Followtoday, i’m delighted to share a guest post here on ‘where in the world is lola?’ written by one of my dear friends & supporters, Raul, from I Live to Travel. bonded by our love of travel & adventure, Raul and lola have had the pleasure of meeting up on 3 occasions so far. i love Raul so much for thinking of me while in Paris recently! he knows me too well – having figured out all the things that will lead to temptation for me. i hope you enjoy his punch list and that you pop over and check out his great blog with stories & stunning photos from all over the world.
Raul’s Parisian must-do’s and don’ts
I recently spent 36 hours in Paris, a place I have lived in before and enjoyed visiting thereafter. Every time I go is like going home. But this time, I felt a certain level of responsibility to scope out the City of Light in new ways as I knew Lola and Leah will be hitting it later this year as part of their Go With Oh experience. In particular, I was thinking of the crazy fun Lola can get involved with in a city like Paris. And, all over, I kept seeing things that I wanted to share with her. So I decided to put in writing my advice for Lola as she hits Paris, with Leah and the boa, of course.
We know Lola loves Miami Beach and, while Paris and South Beach are like chapters in different books, Paris does have some Miami Beach at this store in the St. Germain area. I make no promises and given she is going in November, she should expect no sun or warmth. But if Lola feels homesick, I want her to know there is some Miami Beach in Paris – just break the glass in case of an emergency. Blame the boa if caught.
Not that Lola has to watch her figure (even if she did, would I so much as hint at that, that friendly boa would strangle me next time we meet; that boa has a teeeeemper!) but Lola may want to consider not going crazy on these…
Or these…
Or these…
Though she should feel free to buy me a box of champagne truffles whilst there… For example, from Maison du Chocolat. Many locations available all over town AND at the airport…
Mind you, if Lola does choose to indulge, I would recommend avoiding over-priced and way over-touristed Angelina’s and Ladurée (much as they have good stuff!) and find some off-the-beaten path places like Un Dimanche a Paris…
If Lola wants to indulge but feel she is being healthy (so the boa doesn’t criticize her), I found the perfect spot for her: Relais Gascon, right between the Pigalle and Sacre Couer (metro station Abbesses). The salads are what you want to go for. These are no ordinary salads and they are huge! Loaded with fried potatoes with garlic, you can choose between several different ones. I highly recommend the one with prosciutto, bacon, olives, green, and a fried egg! But do avoid drinking that entire wine carafe by yourself, Lola. I did it with headache results the next day. Though Lola is surely tougher than me with beverages, I am sure…
The Pigalle area in Paris is known for being seedy yet it draws tourists like crazy. Also, it is right next to the Montmartre area which means you almost have to go through it if you want to visit Sacre Couer and Montmartre (guilt-liberating rationale provided free of charge; please accompany words of thanks with euros).
The Pigalle’s most famous site is the Moulin Rouge, made even more famous after the movie starring Nicole Kidman.
People probably think she is there all the time but I know she only works there one night per month and it wasn’t when I was there so I skipped going in. But I digress.
Lola, we all know, (or if you don’t yet, you will find out quickly when you meet Lola; something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime, IMHO) likes to have fun. Now the Pigalle may or may not be where one ought to look for fun or, at least, one may want to be selective as to what fun to indulge in. Lola, I did want to help you figure what’s what in the Pigalle and what is available there.
1. If you need to buy toys for kids you know, this place may be good to check out. I didn’t go it to check the selection but now at least you know there is a toy store and since it is a palace, they are bound to have a great variety of toys to choose from.
2. The next place can be confusing for an American since it has French words in its marquee but, lucky you, I am semi-fluent in French. It says Love Store but the French words say that it is a center for advice on love so I don’t think it is anything shady. Lola may already know love but I figured that it can never hurt to consult with a professional on love matters. I was rushing back to my hotel and didn’t have time to do a session but just let me know if they were helpful. (P.S. – I don’t know what those mannequins are supposed to mean but maybe it is a half-finished setup.)
