As yesterday, I stayed in most of the day. Just went out to Romford Station to pick up the train tickets that we booked for the Brighton trip. Derek got some seafood, oysters, prawns and clams. It was a fulfilled lunch.
Derek and Linda went for the celebration party for Linda's retirement in the evening. I stayed in, had dinner and watched "Ghost" on blu-ray. It was my first favorite film and now has become the first film I've ever watched on blu-ray. Great coincidence!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Euro Journal: Day 19 London (Hornchurch, Essex) Thu 28 July 2011
After a good night sleep, I was happy to embrace the relaxing indoor life in London. Unlike last year's intense sightseeing schedule, I am taking it easy this time. Similar to what I did in Paris.
Derek and I went to Costco to get minced beef for the shepherd's pie for dinner. I also got some cherry cokes. I try to have them as much as I can since we don't get it in Taiwan. We also sorted out the bookings for Brighton during Skyping with Steve. That went well enough I think.
We had a great dinner with some red wine, including the Beaujolais I got for Derek at CDG. It was pretty good. But I soon fell asleep since I drank too fast. Woke up after about 30min later to continue watching a weird show called "Tourchwood." Bill Pullman really got old.
Derek and I went to Costco to get minced beef for the shepherd's pie for dinner. I also got some cherry cokes. I try to have them as much as I can since we don't get it in Taiwan. We also sorted out the bookings for Brighton during Skyping with Steve. That went well enough I think.
We had a great dinner with some red wine, including the Beaujolais I got for Derek at CDG. It was pretty good. But I soon fell asleep since I drank too fast. Woke up after about 30min later to continue watching a weird show called "Tourchwood." Bill Pullman really got old.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Euro Journal: Day 18 Paris: Musée d'Orsay, Beaubourg + London Wed 27 July 2011
I got up early today, but it wasn't for any film but for Musee d'Orsay, my last stop in Paris this time. I got there around 10.30. The line wasn't nearly as long as the Sunday we were there. I saw paintings by Monet, Manet, Renoir, Cezane, Van Gogh etc. That was really a visual feast. Great stuffs.
After Orsay, I decided to keep walking toward Beaubourg, where I would meet up with Caro for lunch. But I took it too far and I got to find Forum des Image eventually, but that was already the time I should had met up with Caro. So I ran into the metro and try to get there asap. I even fell on the escalator and got cut. It's the best souvenir actually: a wound from Paris.
I finally got to Beaubourg and realized I was very close and could've walked there. But it was okay since I believe I might get lost as well. We had a great crepe lunch beside the Pompidou Centre. And then we went back to Caro's to prepare to go to CDG.
We got to the airport around 16.00. Caro was a bit worried that she might be late for picking up her cousin, but it was perfect timing that we got there and her cousin just came out of the arrival gate. After saying goodbye to them, I went inside the departure gate and took my time shopping the gifts in the duty free shops. But it actually took much longer than I thought. By the time I finished buying the last items, I just realized it already passed the closing time of the gate on the boarding pass. So I ran to the gate and thankfully people are still boarding.
After the short flight to Luton Airport, I once again waited in a long queue to get through the border. I thought it would be easier since it's not as big as Heathrow, but I was just unlucky enough to get the officer who's demonstrating the question procedure to a new staff. I was asked every possible question. Thankfully I got to make it to the bus just in time after the interrogation. I got to Derek and Linda's just before 22.00 as scheduled.
After Orsay, I decided to keep walking toward Beaubourg, where I would meet up with Caro for lunch. But I took it too far and I got to find Forum des Image eventually, but that was already the time I should had met up with Caro. So I ran into the metro and try to get there asap. I even fell on the escalator and got cut. It's the best souvenir actually: a wound from Paris.
I finally got to Beaubourg and realized I was very close and could've walked there. But it was okay since I believe I might get lost as well. We had a great crepe lunch beside the Pompidou Centre. And then we went back to Caro's to prepare to go to CDG.
We got to the airport around 16.00. Caro was a bit worried that she might be late for picking up her cousin, but it was perfect timing that we got there and her cousin just came out of the arrival gate. After saying goodbye to them, I went inside the departure gate and took my time shopping the gifts in the duty free shops. But it actually took much longer than I thought. By the time I finished buying the last items, I just realized it already passed the closing time of the gate on the boarding pass. So I ran to the gate and thankfully people are still boarding.
