Prawns...Lebanese...Basquiat Part 1...the Versailles Countryside...

Mercredi...(Wednesday)...20-10-2010

On my way home from the bibliotheque

I woke up and spent most of the entire day in the neighborhood in Versailles.  I decided to once again go to the bibliotheque to write.   I was finally seeing the light of day with my screenplay.  I was about 80 pages into my script.  The goal is to write about 10 pages a day from this point forward.  The bibliotheque where  I write in Versailles is perfect.  It has four levels, a large study room and a beautiful view of the forest.

It's only a four block walk from my place in Versailles to the bibliotheque.  I was pleasantly surprised to stumble upon a group of school children dancing to African-French music doing...wait for it...the Cha Cha Slide!   It just goes to show that music and dance are truly universal. 

After I left the bibliotheque, AD met me and we went to the market to figure out what we would have for dinner.  We decided on a simple Bretagne, France meal.  We had prawns with rock salt, butter and nutbread, galette de sarrazin, grapes and spiced cider.

I decided in France that every meal I eat from this point forward has to be gourmet.  Even if I'm only eating a sandwich.  It needs to have the freshest bread, the best sauces, and the most wholesome and natural ingredients.

Woody Allen's film Vous Allez Rencontrer Un Bel Et Sombre Inconnu was playing in the theatre down the street in Versailles.  Ad and I decided to check it out.  It was okay, but definitely not one of Woody's best.

Jeudi...

I spent most of the day writing in the apartment.  After a long day of working out the logistics for a particularly difficult scene, I was looking forward to heading into Paris later that evening.

 We had planned to go to the Musee d'art Moderne De La Ville De Paris to see the Basquiat exhibit.  On Thursdays...the museum is open until 10pm.  We got there at 8:30PM and were at the front of the line by 9PM.  Good deal right?  Wrong.  Admittance to the exhibit stops at 9PM EXACTLY.  We were disappointed, but decided to make the most of it.  No worries...I'd see Basquiat another day.

Who's up for Lebanese?

We were hungry...per usual we always seemed to eat at the African Hour (i.e. late) in Paris.  One of the BEST Labanese restaurants in Paris is call Feyrouz.  Of course I ended up taking pics with the guy behind the counter and directing the action even when in front of the camera.

We decided to take our food to Pont Neuf and enjoy it from the center of Paris.  They also have a beautiful park.  We ended up sitting on a tiny island in the middle of the Seine River.  We ate under a giant weeping willow tree on a crisp night and watching the stars.  It was beautiful. 

The Park at Pont Neuf

 

I was FORTUNATE that I didn't realize that the tiny island on Pont Neuf is over run with RATS at night.  I'm sure they were only an arms throw away as I sat with my legs dangling over the side of the tiny island looking out over the Siene.  Had I seen a rat on that night...I think I would have accidentally killed myself my jumping into the FREEZING river.  Ahh...ignorance is bliss...on occasion.

Vendredi...

I wrote for 18 hours straight!  I finished the 1st DRAFT of my script!  I was so excited, and so thankful.  I had achieved my primary goal while in Paris.

Samedi...

In Versailles, I lived behind a beautiful park.  On most days I walked past it quickly on my way to the bibliotheque, the market, the train station, or to the car.  Today I decided to just relax...and spend a little time in the countryside of Versailles...which happened to be right outside my door.

Paris...Petro...Protest!

Ma vie est une telle bénédiction ... Je tiens à remercier Dieu (God) pour tout cela! Paris n'était que le début. L'ouverture de mon esprit ... la révélation de mon âme! - Tonya Michelle

It's been a while since I updated the blog...but I've been in the midst of LIVING my life to the fullest, which definitely presents it's own challenges along the way...




This is just another wonderful meal that I had in Versailles.  I even started having a sip (or two) of wine with dinner.  When in France...




Let me recount my travels...

On 19-10-2010 a Mardi (Tuesday)...

The French people took a stand against the government's decision to raise the age of retirement from age 60 to 62 with a country wide protest.  The President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy is definitely under fire for this increase, and for his desire to rid France of all the Roma (Gypsy) people.

I was very happy to be in France during the protest, although it can definitely cause MAJOR convenience problems to citizens and travelers alike.

First of all the oil refinery workers all went on strike!  Obtaining fuel in Paris and Versailles took almost TWO HOURS for most people.  For me...well it took about 10 minutes.  We simply drove down a one way street (the wrong direction) and cut the line under the pretense of being lost and not understanding what was meant when they tried to explain that the end of the line was actually down the street.

Mairie DV XIII Arrondissement

 Once we got fueled up...we decided to head to the midst of the protest.  We parked the car at Place d'italie which is in the heart of the 13th arrondissement of Paris.  The 13th is like where the majority of businesses are located in Paris and a huge Metro entrance point for people entering the city from the suburbs.  The moment we parked the car...the crowd was electric!