3. Now somewhere in front of the Moulin Rouge, there is a massive vent from the metro system that goes right under it. As you can see women get on it, then get cold feet (pardon the pun). I say go for it with the boa. And go full blast! (P.S. – Leah takes AWESOME pix; just check out her blog and see for yourself www.leahtravels.com )
4. Lola, now I have so far given you advice on what you may want to look into in the Pigalle but this next one is really one of where not to go in. You know the prior ones are safe but this one is clearly different. I warn you because you ARE a diva and the name of the place would seem to be geared to appeal to divas – like a diva sorority house in Paris, you know? But apparently, it is a place where guys stand on tables and do dances for lowly women. International men. That means hairy and probably smelly. Stay away. But, surely, you can at least have a picture taken in that pose in front of the place. Your blog readers would love to see it. It is the least you can do after all the great advice I have given you 🙂
Bon chance a Paris!!!!
thanks for the great tips, Raul! i will definitely be doing my best Marilyn Monroe over that metro vent to be sure! the temptation for overindulgence in eclairs, chocolate croissants & cheese is a REAL possibility. no one likes a chubby lola! AND i’m thinking all those “toy stores” and “love advice” places might actually be something altogether else 😉 you will DEFINITELY be getting some treats from Maison du Chocolat!
Raul, je vous adore! XO – lola
I Live to Travel – Raul has been traveling internationally for pleasure, business or “for good” for over 20 years having visited over 50 countries in 6 continents & counting. His blog reflects his passion to experience the undiscovered world around him. Chocolate and wine aficionado too!
LOLA ♥s I Live to Travel because he’s my official bodyguard, shoo-flyer & purse holder, that, & he takes lovely travel photos!
I totally, utterly, helplessly <3 Paris, as both Lola and Raul know, so this post is – so to speak – a treat. Bookmarked for my next visit. 🙂
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted…5 winery picks in Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country
i très adore Paris too and CANNOT wait to return again and with Leah on her VIRGIN visit. clearly she’ll need to see the highlights i’ve seen many a time BUT we are staying in Paris the longest of any city on our tour and I DO plan to show her some things NOT on the list (if you know what i mean) 😉 Raul certainly does. photo ops abound come Nov. for ole Lola & Leah!
I hope we will get to read a detailed report on the off-the-beaten path places. 😉
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted…The Green Mill – Chicago’s landmark jazz club
What a lovely surprise! I love Raul and know that he has all the dish on wine and chocolate. Who knew he had such insight to the darker side of Paris. 😉 Consider this printed out and put in my Go with Oh notebook.
Leah Travels recently posted…Top Three Travel Memories
hehehe…yes, tuck this itinerary in that notebook, doll. we are going to do Paris like no other! we might not even want to come home! 😉
All, this was so fun to write! Paris can be wonderful and all sorts of wicked 😉 Enjoy Paris! I hope to go myself again before the year is out…
naughty naughty and i likey! oh Leah, you will have a trip to the ‘City of Light’ that you’ll never forget! 😉
Those cakes look AMAZING – I want to go back to Paris and put on nearly half a stone again!! xxx
Scarlett recently posted…Four things you probably didn’t know about Scarlett…
i don’t even need to leave home to do that ‘half a stone’ bit. i just ate a bag of pistachios replying to these comments. (i’m not blaming you commenters!)
LET”S GET REAL. i’m gorging in France. it’s the end of our amazing tour. i will come back to the US and NEVER EAT AGAIN. or at least through Christmas 😉
Wow wow wow, who knew Mr Raul was so knowledgeable about the darker side of Paris? I loved the witty tone of the post and I am now very hungry for some of those beautiful chocolates. Loved it!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…Wine, sun and lux in Alentejo, Portugal
OUI it is a delicious post in lots of ways! THANK YOU RAUL for writing such a scrumptious post! cannot wait to cross off your dare, i mean, to-do list 😉
xo – lola
you are most welcome, fab Lola!