After the short flight to Luton Airport, I once again waited in a long queue to get through the border. I thought it would be easier since it's not as big as Heathrow, but I was just unlucky enough to get the officer who's demonstrating the question procedure to a new staff. I was asked every possible question. Thankfully I got to make it to the bus just in time after the interrogation. I got to Derek and Linda's just before 22.00 as scheduled.
Euro Journal: Day 17 Paris: Quartre Latin, Saint-Michel and Paris Beach Tue 26 July 2011
The plan was to go to Versailles today, but because the weather was cloudy and I also got up a bit late, so Versailles would have to wait until the next time. But that actually allowed me to see more films I want to see.
I went back Quartre Latin to Nouvel Odeon to see "Pina" in 3D. Though I couldn't help dozing off constantly, but I still found it very beautiful. Need to watch it again for sure. Then I walked to Saint-Michel to try to get something to eat, and thought I might as well catch another film. So I went to see "Midnight in Paris." It feels even more magical to walked directly into the set after the film.
After getting back to Caro's, we took our time prepareing to the gathering with her friends in the evening. We had a picnic and relaxing time at Paris Beach. We had a great time even though the weather wasn't as good as the day before.
I went back Quartre Latin to Nouvel Odeon to see "Pina" in 3D. Though I couldn't help dozing off constantly, but I still found it very beautiful. Need to watch it again for sure. Then I walked to Saint-Michel to try to get something to eat, and thought I might as well catch another film. So I went to see "Midnight in Paris." It feels even more magical to walked directly into the set after the film.
After getting back to Caro's, we took our time prepareing to the gathering with her friends in the evening. We had a picnic and relaxing time at Paris Beach. We had a great time even though the weather wasn't as good as the day before.
Euro Journal: Day 16 Paris: Beaubourg, Le Marais, Quartre Latin and Seine Mon 25 July 2011
Another day for films. I went to see Jerzy Skolimwski's "Essential Killing" in the morning at MK2 Beaubourg. It was a hard film to see but still good. It was also the completion of my 'Skolimowki' trilogy in Paris.
After the film, I went to meet up with Professor Dilley and her husband Larry for lunch at 'L'as du Fallafel,' a famous Jewish local restaurant. We actually waited for 20min to get in, but the food was really good just as Caro recommended. After a stroll to Saint-Michel, I said goodbye to Professor Dilley and Larry. It was also where I was gonna see "Full Metal Jacket" at Filmotheque in Quartre Latin.
After the second film, I walked to Notre Dame and kept going on a stroll to Seine, walking along the left bank where there's Paris Beach going on. It looked even more beautiful under the sunny weather.
After the film, I went to meet up with Professor Dilley and her husband Larry for lunch at 'L'as du Fallafel,' a famous Jewish local restaurant. We actually waited for 20min to get in, but the food was really good just as Caro recommended. After a stroll to Saint-Michel, I said goodbye to Professor Dilley and Larry. It was also where I was gonna see "Full Metal Jacket" at Filmotheque in Quartre Latin.
After the second film, I walked to Notre Dame and kept going on a stroll to Seine, walking along the left bank where there's Paris Beach going on. It looked even more beautiful under the sunny weather.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Euro Journal: Day 15 Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral, Saint-Michel and Montmartre Sun 24 July 2011
I got up at 9.30 to prepare to go to the film "Pina." After a quick chat with Steve on Skype, I left a bit behind schedule and got there a moderately late. But I was a bit worried by the fact that I found on the weekly showtime guide manuel that it might not be showing on Sunday, and it turned out to be true. Yet another bummer!
As I was looking for some other film to see, I suddenly thought that I might as well go straight to Notre Dame since Professor Dilley and I had agreed to meet up there. Inside the cathedral was beautiful as expected, then after a quick stroll in the garden, I got in the line to go up to the observation deck. And it took me nearly 2 hours to finally get up!
