This Boy

Is the man. I've fallen into this weird obsession with bouncy 60's funk. 80's? I don't even know, but I'm bugging everybody with my non-stop humming and quest for the perfect green leotard.

Read more...

Four Dollar Milkshakes

I arrived in San Francisco, assuming that when Austin said he'd 'meet me at the airport' that he'd roll up in his Honda or whatever. I mean it's America right? We move in cars here, no? So when I was wrong, I hauled my two weeks' worth of necessities up a San Franciscan hill, blowing off his insults to my naivité. "There's a locker SOMEWHERE, Austin." I insisted. I was wrong. But refusing to be wrong, I settled on a bookshop. After bribing the adorable doe-eyed shop keeper with a slice of pizza and the purchase of Thomas Mann's Magic Mountain, I managed to ditch my bag for the day. From there we promptly proceeded to do the only thing that makes sense to 22 year olds when they reunite - get drunk. So although I've technically been to San Francisco, I've really only been to Dolores Park. The rest of my time was spent recovering. And by recovering I mean vomiting tacos into bushes in Oaklalnd, drinking $4 milshakes, and feeding ugly ducklings white cheddar popcorn from the edge of a concrete lake. Never the less, I had an excellent time, liked everyone I encountered, and am definitely considering SF as my next potential home. People seem to like each other there, and that's a big load off after a place like Paris, where people just want to slit each others' throats so they can steal each others' shoes. Also, I flew Virgin, and that was incredible. I became a frequent flyer just so I can fly with them more often.

Blood Orange - Sutphin Boulevard

Read more...

My New Boss

"Bah, this is weird, someone's wearing my ex's cologne." -Me
"So...are you upset? Or just really horny?" -Boss

Then we did a shot.
Very pleased to be working for a barman, and not someone's mother.

Read more...

A Spoon Full of Syrup Helps the Booze Go Down

Once upon a time a bartender offered me a shot of 'vodka caramel', and ever since I've been the pussy who orders syrup in her shots. Seriously though, it turns binge drinking into a bowl of candy. As long as you choose wisely (avoid fruity shit), it'll pretty much look just like a normal shot. So order quietly and NO ONE HAS TO KNOW.
On this night I introduced Lauren & Drake to syrupy shots. After much name calling, they succumbed, tried, and were instant fans. Despite the place being kind of empty, two caramels and a few chocolate cookies later we had our crunked out zombie dance on. See? Instant fun.

Red House
1 bis Rue de la Forge Royale / 11eme / Metro: Ledru Rollin (Line 8)

Read more...

Back

Just back from Arcachon. That was a good trip, even if it did rain 4 out of 5 days. I drank red wine and ate chocolate ice cream every day. Now I'm back in Paris. Not much seems to have changed. Ground's still wet. Metro still smells like piss.

Read more...

A Really Bright Idea We Had One Midnight

The Intelligence - Estate Sales

Read more...

It's Tough to be a Boy in Paris

My libido is going crazy.
I look at all the girls on the street, telling myself
'Yes I would, no I wouldn't'.
90% positive.
- Yann

Read more...

DIY

"What is DIY, anyway?" -Gemma
"Do-it-yourself" -Me
"Hm. Sounds a bit like my sex life at the moment." -Gemma

Read more...

Docu-Dimanche

Lazy Sunday at its finest. 6:35 PM and I've not stepped a foot outdoors. It's going to rain anyway. Or so I've been saying to the window all day.
I made a big pot of quality tea, and a sprawling lunch-time breakfast, and have been clicking through interesting documentaries. I'm in a documentary mood, but I want to watch about 7 of them all at once, so I sort of am. They're all open in their little tabs, and so at any given moment I can go from weird psychics to successful paparazzis of the 60's. I love info.

Let me know if you've got a good documentary recommendation for me. I feel like this day is going to repeat itself.

Also, there are two lovely bottles of wine here to share with anyone who'd like to bring me a bottle opener. I chucked mine by accident.

Some good documentaries:
Man on Wire, Religulous, Boomers, Louis Theroux-The Most Hated Family in America

On my to-watch list:
Paragraph 175, Bukowski at Bellevue, Smash His Camera, Whole, When You're Strange, The Parking Lot Movie, Trash Humpers, Cinemania

Read more...

22

A Birthday for the books.
(photos by Nienke Izurieta)

Read more...

So Long, Pine Trees

I thought 2 weeks away would be a detox, but when every meal is boiled in butter, slathered with cheese, served with wine, and followed by dessert, you really just want to nap all day. Now I'm back in Paris, and settling happily into my good old city routine of oatmeal, tabouli and beer.

Read more...

SpringTime

When I left Paris last week, spring was strolling in. Blossoms and baby leaves everywhere, and sunshine that left my shoulders scarlet. Can't wait to get back and see the green bomb that's sure to have gone off since then. Five days and counting. The mountains are beautiful, and the water's cold and fresh here, but my heart is in the city.
I sat in the village square yesterday, and caught a whiff of someone's cigarette. It smelled like Paris. I sniffed a bit more, and sat on my quiet bench missing crowded sidewalks, musky metros, and the sticky floors of punk rock dive bars. Not everything good is nice. But that's what I've learned to like about Paris. The balance. I can spend a Saturday afternoon lying in the island grass at Bois de Vincennes, collect my picnic trash, and head to Stolly's for a pint, odd smells, and a conversation with one of the city's thousands of strangers. Life is good in the capital.

Read more...

Palais de Tokyo

Walked over to Palais de Tokyo not too long ago with Ninx. We weren't blown away by the current stuff upstairs, but the installation downstairs was great. Afterwards we sat on a high ledge above the fountain, eating pineapple cake and drinking fizzy water. It was one of those early warm days, where you revel in the fact that you're doing what you're doing out of doors.

Read more...

Procrastination, Episode 5906

I really want to go see my friends' gig which begins in 40 minutes, but I really don't want to finish this assignment I'm working on. So I've washed my dishes (that needs to be done, right?), made some din din, and ingested two bottles of good beer. I'm telling myself that the beer is necessary as well, as my friends are already out boozing and being jolly and whatnot, but actually, I still haven't dressed yet. Maybe I should do that before cracking open #3?
Maybe I should do the responsible thing and crack it open so that I can continue homeworking.

So friends, if I show up in mismatched socks and anything sparkly, blame it on my homework, and the 12 pack of Grimbergen which was on promotion at my local supermarché.

Read more...

A Spoonful of London

After missing my train and then pulling an all-nighter in Paris, I finally made it to London early Saturday morning for a quick, and cheerful visit. Ethnic food, loads of brick, black cabs, and a string of inventive cocktails made for a very enjoyable stay.
Word of advice: the next time you spot a drink on your menu which involves basil, GO FOR IT.

Jens Lekman-Black Cab

Read more...

From Deutschland with Liebe

My dear friend Sarah ventured over from the Fatherland last weekend to spend some time in Paris. We did all the good things. Hummous pizza at Pink Flamingo, tiramisu cocktails at Le Kitsch, burgers at La Perle, and home made Mexican grub plus a million episodes of "Community" plus wine plus pastries chez moi.
The good times rolled. Come back soon, Polar.

Read more...

South African Sunday

Belle, Flo & I spent a super domestic Sunday, shopping at the farmers' market, and cooking a delicious South African lunch. Still dreaming about chickpea salad*. Lately I'm finding meals cooked with friends at home more memorable than the ones we eat in restaurants.
Ok, except for that time when the wine was 8euro a bottle.

*Chickpea salad=chickpeas mint basil feta lemon juice olive oil spring onions cherry tomatoes

Read more...