This is the biggest antique/flea market in the world! Can you imagine how much I drooled when I went here? It covers 7 hectares (1 hectare is roughly the size of two football fields), has 2,000 vendors, and receives about 180,000 visitors each weekend! (It’s only open Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. I arrived Tuesday. So you see how I had to wait until the end of the week to go here!)

If you’re visiting Paris and want to check Puces St. Ouen, just take Metro Line 4 to Porte de Clignancourt, follow the crowd walking along the avenue towards the white bridge, and your destination will be just after the bridge. (If you’re after the vintage goodies, don’t waste your time looking at the clothing stalls along the way.)

I went here twice. Once by myself and the following day with my cousin’s family. The first time I went here, I totally lost my sense of direction and had a hard time finding my way out – lol! But every turn is definitely a feast for the eyes!

Dismembered dolls - they will either thrill you or creep you out!

All the photos here were taken from my first visit. I didn’t bring my camera just in case I have to load my bag up with goodies – but I couldn’t resist not taking photos so I used my phone! More coming up tomorrow!

I think everyone who visits Paris should check out the Louvre – meet Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and all that. But once you had your fill of classical art, you should definitely head over to Musee d’Orsay for a pleasurable and more enjoyable day with the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists! Seeing the works of these 19th-century artists (Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir to name a few) with their expressive brushstrokes – and in the case of Vincent Van Gogh, very emotional swirls – was a very moving moment for me. I felt their souls transcend and peek through their art. It’s like meeting them in person and getting to know them intimately. And I wondered – will I be able to leave this kind of legacy?

I didn’t actually go in the Louvre Museum during my recent visit. (I had the pleasure of meeting Mona Lisa once before.) But I did explore the shops in the Carrousel du Louvre and I hung out in the Tuileries Gardens. One thing I’d like to mention – I hate the Louvre Metro stop. Lots of aggressive gypsies asking for donations. A few even followed me for a while and grabbed my arm to get my attention. Scary!

part of the Louvre Palace as seen from the Tuileries Gardens

Tuileries Gardens with Musee d'Orsay in the background

Tuileries Gardens

My cousin took me to Bois de Boulogne, a large park (which used to be a royal hunting ground in the Middle Ages) along the edge of the 16th arrondissement. Very interesting place! Lining the main entrance roads (even during the day) are transvestites and sleazy girls, half-naked and waiting for business. Obviously one of Paris’ red-light districts! Beyond that, I enjoyed a tranquil walk along the park’s lake.

Bois de Boulogne

Bois de Boulogne

Villa Santos-Dumont is this quiant village-like street in the 15th arrondisement which supposedly inspired some of the famous modern artists.

Villa Santos-Dumont

Rue Santos-Dumont

Here are a few more photos to share:

Notre Dame Cathedral

Passy Cemetery

On my next post, I’ll be sharing photos from Puces St. Ouen – the mother of all flea markets! See you then! (If you missed my first post about my recent visit to Paris, go here.)

In exploring a foreign country, I find it a different and more pleasurable experience when I’m able to stay with local residents so that I may be able to better observe their life and culture. And I definitely learned a lot more visiting my cousin’s family than if I stayed in a hotel.

Their apartment is just a quick walk from the Trocadero where you get the best view of the Eiffel Tower. Imagine that? Being able to go to the Trocadero anytime you want to soak in the majestic view of the Eiffel Tower! I had a wonderful time just hanging out there and sketching to my heart’s content – with the pool and its exhibition fountains providing a refreshing atmosphere! I even enjoyed watching young teenagers do stunts on their skateboards and welcomed other tourists who requested that I take their pictures.

the Eiffel Tower as seen from the Trocadero

Les Invalides as seen from the Trocadero

The photo below is one of the many views from my cousin’s apartment – all of them very interesting! I’m not sure though if I’m ever going to be used to having to ride an elevator every time I want to go in and out of the apartment. I find it very cold and impersonal – of course, one can always use the stairs, all four flights! But how can one complain when every morning, it’s very easy to just go down to your local bakery and buy fresh croissants for breakfast and then move on to the flower shop next door for some fresh flowers to help brighten the day? The post office, bank, pharmacy, and grocery store are all also just a quick walk away! How convenient!

view from my cousin's apartment

Now I’ve often wondered about city-dwellers – how inconvenient is it to buy a week’s worth of groceries? My kitchen is just a few paces away from my garage and I still find it cumbersome to unload groceries! Well I found out that in major stores in Paris, if you buy at least 50€ worth of groceries, they will deliver your goods to your place for free! Awesome!

Here are more photos, most of which were taken at Boulevard Saint-Michel in the Latin Quarter of Paris – a lively and fun place to explore! If you’re into old books, definitely check out the bouqinistes along the banks of the Seine River near Saint-Michel. One thing though that discouraged me to explore these stalls as much as I would have loved to was that most of the old books were individually plastic-wrapped – kinda impossible to flip through the pages.