The view was really nice, but I couldn't stay longer because I didn't want to keep the professor waiting for too long. I came down around ten to 3, but we all didn't realize that the bridge was closed due to Tour de France. She couldn't get to this side of the bank and neither could I. After they did all they could but still couldn't make it, we decided to give it a wait.
I went for something to eat since I hadn't eaten anything yet the whole day, then I sat down at a cafe near Notre Dame. Finally, I got to meet up with Professor Dilley and her husband, Larry. They were just so nice that they showed me the historically famous book store 'Shakespeare and Company' where we met up at eventually. It was also where the beginning of "Before Sunset" was shot, so I was totally thrilled to see it of course.
After a quick chat back at Professor's flat, we set off to meet Professor's parents who happened to be in town at the same time. They were really nice and we had a good chat, wine and cheese. Too bad that I couldn't stay with them for dinner since I had agreed to meet up with Caro, Khanh and Pierre at couscous restaurant not far from Caro's place.
It was called 'Le Petit Bleu,' and the food, once again, was just like what Caro had guaranteed. I wish I could finish the plate, but the amount was simply too big. It was another lovely reunion and dinner.
As I was looking for some other film to see, I suddenly thought that I might as well go straight to Notre Dame since Professor Dilley and I had agreed to meet up there. Inside the cathedral was beautiful as expected, then after a quick stroll in the garden, I got in the line to go up to the observation deck. And it took me nearly 2 hours to finally get up!
The view was really nice, but I couldn't stay longer because I didn't want to keep the professor waiting for too long. I came down around ten to 3, but we all didn't realize that the bridge was closed due to Tour de France. She couldn't get to this side of the bank and neither could I. After they did all they could but still couldn't make it, we decided to give it a wait.
I went for something to eat since I hadn't eaten anything yet the whole day, then I sat down at a cafe near Notre Dame. Finally, I got to meet up with Professor Dilley and her husband, Larry. They were just so nice that they showed me the historically famous book store 'Shakespeare and Company' where we met up at eventually. It was also where the beginning of "Before Sunset" was shot, so I was totally thrilled to see it of course.
After a quick chat back at Professor's flat, we set off to meet Professor's parents who happened to be in town at the same time. They were really nice and we had a good chat, wine and cheese. Too bad that I couldn't stay with them for dinner since I had agreed to meet up with Caro, Khanh and Pierre at couscous restaurant not far from Caro's place.
It was called 'Le Petit Bleu,' and the food, once again, was just like what Caro had guaranteed. I wish I could finish the plate, but the amount was simply too big. It was another lovely reunion and dinner.
Euro Journal: Day 14 Paris: Le Marais, Beaubourg, back to Le Marais and Saint Paul Sat 23 July 2011
Since we partied until early hours in the morning, I woke up at 13.30 and felt guilty about wasting the morning. I tried to make it up but just stayed in to type the delayed journal actually. Caro and her friends stayed over at her grandma's, so I got the flat all to myself.
Caro texted me and suggested to meet at Le Pain Quotidien to have brunch again. Caro was really suffering from the hardcore drinking from the previous night. I went to see Clint Eastwood's "Bird" as planned right after the late brunch or early dinner to be more precise.
After the film, Caro told me that she booked the seats for the Spanish restaurant at 22.15. Because there was still a while left and it was cold outside, I walked as fast as possible to the bar called 'Cox' which was already pretty crowded at the time. I had a pint and left for the late dinner.
The tapas and sangria were just as good as Caro said it would be. It was surely a nice dinner. After a short walk, we decided to go back since they are still recovering from the night before and the coldness of the night. Though I would very much like to explore more of the nightlife in Paris, I still went back since I want to see a movie in the morning the next day.
Caro texted me and suggested to meet at Le Pain Quotidien to have brunch again. Caro was really suffering from the hardcore drinking from the previous night. I went to see Clint Eastwood's "Bird" as planned right after the late brunch or early dinner to be more precise.
After the film, Caro told me that she booked the seats for the Spanish restaurant at 22.15. Because there was still a while left and it was cold outside, I walked as fast as possible to the bar called 'Cox' which was already pretty crowded at the time. I had a pint and left for the late dinner.
