Well here we are on the brink of winter amid worsening pandemic concerns, but life ultimately continues to go on. Summer tan lines are mostly faded and its already dark by 4:30 but I can confidently say this fall has been the swiftest one yet. I’ve done so many incredible things that I had been waiting all confinement to experience. Here are a few I’ll share!
Traveling to Corsica
Prior to this four day vacation with friends, I probably wouldn’t have been able to point out this small island to the south of France on a map and other than knowing this is where Napoleon was born, I wouldn’t have been able to say much about it either. If I had to describe Corsica in one phrase, it would be “Holy Shit, this landscape looks like a fucking painting its so gorgeous” which is more or less what I said several times a day. Why don’t more people vacation to Corsica? We didn’t get to explore the whole island, but if you don’t mind driving on winding roads through indescribably colossal mountains where a goat could suddenly appear around a reckless barrier free curve, this place is for you.
Medieval themed parties at Les Caves Saint Sabin
One of the greatest things to happen to me despite co-vid was the new friends I made in spite of it. They have become such dear friends I can’t believe I existed here in Paris for six years without them. One of our activities to replace other pre-covid pastimes was learning dances ranging from medieval to 19th century. I discovered I have a soft spot for the more fun and carefree dances like the Branle Cassandre and La Bourrée d’Avignon. (Click on text for links to videos) Which is great because in Paris there is an regular event with like minded individuals who get together on a monthly basis to party like its 1492 in a medieval cave bar. I waited all confinement to experience my first Taverne Médiévale (click for link) and at the end of September all my dreams came true. Dressing up as a historically inaccurate peasant to drink mead and dance for hours might have been one of the most memorable nights of my life.
Les Caves Saint Sabin (click text for link) 50 rue Saint Sabin Paris 75011
La Coupole Parties
Have you ever wanted to experience Paris during the roaring 20’s? It turns out you don’t need a time machine or to watch “Midnight in Paris” for the 8th time to live it! Below the renowned Coupole restaurant is a nightclub that hosts regular themed parties thanks to an organizer known as La Baronne de Paname . (click text for link to her facebook page) Like The Great Gatsby on steroids, these champagne fueled parties offer live music (usually jazz) with frequent cabaret and burlesque mini performances. Each one is themed to honor a particular person from Les Années Folles and costumes range from basic Halloween Flapper to extravagant black tie glamour.
La Coupole (click text for link) 102 Boulevard du Montmarnasse Paris 75014
The 8km Course des Princesses at Versailles and the 10km Paris Centre
I like to run and I like history, so why not participate in races that are held in the gardens of Versailles or in the heart of Paris themselves! Can’t say I’ll be winning any medals anytime soon, but at least I feel less guilty about all the beer I drink!
And here are a few random photos including outdoor dinner parties (a cape makes all the difference), hanging out with my daughter and partner, my Halloween costume (IYKYK) and other odds and ends.
Paris History of our Streets 