Looking forward to this new adventure...

So tomorrow my new adventure in African territory begins. I've only been in the North section of the wild continent, and I can't wait to visit Johannesburg and the Kruger Park. Rough nature, warm colors and African sunsets (which I've been told are the best in the world). I will definitely make the most of my experience without looking out the window, realizing how lucky I am to be in that exact place at that precise moment.

There's more to Paris than the Eiffel Tower

When people visit Paris, they just want to walk along the Seine, try to find Quasimodo at Notre Dame, eat crêpes and take a picture next to the Eiffel Tower (because, lets face it, that's the first picture people ask to see when you've been in Paris). Don't get me wrong, this landmarks and clichés are amazing, but Paris is so much more than that. Besides being the most beautiful city in the world (from many points of view), its energy flows in unwalked-by-the-tourists areas such as Canal St Martin, Belleville, the 10th Arrondissement, the real Latin Quartier, Le Marais and so many other Parisian spots that sometimes aren't even part of the planned route. 

Living in this city for a year was a privilege and, as such, I took advantage of that experience. Little by little (because it would take me hours to write all at once), I'll share my favorite spots, bars, restaurants, and places that one must visit (from my point of view) whilst in Paris. 

Looking out the window from my appartment at Avenue Marceau, Paris (May 2009)

"La Mucca" in Madrid

It's not easy to find a restaurant that combines quality and not pretentious food, good price and an enchanting atmosphere. La Mucca in Madrid has all these ingredients and more. It's a very cute place in the middle of the Malasaña district (the East Village of Madrid) where you can enjoy a fun dinner with friends while eating on furniture that you can even buy. The cocktails are also a plus (although I wouldn't say it's a cocktail bar) and the ambience never gets boring. Enjoy the terrace during summer or get inside to discover one of my favorite restaurants in Madrid. I'm actually going there tonight :)

http://www.lamucca.es/

Magnolia Bakery in NYC

While I stayed in New York, I went to Magnolia Bakery almost everyday. I'm not a big cupcake fan but those looked irresistible. I also had a couple of delicious Brownies and Blondies (kind of like a cookie dough brownie). My mouth is watering just by thinking about that exquisit bakery... If you go to New York don't pass up on the opportunity to try the wonders that Magnolia Bakery has to offer. 

I went to the West Village one at Bleecker Street but there are others at Rockefeller Center, Columbus Avenue and Grand Central Terminal. They also opened in Dubai and Los Angeles (check the website for more locations and other information: http://www.magnoliabakery.com/)

Yummy yummy, I've got love in my tummy!

To be Tacky or not to be... Patricia Field's Store in NYC

I was watching a "Sex and the City" episode when I remembered... Walking down Bowery Street I bumped into Patricia Field's Shop. She was the stylist for shows such as "Sex and the City" or "Ugly Betty", and movies like "The Devil Wears Prada".

When you get in you are instantly blinded by the colors and craziness of the store, including the salesclerks. Really campy clothes and accesories that are so ridiculously over the top that actually go 360º around to get to the point of coolness. I took a look at all the fabulous (and I use the term as any "Sex and the City" maniac would) items displayed inside and their amazingness kept me busy for about an hour! There are designer brands, second hand garments and plenty of Patricia Field's merchandising to chose from. In addition, there's a beauty parlor where you can get your hair cut, or flipped around and dyed hot pink. There's nothing too eccentric for this store. You are who you are, and you'll be treated exactly that way :)

http://www.patriciafield.com/

Chez Jeanette à Paris

And again we're traveling back to Paris, my home away from home. While I was living in the City of Lights, I was lucky to really get into its pace and experience the true Parisian way of life. Thanks to many of my friends, and my eagerness and inquiring mind, I discovered many places that have stayed imprinted in my brain since then. 

One of my favorite bars, where I went often, is Chez Jeannette. This authentic bar at 47 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis has seen me drunk, full (it has really good food), tired, depressed, hangover and ecstatic. I used to go many times since it is like 10 metres away from my friend Cora's home (where I spent so many nights and days). How can I describe this bar? I guess it's easy to say that it shines for its genuineness, kind staff, energy and for all the moments that I will always remember. 

If you ever take a stroll around the 10th arrondissement, don't forget to pop by, have lunch, a cup of coffee, wine and for sure a good time :)

http://www.chezjeannette.com/

The original and incredible "Flateurville" à Paris

I lived in Paris for a year (2008-2009) and it wasn't until july 2010 that I discovered one of the coolest and most surreal places I've ever been to, thanks to my friend Cora. Hidden in a passageway on the 10th arrondissement, right next to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, you'll find a paralel universe created by artist Laurent Godard: Flateurville.

