Red Ball Project: Paris

 Tight Squeeze

 The Steps at Canel Saint Martin

Canel St. Martin 

 Near Notre Dame

Trying to catch it at the Eiffel Tower

Along the Seine

Hotel de Ville

The weather has finally become springlike here in Paris.  Running errands and being out and about under sunshine has been a welcome reprieve from the grey ceiling of clouds and rain that can take over this city more often than you'd think.  Perfect timing for this interesting art installation that has taken the city by storm.  The Red Ball Project sent residents and tourists alike on a chase throughout the city to find out where this giant red rubber ball might end up next.  

The brainchild of artist Kurt Pershke, the project is meant to be an interactive experience that takes the individual from observer to participant.  People living in the cities on the world tour map have been able to make suggestions as to where the ball should be positioned throughout their town.  The project then becomes one of "collective imagination". According to the artist, 

"The larger arc of the project is how each city responds to the invitation and, over time, what the developing story reveals about our individual and cultural imagination"

I followed it to a few of its installations here in Paris and at each location, people were completely engaged in participating by touching it, taking photos or just generating a party-like atmosphere.

It leaves Paris this Sunday after being displayed in the Luxembourg gardens ... that should be fun.  If you are in town, certainly try to catch it.  Here's some additional information to find out if it's coming to a city near you.

H


Project BoulerRouge from Kurt Perschke on Vimeo.

Versailles and Dom Perignon

Visiting Versailles is, without a doubt, a mind-boggling, jaw dropping experience.  The absolute, over-the-top grandness of it all is overwhelming.  Even for the French.  As you go through the maze of rooms you overhear comments that leave the most ardent fan of the Republic amazed by their country's splendid history and patrimoine.  Crystal chandeliers, mirrors, frescoed ceilings, the ornate gardens...it has to be seen to be believed.  And quite honestly, a visit to Paris is not really a visit to Paris without at least a portion of a day spent here.

Getting invited to private events that take you into parts of the palace the public has no access to is even more spectacular.  I've been to a few (it happens more often than you would think) and each one has been memorable.  Unfortunately, my invitation to the one in this video must have gotten lost in the mail!

Versailles, Dom Perignon,  a performance by Lang Lang .... this had to be one magical night.
Let's watch and just say that we were there.

H

India: Wildlife at Baghvan

Magnificent 

One of my goals during this most recent trip to India was to see a tiger.  Sounds like a crazy goal I know, but I am fascinated by these creatures.  Powerful and elegant, fearsome and beautiful, they speak to me for some reason.  I've been fortunate enough to have gone on several safaris in my life so far, all spectacular, but none put me face to face with a tiger.  When I planned this last trip, I made sure to include the chance to spot one.

Pench National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife and endangered species that can roam the acreage at the foot of the Satpura range.  A number of streams flow through this teak and bamboo forest  that create the backdrop for not only the tiger you see above (yes, I finally saw one) but antelope, leopards, jungle cats and striped hyenas.  It's also respite for over 200 species of birds, some of which you saw here.

Breakfast with our guides before heading out into the "wild"

 It really is this lush and teeming with wildlife.

For two nights I called this part of the world my home.  Staying at the Baghvan Pench Jungle Lodge was really the highlight of the trip.  Set at the outskirts of park, guests are treated to some pretty spectacular amenities at the end of their day.  My choice of where to sleep was an enclosed room but the lodge can provide covered platforms for indulgent nights sleeping under the stars.  Quite the way to do a sleep out I'd say.  

The Lobby

Dining area 

Oh, and to give you a true sense of how magical this place is, the tiger reserve was inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's, "The Jungle Book".   I think I need to check back in with Mowgli and his adventures.  His story will have a whole different meaning.

H

India: Color and Inspiration

As I mentioned in my last post,  sound,  aroma,  and color are all magnified in India making life in the cities frenetic. Occasionally, overwhelming until you get your bearings.  Same thing can be said for the wildlife.  

The colors in nature here are more saturated.  Richer, as if they've been carefully tended to become the best and most beautiful they could possibly be.  Indigenous flora and fauna become magical when a visitor looks at it for the first time.  To be surrounded by all of this natural abundance for a few days was a gift.  

I look for inspiration all around me, whether I'm home in Paris or visiting new places for the first time.  