Oh this is also where I went with my cousin to buy school books for her kids. It is a 15-minute drive from her apartment but it took us 30 minutes to find parking! Crazy!

I got well-acquainted with the Paris Metro during my stay. And I discovered that lots of interesting things happen in the Metro. (As I posted on Facebook one time) I took the Metro one morning, and I usually sit near the door of the train so that when it gets crowded, I can easily get out. On the next stop, two guys in grey suits carrying a small amp walked in. After striking a pose for a few seconds, they started dancing – right in front of me! I thought that was awkward. But it got worse! They started stripping – just inches away from me! They were down to their boxers when I decided to jump out on the next stop even though it wasn’t my destination yet. And what do you know? When I took the next train, two guys with the same act went in with me! That’s all I’m saying – lol!

Anyways, these photos below are of one of the metro stops in the Franklin Roosevelt station and by far the best-looking I’ve encountered – really cool! Makes you want to dance!

My very first attempt at getting published lands me in Somerset Studio and Somerset Studio Gallery. Thank you Somerset :)

Hi everyone! I hope all the mothers out there had a wonderful day yesterday. You all deserve it. Mine was definitely memorable. We had brunch at this newly found place, Cafe Belwah. Their food was delightful. And instead of flowers, I got this lovely bonsai tree from Troy and the girls. They said I needed a new hobby. Very funny! I love the tree – although it’s daunting to trim it. (It didn’t come pruned.) I’ve already taken several stems off of it but I’m still working on it. I’m taking it slowly – I’m letting it talk to me, it’ll say what shape it wants to be. I put it by the window in my new workspace (our unfinished basement) so that I can look at it everyday and be a great source of inspiration.

The girls also each made me a card. They asked if they can use whatever they want from my art supply and I said sure. (They’re always welcome to do so.) With Troy’s guidance, Rinoa made a face card using a roll of torn up fabric from an old shirt that she found in my yarn box for the hair. (Mommy, the hairclip I used on the card is real! Isn’t it pretty?) Troy said I look like Michael Jackson.

She’s been practicing both manuscript and cursive handwriting everyday and to showcase her handwriting skill, Troy made her write in cursive.

Mica, on the other hand, went to town with the punches – lol! She also came up with a lovely card that I’ll forever cherish.

My firstborn is 14 today and an incoming freshman high school this fall! Can you believe? She’s undeniably taller than me now, although she doesn’t like the idea of being “tall”. She’s smart, compassionate, stylish, and still very much in love with Japanese culture. One time during her gymnastics class, someone asked if she’s Japanese and she was thrilled! She’s definitely growing up to be a wonderful young lady. We always push her to perform to the best of her abilities but we’re very proud of her. Happy birthday Mica!

Ms. Mary Ann does this walkabouts in her blog that I enjoy so much – so I thought I’d invite you to walk with me too :D Let’s go back to Gig Harbor, Washington where I’m visiting my brother’s family. I noticed a coffee shop just outside my brother’s apartment complex. The name is interesting – Forza. My friend, Choosie, who lives in the area says it’s really good so I’m excited to check it out.

Seems like a nice morning, good time for a short walk – it’s not raining yet. Take a walk with me, would you? Troy is already waiting outside for us!

Aren’t these buildings lovely and so fresh-looking? I love the colors! And look, here we are at Forza, told you it was a short walk.

Oh wow! Wine and coffee! What a treat! Hmm, maybe I’ll have a white chocolate mocha and a bacon and egg muffin sandwich. (I haven’t eaten breakfast yet.) Troy says he’s having a caramel macchiato. How about you?

Ok, outside again. That coffee was good! Now let’s head back next door to Harbor Greens. Gotta check out those organic fruits and vegetables.

Look at the size of those strawberries?! My hands are already loaded with bananas and muscat grapes but Troy insists on adding these strawberries to the pile. They do look too good to pass up.

Now let’s head back to the apartment, in case Mica and Rinoa are missing me already. I can’t wait for them to see and try out these fruits!

Here we are back where we started. Thanks for walking with me. What did you think of Forza? Definitely worth going back to, right? :)

Let me take one last look at the clear, blue sky and those tall, green evergreen trees. (Breathing in the clean, fresh air.) Aahhh, it is a lovely day!

Au revoir,

Didn’t even realize until just last week that Mac had a photobooth application! Who knew it would keep the kids occupied and entertained for hours?!

Aren't Mica's eyes just lovely - huge and very expressive! She looks like a looney tune character!

This is my 2-year old niece Jessi who was laughing and giggling for hours looking at herself on the screen.

Rinoa with Baby Jessi

Mica with Pikachu

Mica with Baby Jessi

Mica, Rinoa, and Baby Jessi with my sister Jona.