The crowd was thick and extremely energized.  We made sure that we wore sneakers and only a few minimal possessions.   There were reports all over France that some of the protest sites turned violent when clashes arose between the police, students, and protesters.  Fortunately for me, I seemed to be walking with a "peaceful and purposeful" mob.

I found myself outraged on behalf of the french people too.  The way they live, and their philosophy about life is very different than my American ways.  For one thing...EVERYONE in France takes holiday (vacation) at least 6 to 8 weeks per year.  It's standard.  American's are often so excited to receive a paltry two weeks.

Americans often live to work.  In France...they work to live and the LIVING is much more important.

It puts the French government into an awful predicament.  On the one hand, the government cannot afford to indefinitely pay full pensions to France's growing senior population.  However, the majority of France's citizens are not accepting of the new change.  They want what has always been given.

The protest definitely helped me to concentrate on what is most important in my own life.  I don't want to be like the drones in the office who think that the job is the most important thing in life, and punish any and all who rebel against their narrow minded ways.  I'm an artist first.

Laura Kpegli

During the protest, we ran into Laura Kpegli who co-stars in the fabulous film Donoma.   The film is directed by my play brother Djinn Carrenard.  I couldn't be more PROUD!

 

Africa meets America in Paris Metro

Ad and I hungout with Laura and her friends for a while before we began walking back to Montparnasse.  Once we made our way through the massive crowd we hopped on the Metro and headed back to Place d'italie.  I think it's my spirit that made the protest so appealing to me.  I've always been a rebel.

After the protest, Ad and I went back to Versailles and had a great dinner.  We had salmon, rice, and soup with fresh bread and wine.

Salmon and Rice with Cream Sauce

Carrot Ginger Soup and Nut Bread

I stayed home the rest of the evening and wrote.  Everyday I was inspired to push myself creatively and professionally.

Versailles...French Cooking...Models...and Writing....

Okay...so last week, I moved to Versailles.  It was needed.

I was spending way too much time in the streets of Paris.  Fun?  Yes!  But I was not being as productive as I needed to be.   I really need to have my script completed before I return to the states.  Right now, I'm in a very good place.

Here in Versailles, it's a much calmer way of life.  I'm more relaxed...more focused.

I've had time to think about what I really want  to do professionally and what I need my life to look like from this point forward...

My apartment in Paris

Last Tuesday...I spent my last day living in Paris in the 8th arrondissement.   I loved the convenience of the location...I lived pretty much in the center of Paris...but the downside...beyond the 124 stairs of death...was the lack of space in the maid's quarters.  After spending all day in the streets, I needed a little more space to spread out and relax.

Palace of Versailles at night

So...around 10pm I drove out to Versailles.  It's about an hour from Paris by the train, or about a 20 minute drive by car, late at night.  With traffic, it could take about an hour or an hour and half.  Versailles is filled with quaint little shops, and has a very small town feel.  I wouldn't call it a suburb, although many people here commute to Paris for work everyday.  A large percentage of it's residents rarely travel to Paris, except for special occasions.

I slept so well that first night in Versailles.  I didn't realize it, but I was a little tense in Paris every night.  Always on the go...trying to find the delicate balance of writing and enjoying my friends.  I was starting to feel as if I was falling behind with my script.

Wednesday...

Macaron Framboise

Universite de Versailles Saint-Quentin En Yvelines

I woke up and found the best french market and packed the apartment with my must have provisions... an assortment of cheeses, breads, fruits, yogurts, cereals, fresh vegetables, a roasted chicken and of course biscuits.  Having an all french super market is beginning to spoil me.  I don't know how I'll react once I'm subjected to my Ralphs, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's that I used to love.  They now seem so in adequate.  Le sigh....

Sidebar- The french put chocolate in everything.





I found a great bibliotheque at the Universite de Versailles Saint-Quentin En Yvelines.  It's only a 4 minute walk from the apartment.    The bibliotheque is the perfect environment for writing.  It's quiet with large tables, and a beautiful view of the Forest of Versailles.

It was nice to walk home and relax after writing.  In Versailles, I'm living a different lifestyle than I was in Paris.  I come home and usually relax with friends and have home cooked meals.  I've even taken to having a sip of wine with dinner.  For those of you that may not be aware...I NEVER drink.  However, here in Versailles...it would seem almost inappropriate not to have a little wine with dinner.

Me and Mourad

A friend named Mourad  came over to visit and we broke bread with Ad (pronouced Ah-dee), and spent a little time talking about the politics in France and it's precarious relationship with Africa and all the Africans living in Paris.  Mourad was born in Paris, but he's Tunisian.    We were talking about the Maghreb and how he thought that I looked like the people in the sub saharan Maghreb where the arabs/africans/ europeans all mixed and made the most beautiful people.  His words, not mine. =)

Thursday...

Dez, me and Biff

I got up early and I caught the train to Paris to meet my friend Delo.  He invited me to attend a screening of the American film  Mother & Child.  It was a cool film.  I had a few minor problems with the plausibility of certain things, but the acting was excellent.  After the film Delo treated me to  lunch and then  we stopped by a production office so that I could meet a few of his friends that are also a part of the Parisian film community.

Delo and me...

Connecting with Delo is always a good thing.  We make each other smile.  What could be better than that?   It's a little embarrassing because all of my American friends are "crushing" on Delo.  I can only say one thing...BACK OFF!  Ha.....

Friday...

I wrote all day.  I am in a place with my script where I finally see the end of the tunnel.  I got up, had breakfast went to the bibliotheque and wrote all morning.  I came home for lunch and finished writing at home all evening.  I am so thankful for this time.  I listen mostly to John Coltrane when I write...there's something uber sexy about writing a screenplay in Versailles...listening to jazz...and eating french food.


Saturday...

Galette de Sarrazin au saumon et poireaux

 I woke up energized and wrote all morning.  The weather started to turn cold, and I took that opportunity to pour myself into my screenplay while walking around all day in my pajamas.  Dinner was prepared for me...something that I'm getting used too.





After dinner, a few friends came over to visit and we decided to take a late night drive into Paris around 1AM in the morning.



We met up with a few friends for a little while in the Parisian rain...and then we decided to explore a little deeper in the under belly of Paris.

Canal Saint-Martin

Quai de Valmy

Director, DJ, Model

We hung out  around the Canal Saint-Martin on Quai de Valmy.  We went to a little spot that is frequented by lots of artist, music industry people and models.  It was the perfect location since I was hanging with a video director, a DJ and a model...lol.




Sunday...

It rained and it was so cold.  PERFECT weather for writing.  I did a little laundry, ate a little dinner and edited my screenplay all evening.

Monday...

Was all about business.  I woke up early and went to the Bibliotheque.  I wrote for about six hours and then my brain was fried.  I came home and talked to Ad for a while and then I decided to catch up on my blog...time is going by so fast.  I wrote and dinner was served.  I could totally get used to this.

I'm learning so much about myself everyday.  I miss America...but not my American ways.  I find myself unconcerned with my possessions back home.  I only miss the people.

My life as I know it will never be the same.  Every day will be better and better.  It has to be...it is the artist way.....

Dancehall...Film Production...and Mayhem...and finally...The Breakthrough!

Okay...so I finally had a breakthrough moment yesterday with my script.  I realized that trying to finish TWO scripts in 30 days was INSANE even for my over achieving self.  So...I decided to focus on the one that is clearest in my mind, and most relevant.  The drama.  The romantic comedy idea...I think I'm too close to the real life events to tackle that subject in earnest.  Djinn Carrenard, a french filmmaker and good brother of mine, have been toying with the idea for years of co-writing and directing an American/French international love story...we shall see.

Okay...let me take this morning to get you guys caught up on my adventures and excursions.

Oh! I found a great link for anyone considering moving to Paris...Practical Life In Paris!

Where was I?  

Jeudi (Thursday)...

Jeudi was a pretty easy going day.  I spent most of the day cleaning up the apartment, and then working at the Bibliotheque Centre Pompidou.  After which, I decided not to take the Metro back home right away.  I decided to walk around and explore my surroundings.  The Metro system is so thorough in Paris that I knew I would not have a problem finding my way home, regardless of where I ended up.

Gare L'Est

I walked through what I think is the African section of Paris near Place du Chateau Rouge.  I hungout over here a few years back when I was in Paris.  It's the 18th arrondissment.  Over here...it feels like a genuine slice of Africa.  The foods, people, and of course the fabrics and arts.  You almost forget that it's Paris.  I kept walking until I ended up at Gare L'Est train station.  I love train stations all over the world.  I think it's the wanderer in me.  My favorite place is wherever I'm headed next.

Gare L'Est

It was dark when I made it home.  I climbed the 124 stairs that comprise the "Twisted Stairs Of Death" to get to my apartment.  It's actually 7 flights....but they say I live on the sixth floor because the first floor is zero.  You have to walk up to one!  I dropped off my computer, and rested for about a half hour and decided to see what else my fabulous neighborhood had to offer.  I walked down Rue Saint-Honore and ended up on Avenue des Champs Elysees which turned out to be only a 10 minute walk from the apartment.