When we came in I was a bit confused... is it a gallery? is it a bar? is it a performance space? what is it!? But after 2 minutes, you just don't care. I just gave in and had an amazing night that I won't soon forget. 

You'll find people sitting on sofas and talking, while others drink their troubles away at the same time that someone is playing a beautiful piano in the central lounge. But that's not all.... if you take a stroll around the place, you'll find different areas that inspire you to do different things. The best of them all is a kind of urban jungle where they have performances every thursday night (from 6.30pm it's open to the public) on an amazing stage surrounded by fake but very realistic nature (it reminded me of Peter Pan's lost boys tree). My friend Coraline went on stage and delighted us with an impromptu performance, followed by an unanimous and, may I say, deserved applause. I actually got up on stage and started singing "Ain't no mountain high enough", after almost everyone left (what you gonna do, I'm shy) and with too much white wine and champagne in my veins ;)

Seriously, if you ever go to Paris and enjoy spontaneous and "don't-know-where-or-how-I'll-end-up" nights, go to Flateurville on thursday night and prepare to be blown away :)

www.flateurville.com

DÉCOR, Vintage in Copenhagen

The first hour of our first day in Copenhagen we discovered this vintage shop treasure a few feet away from our "hotel" (I use the term loosely since it was, lets just say, not cozy. Actually we found out that a terrorist was arrested there two months before. A wonderful story to hear about the place you are going to sleep in for five days). Going back to the store... it had all the vintage apparel that you could possibly imagine. My friend bought an amazing 1950s hat. It wasn't the cheapest vintage shop I've been to but the quality of the products was much better and the pieces were unique, so it was worth it. We chatted with the owner for about an hour; she is lovely (another example of Danish hospitality). She told us that Catherine Deneuve went there in many occasions while filming Dancer in the dark (Lars Von Trier. 2000).

Address: v/ Lone Riis. Rømersgade 9. www.decorvintage.dk

Bookstores in NYC

I just went to two bookstores while visiting NYC and both, in their own way, were really special (both highly recommended).

We attended the Launch Party for the book "Three Boys from Pasadena: A Tribute to Helmut Newton" at Clic Gallery and Bookstore in Centre Street (www.clicgallery.com). We stayed there for about two hours drinking wine and going through amazing coffee table books with perfect photographs. 

Taking a stroll around the West Village, we came across a really small bookstore just two blocks from my friend's place. Left Bank Books (17, 8th Avenue) has modern first editions and quality second hand books at very competitive prices. I bought an early edition of "Other voices, Other rooms" by Truman Capote (which I haven't started reading yet) and my friend bought a really great edition of Tom Wolfe's "The Painted Word". The owner is very passionate about books and quite friendly (plus he looks, moves and talks like John Malkovich) . They also have readings from time to time.

ps: I don't remember how it came up in the conversation but the owner told us that Patti Smith is a loyal customer ;)

The city of the "Rødgrød med fløde"

If DisneyLand is the happiest place on earth, Copenhagen goes right after it for the coveted position. The quality of life, the people, the rythm, the style, the shops and the magical feeling that you get whilst there make this city the place to be. 

The freezing cold weather (because trust me, it is like swimming in a frozen lake) is rapidly compensated by the warm people that welcome you with open arms and a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. It might sound a bit corny and over the top but I just felt that way while I was there and I highly recommend the experience. 

From the unlawful Christiania, a commune in the centre of the city where some go to smoke marihuana, some go to run, some go to eat, but mainly, the smart ones go to live escaping from society and rules; to the harbor, the Royal Palace, the Operaen, Nørrebro (where the cool bars are) and Vesterbro (full of bars and night life); Copenhagen will take your breath away (and not because of the low temperature).

The Royal Palace. Beautiful Sky. 

Copenhagen Opera House on the island of Holmen. It looked much better at night. I'd recommend taking a short cruise, that takes you around the canals, at night or dusk. 

The Harbor

Cozy neighborhood at a walking distance from the Royal Palace

Tivoli Park. One of the oldest amusement parks in the world. It was closed for the season but we got a peek from the outside and it's quite enchanting. 

The Lake at Christiania. I would also live in a commune surrounded by such a beautiful landscape.

And last but not least, the Rødgrød med fløde (which translates to Berry pudding with cream). It is a typical Danish dessert and the funniest word I've ever heard. Velbekomme! (Bon appetit!)

My friend Katrine is one of the happiest and most natural people I know. She's Danish, and you can tell :) Just saying...