The tapas and sangria were just as good as Caro said it would be. It was surely a nice dinner. After a short walk, we decided to go back since they are still recovering from the night before and the coldness of the night. Though I would very much like to explore more of the nightlife in Paris, I still went back since I want to see a movie in the morning the next day.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Euro Journal: Day 13 Paris: Bibliothèque François Mitterrand, Saint-Michel, Festival Fnac Live, Le Marais and Cadet Fri 22 July 2011
It was a slow day again since it didn't start very well. We were gonna see "Full Metal Jacket" at MK2 Bibliothèque, the biggest one I've been to so far, but we didn't realize that it was an one day single screening on Thursday, and today was "Eyes Wide Shut." So we learned the lesson to confirm before going the next time.
After contemplating about what to do instead, Caro decided to go to Eric's house again to spend time with her dad and brother before they go. As for me, I went to Saint-Michel to have lunch at a kebab store and go to see Skolimowski's "Moonlighting."
Because it started to rain when I came out of the theatre and a few other reason's, I gave up to see "Nashville" right after the first film. I got on line to talk to Steve after I got back, and lazing around a little. Caro came back around 6pm. We had a simple dinner and then headed out to meet her friends from Brussels who came to visit as well.
Caro had to take them to her grandma's place where they will stay at to drop their bags, and I decided to go to the Festival Fnac Live at Hôtel de Ville. A band just about to play when I got there at 9.15. They are called 'Cascadeur,' a new French electronic band with the style similar to Daft Punk but no musicwise at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When it reached 11, I kept on checking my mobile but still no messages from Caro, so I topped my sim card to get in touch with her. Turned out that they just arrived at a friend's flat for the house party. I decided to explore the area more, so I went to Le Marais once again and ended up in a seemingly popular bar called 'Raidd.' It was sort of packed, and the drinks were pretty expensive, but later on I realized that it was for the shows they put on.
Thankfully I only had 20 euros left on me, so I left there around 1.30 and went to catch the metro to Cadet, where the house party was. Everyone was having a good time when I got there. I started to drink and dance and try to blend in. It was a fun time nonetheless. We stayed until 5am for the metro to start running. Responsible Caro still had to take care of her friends, while Sophia and I went back after the afterparty breakfast. I had the very first Onion soup in France. Yum!
After contemplating about what to do instead, Caro decided to go to Eric's house again to spend time with her dad and brother before they go. As for me, I went to Saint-Michel to have lunch at a kebab store and go to see Skolimowski's "Moonlighting."
Because it started to rain when I came out of the theatre and a few other reason's, I gave up to see "Nashville" right after the first film. I got on line to talk to Steve after I got back, and lazing around a little. Caro came back around 6pm. We had a simple dinner and then headed out to meet her friends from Brussels who came to visit as well.
Caro had to take them to her grandma's place where they will stay at to drop their bags, and I decided to go to the Festival Fnac Live at Hôtel de Ville. A band just about to play when I got there at 9.15. They are called 'Cascadeur,' a new French electronic band with the style similar to Daft Punk but no musicwise at all. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
When it reached 11, I kept on checking my mobile but still no messages from Caro, so I topped my sim card to get in touch with her. Turned out that they just arrived at a friend's flat for the house party. I decided to explore the area more, so I went to Le Marais once again and ended up in a seemingly popular bar called 'Raidd.' It was sort of packed, and the drinks were pretty expensive, but later on I realized that it was for the shows they put on.
Thankfully I only had 20 euros left on me, so I left there around 1.30 and went to catch the metro to Cadet, where the house party was. Everyone was having a good time when I got there. I started to drink and dance and try to blend in. It was a fun time nonetheless. We stayed until 5am for the metro to start running. Responsible Caro still had to take care of her friends, while Sophia and I went back after the afterparty breakfast. I had the very first Onion soup in France. Yum!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Euro Journal: Day 12 Paris: Montparnasse, Le Marais, Bercy and Belleville Thu 21 July 2011
Because I didn't have a good night sleep due to the sickness, I felt pretty tired the next day. Even though, I still woke up at 10ish which I don't know how I did it. Caro sent me a message on Facebook saying that she's coming back for lunch.