For example, these pictures offer color combinations that would work in a variety of projects.  Upload them into a color generator and you'll get a palette to work with for fabric or paint choices.  Or, I could frame this series of photos to hang on a wall.  Everything is possible.  

Just depends on how open our eyes are. 

Enjoy your weekend. 

H

India: Street Food

 Pani Puri or Gol Gappa - fried chickpea puffs served with mint yogurt sauce

 More fried goodness

Lining up outside a pastry shop

The "guys" having lunch

India is a country where everything is magnified.  The sheer number of people, all the color, sounds, aromas, traffic; it's crazy.  A cacophony of all these things that takes awhile to settle in with.  Once you feel comfortable in its frenetic pace you as a visitor can begin to uncover the culture's inherent gems.  Like street food.  

Looking a bit unsanitary from a western point of view, passing on the "every day" food that India is known for would be a mistake.  It would be like going to Italy and not eating pizza.  And who does that?  Naan,  or Indian bread, fried in beat up cast iron pans that sit over coal fires is the ultimate "take-out" meal.  Usually served with chicken or vegetarian stew, it beats any fast food we have in the states. Pani puri is another great treat.  Small chickpea fritters served with yogurt mint sauce or chutney  ... amazing.  

Now I'm hungry.  

H 

Rijks Museum: It's About Time

The New Rijksmuseum from Proudfoot on Vimeo.

Just a mere 10 years later with a price tag of $489 million dollars, the Rijks Museum in Amsterdam re-opened its doors to the world last week.  Housing one of the world's richest collections of artwork, the renovation was an exercise in updating the entire space while rehanging all but one masterpiece in a chronological sequence.  That sequence tells stories, revealing the history and culture of the Dutch.

Glass enclosed atriums infused with light are now home to the museums sculpture collection as well as allowing for a more fluid visit through the space.  Walls have been painted an intentionally non-descript grey so the paintings, the beautiful jewels that they are, do all the talking.  Small objects are displayed in simple, ultra-clear glass "boxes".  While all this modernization has made for a more "people-friendly" experience, the one holdout to the past is Rembrandt's "Night Watch", the museum's most treasured possession.  Carefully and lovingly, it was placed right back where it had always been.

 The Night Watch

Now that the museum is open, it's probably time to head back to Amsterdam.  It's been awhile since my last visit so all this digging around I did for the museum lead me to looking at hotels.  And I think I found a great one.

Check out the Conservatorium if you plan on making a trip of your own.  Located in the heart of the museum district (completely coincidental ...  I was going for the WOW factor), this new luxury hotel is perfectly situated for sightseeing, shopping, dining and museum going.  A 19th century bank building, this re-purposed building has been completely redone/renovated and looks to be a great place to call home during your visit.

The Conservatorium

The Lobby

So, you have the museum to visit and a great place to stay.  

I'm going to leave you in charge of flights. 

Have a great time. 

H

PS:   Had to include this link to the wonderfully, quirky, fun way the city of Amsterdam was made aware of the recent opening ceremony.  Scroll to the bottom of the article to watch.  

Photo credits:  1, 2&3

Christian Liaigre

Christian Liaigre

When I arrived in Paris to set up my new life, I went to task to find the perfect apartment.  Through some wonderful connections, I ended up in what could be described as the quintessential idea of what a Parisian apartment looks like.  Plaster ceilings with decorative carvings, two marble fireplaces, herringbone patterned oak floors and double French doors leading out to two small balconies overlooking the gardens of Les Invalids.  Clearly, I thanked my lucky stars.  

As I worked on filling the space, I wanted the architectural elements tell their story without being overshadowed by 19th century antiques that would have created an all out competition in "look at me first", as well as, a museum-like quality.  Balance was my guide.  

Enter, Christian Liaigre.   

View of the Salon with Christian Liaigre mirror reflecting the balcony overlooking Hôtel des Invalids

For the past 25 years, Christian Liagre has made a name for himself creating furnishings and interiors that while "contemporary" in feel, reflect timeless and elegant design. His seating is ample and comfortable and all his work is sculptural and organic.  A successful blend of elegance and livability.   His work fit perfectly in my new apartment.  Opting for the beautiful neutral colors you see here created a serene space to come home to where nothing felt jarring or out of place.  

Looking towards the balcony and Hôtel des Invalids

10 foot table and leather chairs all by Christian Liaigre.

Console with family photos and art/design books.  And flowers. Always. 