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted…Photo of the Week – Lovers in Dubrovnik
I’m scared of her feather boa!
The love store looks like it should be for 18+ year olds, don’t you think it looks a little dodgy!
the boa loves you, Nik. no worries.
Raul is just being dramatic. the boa has friends not foes!!
A LOT of the photos at the end of the post look dodgy…that’a why i’ll be checking them out. it’s more like a dare list than a to-do list 😉 Raul – you bastard (not really!!)
I’ve been to Paris twice, but clearly I missed out! Great stuff.
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted…Top of the Mark – A Date With History
hi DJ. i’ve been to Paris 3 times and have never made it to the Pigalle area. excited to check out something new – even if it’s a little seedy! how about that subway vent…that should make for an awesome photo op – don’t you think?!
Wow, Lola, I over-estimated you – you have NEVER been to the Pigalle? So Leah is not the only Paris-virgin here!
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted…A Photo Essay of the Center of Moldova’s Capital: Chisinau
Oh yeah, the “toy store”… Lola, can you pick up something for Lucia while you’re there? LOL This is a super fun post, Raul! Those sweet treats look amazing, too!
Francesca recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Make Way For Ducklings
HAHAHA! yes, i don’t really think that ‘toy store’ is for children under the age of 18. i’ll confirm when in Paris and let you know! 😉 i may be picking up something for you instead of Lucia!
Okay if I were there I’d go crazy on all the food. Paris is not for dieting!
Ayngelina recently posted…Love notes from a graffiti artist
AMEN sister. the last time i was in Paris i think i gained 10 pounds in one week. (i’m not kidding) it’s definitely NOT my goal to gain weight but i cannot deny myself the culinary treats of France. NO WAY! 😉
Raul, I can’t believe there wasn’t a photo of a cafe, croissant and a cigarette… I see Lola there with shades on even if the sun isn’t shinning outside, i am certain it is on the inside…
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted…Ronda – More than the Birthplace of Bullfighting
i looooove this reply so much. #1 that photo will be recreated FO SHO. add in the boa & voila – it’s done! #2 the idea that the sun is always shining inside lola makes me a very happy girl! you are a charmer – mr. stay adventurous!!
hahaha raul, you’re nuts. love this and can’t wait to see how lola fares with all of your recommendations!
the lazy travelers recently posted…making a case for driving in costa rica
oh lazy travelers…i’ll fare just fine. just you wait. i LOVE dares. if you think of any you’d like to add to the list for Paris or any of the other European cities Leah & i will be visiting, be sure to let me know 😉
How thoughtful of Raul to check out Paris through the eyes of Lola in order to scout for your trip. I have heard of Pigalle, but never had a chance to visit. Maybe next time.
Traveling Ted recently posted…Life after dropping out of Nomadic Samuel’s top 100 travel blogs
i know, right?! i cannot wait to check out Pigalle myself now 🙂 i’ll be sure to let you know how it is, Ted 😉
Awwww those chocolates there!
crazy sexy fun traveler recently posted…TANNING HABITS – DOES THE SKIN COLOUR SHOW HOW RICH/POOR YOU ARE?
i knoooooooow. i’m either going to have to ban chocolate on my Euro tour or just plan to go on a massive diet, post-trip 🙂
Why is everyone tempting me with these posts of Paris and all of its food and glory? I don’t think I can take it much longer. All of the food pictures have me drooling. Now I’m just a big, sad mess.
Tawny- Captain and Clark recently posted…N Seoul Tower is Quite the Trip. [video]
it’s certainly not on purpose or meant to tease you! you should just c’mon over and enjoy Paris with Leah & me in November!! 😀
Lola, maybe your personal photographer needs to go to assist with all the photo captures. And I may have other suggestions for the cigarette picture – all over Paris!
Raul (ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted…A Big Ego Needs A Big Building: the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest