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!

Hither...Tither...and Thither...and off she goes!

My time is Paris is coming along wonderfully.  Each day I feel more and more like a Parisian and less like a visitor.  My french is improving, and I've been told that my accent is excellent.  I think that's because I  mock people easily. =)  Each day is filled with an unexpected surprise and new opportunities.  Let's see where I left off...

Monday...

USA, Canada, Isreal and England

All Americans 

On Monday I went to  The Paris Urban Adventures Meet Up Group and had drinks (non alcholic for me) at Carr's Irish Pub in Paris.  It was really cool to hook up with a group of zany expatriates for a few hours and to speak English!  After speaking mostly french...I was feeling as if I had forgotten my native tongue.  The group generally gets together about once or twice a month for events.  It's comprised of English speaking people from all over the world that currently live in Paris. Most of the group is from the US, England and Austrialia.  They all seemed to end up in Paris because of work, but there are  a few that just decided to give french living a try.  They were very surprised that I had already found the Meet Up Group...but then again...I'm very resourceful.

Tuesday...

On Tuesday...I was very much like a tourist...in a good way.  I went to the Louvre, which NEVER gets old.  It's definitely a place that you have to visit- and not for a few minutes.  You need to spend a few days.  Pictures aren't allowed on the inside, but your eyes will never forget.  Fortunately, you can take as many photos as your memory card will allow outside.  

Palais Royal is only a stones throw from the Louvre and it has a very colorful history.  Make sure you click on the link to learn more about it's sorted past.  I shot a music video hear at Palais Royal with an Austrailian singer back in 2008.  The visit brought back fond memories for me.  One of my favorite things about Palais Royal is the art exhibit Buren Columns.  They were finally restored in Janvier January 2010.    Also there is a cool art exhibit outside the Palais Royal that reminds me of a mini Watts Towers.  

La Jungle

After hanging out in the 1st arrondissment all morning, I went searching for a new bibliotheque library because the Centre Pompidou is closed on Tuesdays.  In Paris, most of the libraries are NOT open to the public, and they are not free.  The exception is the Centre Pompidou.  On my quest...I happened upon several unexpected surprises like La Jungle where they serve great food and they also host different African musicians in concert.

After asking around I found that the Bibliotheque Nationale de France was open on Tuesdays and available to the public for 3,50 euro a day.  It was well worth the trip.  The library is beautiful on the inside and out.  A yearly membership is available for 38 euro annually or 20 euro annually if you're a student.  It's well worth the investment.  The library is housed in quatre four towers that are designed to look like open books.  It's really beautiful.  Once there, I was able to find a cool study section in the Art History study room.  I worked there all afternoon.  It reminded me of Hogwarts...but then again...I've been told that I have a childs mind...go figure.

The Bibliotheque Francois Mitterrand (the other name for the Bibliotheque Nationale de France) also has an amazing collection of Art.  I definitely got my euros worth!

 

Wednesday....

I spent most of the day writing, but I did take a moment or two...to walk around  and look at the high fashion that Paris has to offer.

miu miu

On my way home...I was greeted by the magnificient beauty of the Academie Nationale De Musique.  I don't care if you normally like the Opera or not...this is definitely a stop on the 100 things to do before you die.  It's simply GRAND.

I will catch up on the weekend tomorrow.  There were parties and pastries...something else to look forward to next time!