Christian Liaigre headboard, nightstand and chair.

Perhaps not as well-known in the U.S., he does many design projects in New York, London, Bangkok and of course, Paris.  He opened a design studio a few years back on rue de Varenne in the 7th arrondissement which is a showroom as well.  Lighting, home fragrance and artwork are for sale and if you are interested it's worth a visit.  

My favorite cups from Venice by Carlo Moretti

While I selected soothing colors for all my upholstery, that doesn't mean I'm adverse to color.  Open my cabinets and closets and a riot of color emerges.   Glassware, china and linens that I've collected throughout my travels tell the story when I set a table.   These cups by Carlo Moretti are a perfect example of how keeping my surroundings subtle allows for any color palette to take center stage.  

I know what you're thinking.  Where's the sand? Where are the feathers?
In my closet.

Have a great weekend everyone.
H

Photo credits:  1, 2-6 (personal photos) 

Paris, The City of Light

Just back from a lengthy time away and have been downloading over 1800 photos from India and Berlin, some of which I plan on sharing.

In the meantime, enjoy this unusual take on Paris.  I am so grateful for all my travel opportunities, however, coming home to this city is always a gift.



PARIS, THE CITY OF LIGHT (FULL LENGTH HD VERSION) from Trak on Vimeo.

H

Spanish Paradores

Parador de Ronda

This photo and accompanying article at Conde Nast Traveler reminded me of a lengthy afternoon lunch that I was lucky enough to enjoy several years ago.  The building that you see precariously balanced over a gorge is in Ronda, a mountainous village in southern Spain.  A former town hall, this site is now home to just one of many "paradores" or luxury hotels, savvy tourists can find throughout Spain.  

Paradores de Turismo de Espana is an initiative created in 1928 by Alfonso XIII as a way to promote a growing tourism trade within Spain.  A state-run organization to this day, the government took over heritage sites... castles, palaces and convents that were decaying yet could be preserved so as to create a new way to experience the splendor of the country's past. 

Parador de Cardona

 

This 9th century fortress located about 90 km outside of Barcelona has architectural elements that span about 200 years of history and offers rooms with canopy beds and actual Gothic artifacts that make staying here something like sleeping in a museum. 

Andalucia or southern Spain is home to some of the most fabulous paradores.  One of my most memorable travel experiences was staying at the Parador de Granada.  A 15th century convent, this site is literally on the grounds of the Alhambra,  a splendid example of Islamic architecture and one of Spain's most popular tourist sites.  

 Parador de Granada

The beauty of staying here is at the end of the day, when the last tourist bus pulls out and the fortress doors close, guests are able to take advantage of the beautiful gardens or what's known as General Life.  Left alone with no crowds and only moonlight lighting the way, walking through this 14th century garden creation with all its stories of love, loss and intrigue swirling around is beyond words.  

 General Life at the Alhambra

I highly recommend visiting Spain if the opportunity presents itself.  Everything about it is inviting and beautiful.  Beautiful surroundings, tapas, a glass of rioja .... what's not to love?

H

Photo credits:  1, 2&3, 4 

How My Mind Works and What Lies Underfoot

 The other day I posted this photo on my Facebook page...

Flooring by TingLondon

... floor or wall tiles made with vintage leather belt straps.  Back in my Trading Spaces days, I would have been all over this idea.  The homeowners might not have been but where's the drama in them loving everything, right?  And, admit it, if you watched the show, you wanted drama! 

Then, this morning on my Facebook feed was this image:  

Gustave Caillebotte, The Floor Scrapers

.... three men scrapping the finish off floors in what looks to be a very Haussmanian apartment in Paris.  Now, I have this sense of floors sort of "following me" which in turn took me over to Pinterest, searching for floor ideas.  Welcome to the black hole.  There's some crazy, fun finishes out there these days.  Like ...

a beautiful mosaic that becomes completely contemporary with the addition of stone and stainless steel by Parchettifico

Some kind of resin technology that allows for all sorts of design reproductions.  Floor by Senso

Leather-like crocodile skin.  You could get lost forever on Quadrolegno's site

I love the mix of materials...in an open space you can create smaller "rooms" with this

Bold color and pattern

For some of you, if you have enough champagne or wine corks lying around, you've got a perfect DIY project just waiting for you this weekend.  You might want to finish the floor before you open another bottle!

On that thought, enjoy!

H