So I took my time doing things and waited for her. After lunch, she needed to set up her grandma's place for her friends who're coming to visit over the weekend, and I decided to catch another movie. I checked the time and place of "Pina" but only getting there and finding out that it was not in 3D. Thankfully I could get the refund.
I walked around Montparnasse instead and found there wasn't really much to see, so I went to Le Marais again to try to find a nice bar to stay in. But after a long walk circling the area, I couldn't find any bar that interested me, and the time was almost up for meeting up with Caro and her good friend, Eric Rohmer's editor, Ms. Mary Stephen.
She was busy editing a new documentary but still willing to take time to have a cafe and chat with us. She was really lovely and easygoing. Especially that I admire her works very much. After the quick chat, we took the sky trail to go through Bastille to Belleville. I soon found out it was where one scene in "Before Sunset" was shot.
We finally got to Belleville around 21.20 and met up with Caro's friend from Lyon, Christophe. We went to the European fast-food chain store 'Quick' which Caro insisted that I must try. It was OK but I don't think the price was that friendly. I agree with Christophe that Burger King which they don't have in France is so much better.
After a couple of drinks in two cool bars, we caught the last metro and went back for the film to go to the next day.
So I took my time doing things and waited for her. After lunch, she needed to set up her grandma's place for her friends who're coming to visit over the weekend, and I decided to catch another movie. I checked the time and place of "Pina" but only getting there and finding out that it was not in 3D. Thankfully I could get the refund.
I walked around Montparnasse instead and found there wasn't really much to see, so I went to Le Marais again to try to find a nice bar to stay in. But after a long walk circling the area, I couldn't find any bar that interested me, and the time was almost up for meeting up with Caro and her good friend, Eric Rohmer's editor, Ms. Mary Stephen.
She was busy editing a new documentary but still willing to take time to have a cafe and chat with us. She was really lovely and easygoing. Especially that I admire her works very much. After the quick chat, we took the sky trail to go through Bastille to Belleville. I soon found out it was where one scene in "Before Sunset" was shot.
We finally got to Belleville around 21.20 and met up with Caro's friend from Lyon, Christophe. We went to the European fast-food chain store 'Quick' which Caro insisted that I must try. It was OK but I don't think the price was that friendly. I agree with Christophe that Burger King which they don't have in France is so much better.
After a couple of drinks in two cool bars, we caught the last metro and went back for the film to go to the next day.
Euro Journal: Day 11 Paris: La Cinémathèque Française and Jules's flat Wed 20 July 2011
We stayed over at Eric's and slept until 10ish. After breakfast (or brunch), we said goodbye to them and went back. Caro had to do more stuffs for her salary, so she went out again after a quick shower. We arranged to meet up at La Cinémathèque Française for the Stanley Kubrick expo there.
I got there late at 4.30pm. Caro hadn't arrived yet. I started my tour first. It was a real exciting expo for me as I am a huge movie buff and of Kubrick's. The informations and the original settings and costumes were all very cool. It is surely one complete collection.
I met up with Caro and her friend Sophia after they arrived. I finished the tour even after they did. We set our way to Jules's place around 7. The gathering was very cozy and nice. Jules's sister, Julie, baked fabulous pies. It was especially good for me since I skipped lunch. We also had champagnes that were brought by Olivier because he got a promotion on that day. Also to be celebrated was that Jo, Jules's brother, got a nicely offered internship. So it was an evening of celebration.
Because I got a bit sick from the champagne as always, I left to take the last metro to go back when Caro still stayed there.
I got there late at 4.30pm. Caro hadn't arrived yet. I started my tour first. It was a real exciting expo for me as I am a huge movie buff and of Kubrick's. The informations and the original settings and costumes were all very cool. It is surely one complete collection.
I met up with Caro and her friend Sophia after they arrived. I finished the tour even after they did. We set our way to Jules's place around 7. The gathering was very cozy and nice. Jules's sister, Julie, baked fabulous pies. It was especially good for me since I skipped lunch. We also had champagnes that were brought by Olivier because he got a promotion on that day. Also to be celebrated was that Jo, Jules's brother, got a nicely offered internship. So it was an evening of celebration.
Because I got a bit sick from the champagne as always, I left to take the last metro to go back when Caro still stayed there.
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