art{ist} collecting

March 6, 2014

These days, while I visit Paris museums and galleries, admiring the masters, I’m also on the hunt for art and artists with which to decorate my home. During my around the world travels, it was often undiscovered artists that caught my eye, a lacquer painting by a local artist from the village of Hoi An in Vietnam (see below), or a Chilean artist whose work I became enamored with in Santiago. And then there was the Brazilian sculptor in Olinda… and thus began my art collection.

Since I don’t currently travel to these remote lands, I search online. Most recently I discovered incredible abstract drawings by artists from around the world, from a favorite London based gallery, Saatchi! Not to mention paintings by talented emerging artists. A few of my favorites…

nr 185/2 by Henni Van de Lande of Breda, Netherlands

Lovers by Jarek Puczel of Olsztyn, Poland

abstract N° 632 [emerald green] by Koen Lybaert of Geel, Antwerp, Belgium

Through the international site Etsy, I’ve also discovered two artists whose work I admire, one of them a Danish girl living in Paris, and the other a Dutch artist based in Rotterdam.

Springtime by Rikke Clausen of Copenhagen, Denmark

Blue and White Buildings by Ronald Hunter of Rotterdam, Netherlands

The only problem now remains, which artist to add to my collection?

adventures in the keys

February 21, 2014

Admittedly, I’ve seen much more of the world than of my own homeland. My dream of driving cross-country to experience what is truly America remains to be realized. One day. For the time being my American adventures remain in New York and Florida with family and friends. During our recent trip to the Sunshine State, we did have the good fortune to take a mini road trip to the Florida Keys, along with my mom and her husband, final destination Key West.

Our first stop after nearly 3 hours of driving was just past Key Largo, which left much to be desired with it’s multitudinous strip malls and pharmacy’s, a kitschy fish restaurant in Islamorada. Savouring the catch of the day (and not thinking too much about which day it was actually caught), we continued on our way until we reached our destination for the night in nearby Marathon.

Our secluded refuge was Tranquility Bay Resort, also home to the iguanas.

And tranquil it was, surrounded by clear blue stillness.

That evening we experienced a magical sunset along the 7-mile bridge… that alone worth the drive.

And still in time to sit beneath the glowing sky with a bottle of French wine.

The following morning we got back on the road, crossed the infamous bridge and made our way to Key West. First stop, Hemingway’s House. Not to mention his cats, all 45 of them.

Here is one of the 6-toed wonders, drinking from a urinal Hemingway ‘installed’ in his garden.

We also explored the infamous brothel Blue Heaven, where Hemingway spent many an evening.

After carousing the scenic town and indulging in key lime pie like proper tourists, we headed south.

To the southernmost tip of the USA. Last stop before the long drive home.

Guided by the setting sun alongside the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge… filled with memories.

escape to Japan

February 4, 2014

Who says Florida only offers palm trees, sandy beaches and shopping malls? On our recent trip to visit my mom, we discovered a little piece of paradise, Japanese style. And we LOVE Japan!

George S. Morikami arrived to the United States from Japan in 1906, to work as a pineapple farmer. He was one of the last surviving members of the Yamato Colony that settled west of Delray Beach at the turn of the century. It is thanks to Mr. Morikami, for his donation of 140 acres of land to the state of Florida, that the memory of him and his people lives on. Visiting the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens gracefully transports you to another world.

Upon these grounds you feel free.

With rock gardens in which to ponder life’s mysteries.

And a museum in which to transport yourself to Japan.

Or perhaps best to sit and contemplate.

Surrounded by bonsai trees.

And a Buddha.

New York minutes

January 24, 2014

This year we decided to brave the cold and ring in the early days of 2014 at home in New York City.

What good it does me to walk these streets, feel the energy, catch up with the lives of dear friends…

As cold as it was, with a blizzard on the way, we loved sharing these minutes with New York.

The Freedom Tower standing tall.

And art around every corner. Next stop the Guggenheim…

Discover another Paris

December 5, 2013

Little did I know how much I would grow to love my neighborhood of the North Marais. I’ve witnessed it’s evolution over the last four years, from low-key neighborhood bordering the historic Marais, to trendy hotspot frequented by Parisians and expats alike. When KLM and iFly Magazine approached me to host their segment on Paris, naturally I was honored, and it was the Haute Marais that I was eager to share with their millions of viewers. After all, they were looking for little secrets of Paris, as can only be shared by a local, and the North Marais holds many!

The crew and I spent two days shooting beneath a mix of clouds and sunshine, and what fun it was!

KLM filming 2

By the end of the filming, I felt even more like a Paris local, and proudly so. I introduced viewers to some of my favorite spots in the North Marais, we explored the largest antique market in the world, Marché aux Puces St–Ouen, stopped to admire the photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson at his Fondation… and of course enjoyed a rendezvous with my Italian. It wouldn’t be Paris without a little romance, would it?

I’m very excited to share this video with you, dear readers. Et voilà, Discover another Paris! You may also find my Paris tour on your next cross-continental flight with KLM… Or perhaps a travel show?

Venice of the North

November 20, 2013

Bruges, or Brugge as the locals call it, is considered Venice of the North. Where better to sneak away for a surprise romantic weekend with my Italian? I secretly made all the arrangements months in advance, and with only a few minor obstacles, just as the leaves were changing into spectacular shades of browns and reds, and the chill of winter lingered in the air, we boarded the train. A short 2-hour ride to discover this UNESCO World Heritage city in Belgium’s Flemish Northwest.

Home was a welcoming regal 15th Century Palace, once the residence of the Burgundian aristocracy.

Bruges greeted us with a cloudy sky and the promise of rain, setting the mood as explorations began.

We were both struck with the city’s architecture. Elegant brick buildings set upon tranquil canals.

We did our best to avoid the crowds and chose any side streets we could find, following the sun.

To get a better look at the city from above, we climbed the 366 steps of the historic Belfry Tower.

A view to savour as the ancient clock tower chimed all around us.

We also enjoyed an impressive view from the rooftop of the last remaining brewery, De Halve Maan.

What’s a trip to Belgium without a chocolate tasting? After trying quite a few, I favored Dumon.

Having taken quite a few weekend escapes since living in Paris, Bruges was one of my favorites. It’s inhabitants friendly, it’s range of dining options impressive (In’t Nieuw Museum is a must for a real local experience) and the scenery spectacular. There are quite a few museums and galleries too, satisfying all the senses. Weekend in Bruges, a success!

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