Google translation site. This is a good idea for Anglophones or for those learning French, especially since the subject matter is the news in America. This site also has some good links to Expatriates in the USA and Expatriates in France including Why Travel To France blog.

UEFA Cup 2006

Tonight is the UEFA Champions League 2006 semi final. In France, the match is played on channel Canal + at 20:30. The match will be Barcelona against Milan AC. The final will be played on May 17th at the Stade de France.

Space Invaders

Walking around Paris, I ocassionally notice small mosaic icons on random building facades. Apparently there is an artist who manages to make tiny space invader characters all around Paris. I looked Space Invaders Paris- up and I found that there is an entire map of where these tiny mosaic creatures are to be found. I read on Sixspace website that the artist is called Invader and he is French. Although the game "Space Invaders" was created by Japanese Toshiro Nishikado, this artist seems to be continuing this inspiration through little invader mosaics in Paris and other cities. On Invader's site, there are images and videos of him putting up the art in disguise, even in the Louvre...

Trains in France

I love taking the trains in France. The TGV is very fast and comfortable for going to England and the south of France; the Thalys takes 4 hours to go to Amsterdam; to travel by train to practically any destination in the country is the most practical (and relaxed) method. I usually book my train tickets on the SNCF travel website.

Cirque Eloize

I am really looking forward to the Cirque Eloize coming to town in May. I saw this circus last year and despite its small size and less known success I found it more appealing than the Cirque du Soleil performace in Lyon. For some reason, the European troupe of Cirque du Soleil was lacking in its interaction with the audience. Cirque Eloize, although not as modern and high budget in performance, gives a great show and made me feel emotion that made an impression on me enough to go and check out their new show this May. It is called, Rain and the flyer says that it is like the rain in everyone’s eyes..

The metro today...

The Paris metro system works very well. During rush hour there can be many people packed into each train car. But otherwise, the metro is one of the most practical ways of getting around Paris besides walking.

Map of Paris

My most favorite and useful map of Paris is a small booklet which offers alphabetical order of streets, suburb maps, metro, and bus maps all organized by arrondisement. This map helps me out in and around Paris and I like the mini book format. Most newstands sell a map book like this one, especially on the Champs Elsyee. I bought mine at the local supermarket Monoprix. These books come in red, brown and blue. I also use mappy to find street locations.

FUSAC magazine

The magazine FUSAC is very popular magazine for anglophones looking for jobs, apartments and various other services. It is basically an english speakers classified ads magazine. For apartments it can often have places that are more expensive than others, however, I find it is good for short term rentals in Paris. This magazine is free and can usually found at English bookstores in Paris including Brentanos and WH Smith.