Macaroons at McDonald's

The Avenue des Champs Elysees is a lot like Time Square in New York, North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills...although each city and area is different, they're the same with the number of tourist and locals that frequent the areas, and the high end shops mixed in with the appropriate assortment of Gaps, and McDonald's to make everyone seem at home...lol.

Inside Citroen 1 car per floor

I found the COOLEST car dealership ever.  It's called Citroen and it's a French auto company.  The cars are okay...they have an electric prototype that I adore...but the architectural design of the showroom is pure genius.

The Electric Prototype

After hanging out for a while I treated myself to dinner at Le Madrigal.  They had a cool DJ and the place was packed with tourist and locals.

Le Madrigal on Avenue des Champs-Elysees

I don't know why...but I decided to hop on the Metro and head to Gare Du Nord station after dinner.  Perhaps because this is also the location of a video I shot in Mars March of 2008.  Or it could have been my restless spirit.  I took a few photos and headed home.

Gare Du Nord

Gare Du Nord

I was home by 11:30PM...already looking ahead to what the next day would bring.










Vendredi (Friday)...

Hotel California

Sushi 2007 Red Devils...not dinner!

Friday was another great day.  I went to the Bibliotheque...wrote for a while, came home and walked around the neighborhood for a little bit.  I stumbled across  Hotel California and a little sushi spot called Sushi 2007.  I didn't eat there....but they had a tank with some of the most  beautiful Red Devil fish!  There was also one giant fish in the tank too.  I'm not sure what it was, but if it had been smaller...the Red Devils would have ate him up!  I use to have one named Claude in D.C.

I actually ate a home cooked meal.  My FIRST while in Paris.  It was good and cost only 7 euro for the ingredients from the Monoprix.  I had rice, green beans, and poulet chicken with mushrooms.  To drink, I had strawberry juice.  Very good, if I say so myself.

Home cooked meal courtesy of MONOPRIX

Terry Bible, Me, Ad

Charles, Jeffrey, ME

Around midnight my new friend Ad (pronounced Ah-Dee) and french rapper Terry Bible scooped me up and we ended up at a funky dancehall party on the Siene.  Don't ask me how I've become "down" with the artist click in Paris...but they seem to find me.  The party was on this crazy boat that looked like it was falling apart.  The place was packed with French-Africans playing some SERIOUS music.  It was a great party.  We didn't get there until maybe 1 in the morning and the party was still going strong when we left at 4AM.  Most parties in Paris seem to end around 6:30AM.  Reminds me of New York and Chicago in that regard.

I met some cool people and enjoyed the entire vibe.  My only complaint is that L.A has spoiled me when it comes to no smoking in clubs.  When I got home...I definitely smelled like a smoke house.  I had to hang my little cashmere sweater and skirt outside on the ledge to air dry.  I was afraid that they were going to blow off the balcony down into the courtyard, 124 stairs below...but they did not!





Samedi (Saturday)...

Saturday I was on the guest list for a party hosted by my boy Claude aka Just Dizle the DOPEST DJ in Paris.  Check out his stuff on iTunes.

Me and Delo

Diki in the ADR room

I wasn't able to make it because I went to Studio Coppelia to check out my BOY!!!!!  Delo while he and his crew worked on their latest film.  I can't wait to see the finished product.  I'm so happy and proud for them.  It's great to see artist, making it happen worldwide.

Me and Charles Cerito

Me and Alain

While at the studio I was introduced to the fabulous Cerito brothers.  They have a photography studio called Mamuntu Films.  They asked if they could do a studio portrait with me while in Paris...my answer, "Uh...Hell yah!"

They were prepping for an upcoming meeting for distribution, so we laughed and talked in between them working hard on getting a cut ready for viewing.

Delo, Me, Shango, and Alain

Men at work

We didn't leave the studio until after 2 in the morning so they dropped me home and we decided to go out and celebrate in a few days.  I LOVE the LOVE that they show me.  It's always good connecting with Delo.

 

Dimanche (Sunday)...

Cedric, Remy, Severin, Ad

Sunday can only be described as FUN!  Ad, Remy, Cedric and Severin aka DJ Toni Vegas came to Paris to hang out with me for the day.  We walked around all over the city, took pictures, ate good Lebanese food and laughed and joked until our sides hurt.  They're definitely a FUN crowd and I really appreciate how many people have extended themselves to me while in Paris.  I feel as if so many people are going out of their way to make sure that I have a good time.  It is appreciated!

Lebanese poulet and frommage

looking for the car via the iPhone

Free outdoor concert to promote using 10& less emissions

Me and Severin

 Lundi (Monday)...

I spent all day and night in the bibliotheque at the Centre Pompidou writing.  Life is GOOD!