Diner en Blanc PARIS 2013 - videos - Let the good times roll!

Ok, I admit, I'm obsessed. I wish I could have been at the event in Paris but unfortunately, I just heard of this event the day that it happened. Maybe some day I'll work my way into the Paris event but for now, I will settle for a place at the table in my very own city, San Francisco!

(San Francisco Waiting List - NOW OPEN!!! - check for locations in your area)

Here's some video from the 25th anniversary event in Paris, hot off the presses!!

Click for full story!!!

Putting it all together

IT'S TIME Rockin @ The Eiffel Tower

Diner en Blanc Paris 2013 - A secret dinner party - Coming to a city near you!

Happy 25th Anniversary!

June 13th marked the 25th anniversary of Diner En Blanc in Paris. Each summer, in the golden glow of the early evening light, thousands of people emerge from their apartments, dressed all in white, and head to a secret location for the picnic of all picnics. 

 About: Diner en Blanc

Launched by François Pasquier and his close friends 25 years ago, Paris’ Dîner en Blanc now brings together over 10,000 people each year in some of the most prestigious locations throughout the French capital.

Here's how it works

At the last minute, the location is given to thousands of friends and acquaintances who have been patiently waiting to learn the “Dîner en Blanc's” secret place. Thousand of people, dressed all in white, and conducting themselves with the greatest decorum, elegance, and etiquette, all meet for a mass “chic picnic” in a public space.

Sounds very exciting doesn't it? Well, if you want to know more about the event you can, click here
Wanna know how YoU can attend an event??
Seems that it's such a secret that you have to know someone in order to attend but there just might be a dinner party in your city. 
Go to Diner en Blanc Facebook page and check them out. I did find one in my city and put myself on the waiting list.  Moments ago, I received an email back explaining my wait status.  
DINER En BLANC, a documentary about the World's Largest (Secret) Dinner Party!!
The documentary is currently touring festivals, find out where you can catch it
[Update: This year's secret dinner locations included the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre]

How to use your cell phone in Paris

"Can someone please explain to me in as simple terms as possible what I need to do with my cell phone before I leave for Paris and what I need to do when I get there?" 

Great question - You're clear across the ocean, many miles from home. Your're going to want to have the ability to stay in touch with family and friends. One of the things you have to contend with when going to Paris is how to use your cell phone.

I usually get the international service from my provider (I do this on all my trips). The cost is about $5. Of course you will still have to pay for roaming but at least your access the internet and then look for a free WiFi spot.

but...

According to  Secrets of Paris Newsletter #127, May 2013  if you've ever wondered about how to get SIM cards for your mobile phones to avoid the exorbitant roaming fees while traveling in France, here's an option; One SIM Card is a US-based company worth checking out before you leave home. If you’re already in France or don’t want to be using your own phone, La Poste offers pre-paid SIM cards from €5 as well as pay-as-you-go mobile phones from €34. 

Paris streets erupt in protest over gay marriage

Photo : Aude Mazoué/FRANCE 24

The Paris street protest against France's gay marriage law began on Sunday at 2 p.m. Police are monitoring the demonstration closely because of the planned participation of far-right groups.

On the margins of the protests, extreme right-wing activists are "occupying" the headquarters of the ruling Socialist party. Around 20 activists took up positions on the terrace of the headquarters and unfurled a banner calling for French President François Hollande to resign. Le Monde

Coco Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld

Chanel's creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, is to turn his hand to directing this week with the shooting of a short movie starring the Keira Knightley.

The British actor will play Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in the film to mark the French fashion house's 100th anniversary. It will be filmed in the chic seaside town of Deauville, where the first Chanel boutique opened in 1913, financed by her lover Captain Arthur "Boy" Capel, a wealthy British aristocrat.

The cast also includes model Stella Tennant and actor Tallulah Harlech, daughter of Lagerfeld's longtime friend and collaborator Lady Amanda Harlech.

Lagerfeld, Chanel's head designer, has ordered the building of "detailed retro sets" in the seaside resort where, in the days before she became an international success, Chanel used to send her sister, Antoinette, and aunt, Adrienne, to parade through the streets wearing her creations to attract customers.

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The Bicycles of Paris

When you are in Paris you will notice that bicycles are as much a part of the image of Paris as is the Eiffel Tower. 

What I found most interesting (and would never see where I live) was the sight of so many women on bicycles, especially at night.  Many nights we sat outside at our local cafe at 10:00 and 11:00, and we saw women riding down the street on bicycles. Dressed with a quintessential French flair, Parisian women of all ages commute to work, run errands, meet friends for coffee, catch a movie, or go to the theater. Through snow, rain, and summer heat they eschew cars, doing their part to clear the air in the city of light.

The French work less hours than Americans

That's just the way it is in France.......

“The French employees get high salaries but only work three hours,” he wrote in the letter, which was made available to the French media this week. “They have an hour for their breaks and their lunches, chat for three hours and work for three hours. I said this in front of French union representatives. They said that’s the way it is in France.”

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