Mental snippets of Evie as she ventures around Paris, for the first time in six years...
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paris
It started yesterday at the Berlin Wall, with the Tribe... and continued today at Tacheles...
Beautiful people indeed. I cannot even begin to really dive into the feeling of being back in Berlin, 1 year (to the day) later. I would not have been able to put money on the fact that I would be back with 18 members of a newly formed travel group that I started on Facebook. Not nope!
Yet, and still, it is beyond amazing. I have been good at sucking tears in this go round, but they are there. They are so fuc%ing there. This is trip number two, so vastly different from number one, yet just as influential. Instead of a beach there is a city. A breathing city with life. One thing I told Thomas last vear was that I needed to do a Paris and Berlin trip back to back to see where my heart lies more in regards to a 6 month out of the year move. This past week I did that, and Berlin stole the show. I relate to this city, I do not just stare at its beauty.
Paris, as much as I love it, makes me feel like living in a glass house. Berlin, makes me want to drink beer and throw glass bottles at someone's house.
more my speed...
with as many countries as I have been to in Europe, I still have so many more to go, but Berlin... yea. You rock my world. Thanks.
I was anxious for yesterday to begin. A calm recollection of breakfast, led to a swift walk to the metro. I needed to get into the city as soon as possible. Emilie lives on the same line that I used to 6 years ago, yet on the complete other side of town. She in Creteil, I in Commerce. The train ride proved to be a bit unnerving, not knowing if I'd be able to find my old street, Rue Mademoiselle with ease, or if my memory would prove defunct.
Seamless. I got out at Commerce, spotted the park I celebrated a July 4th, 6 years ago, turned around and she was in the same place, Sephora. Smiles. The women know that it is indeed a landmark, especially when you arrive on the first day of SOLDES in all of Paris. One street down I spotted it. The street sign for 'Rue de Madamoiselle'. An old home, anew. I walked right up to the door and wished with every ounce of being that I remembered the passcode to get inside. Brittany's flat was nothing to brag about, except of course it was in Paris and about 15 minutes walk from the Eiffel Tower. That's about as humble as it got. My 5'9 frame, and her barely 5' frame shared not only a flat, but a bed for 6 weeks, and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
Strolling, I came across Rue Leon Lhermitte, the park. Many people in the Tribe, and on the internet, have seen my weightloss photos, particularly from when I was 210 pounds. Well this country, city, and park were where I lost the first fifteen pounds of that now fifty pound weightloss. To kill time while waiting for Bayyina, Smitty, and Kim I decided to relax in the park and just soak in the old neighborhood. Kids playing, picnics happening, lovers seeping sex while laying atop one another on the grass. I loved every ounce of it, and it fueled my jet lag dreams. I fell asleep in the park to the sounds of a guitar player and a fountain. Alone in serenity.
Hours had passed, impatience arisen, and the Starbucks Chai Latte began to kick in. I was ready to take on the rest of the city on my own. Next stop, Monmarte. Specifically, I made it to Lamark-Caulincort to visit my old school...the program that brought me to this country in the first place, 'La Femis' film school. Here I studied film through a program with the New York Film Academy and it's where I met people in the Tribe I am still close friends with, Abi and Thomas for starters. This place was a haven for my creativity. I was a young graduate, virgin to the post-graduate life and while others were back in the States working, I was in Paris creating. Best decision I ever made in my life. I brought my old ID with me, just in case I got stopped. Secretly hoping Elodie remembered me and ushered open the doors, but it didn't go down like that. I just...stood there. Smiling ear to ear. Thinking about the young lady I was at 22, and the woman I am now at 28. A full on metamorphasis has occurred, and I thank this very establishment as the catalyst for that in my life. Journeying around the hills and staircases I followed old routes that we filmed in on weekends. I realized, I miss this time. Froggy's is gone and replaced by a posh cafe/restaurant. Yet, I'll never forget what was once there, and that in France I had the best mojito of my life.
It was approaching sundown and I was already in the area, I had to get to Sacre Coerc. I'm not religious, but I remember having a very real experience when I first stepped foot in this cathedral. It's a lot to take in. Walking the perimeter in silence, I lit a candle for Rudi. Remembering how when I was here last, he was so anxious I'd never go home and a relationship would never be possible. He was silly like that. Now, I'm here years later, and I can only call him silly in my mind. I hope he saw me yesterday and understands the significance.
The energy, the people, the music, the calm that rises from the hill in front of the cathedral is enough to silence you. You have no choice but to breathe in the ambiance, and look out over the entire skyline of Paris as you do so.
A drink was in store, and so was a bathroom. I ended up at an Irish Bar (the many there are in this city) along the edge of Sacre Coerc, enjoying a Magners. As the buzz hit, I heard 'Caraciture Miss?! Belle. So beautiful.'
'No merci.'
'No problem. No work today really. Do you mind if I sit with you?'
Over my Magners, and his espresso I found out he was Algerian and been living in France for the last 22 years. Josef was a character just as those he sketched, and he knew it. I laughed long and hard with this man, and got all the vendor gossip that ones ears could handle. From the capoeria performers from Brazil, to the owners of tourist shops, he had the goods on everyone. We spoke about the racism he feels exists in Paris, and how overpriced living is here. He admired my emphasis on career before marriage, and deemed my boyfriend a very lucky man. Though I wasn't paying 15 euro for a cartoon sketch of myself, I had no problem secretly picking up the tab for his drink.
Walking along the curve, another gentleman I'd briefly seen on the way up, locked eyes again. You have to see the photo below to understand why I say' locked'.
'You have beautiful eyes,' I ushered out as I sped past him.
'Thank you. And you are very beautiful, wait. Please I would like to show you my work.'
Enriq. I am spoken for, so I will offer directions to exactly where he posts up by Sacre Coerc, to any woman interested in the Tribe. lol. In all seriousness, he's lovely and quite generous. Over thirty minutes of conversation, I was gifted with a ring that he handmade out of metal. He designed intricate metal pieces that stand as mini-statues, specifically instruments. His work is quite impressive. Seeing as his origins are moreso from the South American regions, he has a particularly interesting view on being a Black man living in Paris. Twenty- six years old, every bit the artist, and I'd say quite lived for his age.
a Paris afternoon...
Up at 8am, as if I hadn't flown out of the country yesterday. It almost feels normal. Almost feels like another day. Except instead of waking up, and nearly kicking Zorro in the face, or awaking abruptly to his cat cries for food, it's silent. It was the quiet shuffling, and remnants of cigarette smoke from Emilie's daily routine that lingered in the air.
Apple sauce, bread with butter, and these small linear raisin muffin type treats are what's for breakfast. Light, good, Parisian for sure. Reminded of what it was like living here 6 years ago. Small refrigerator to house small portions.
Today will be my first official full day in the city and I intend for it to be a stroll down memory lane. Old flat, old school, old Parisian stomping grounds. This part of the three weeks is entirely more personal for me than I think people realize. It's a time for solitude, reflection, and seeking answers to questions that could only be posed here.
Looking forward to the day...
So, personal friends or family, as well as readers who have been in the mix for awhile know that of all the places I've traveled to, Paris holds my heart. It's where I want to start spliting my years, by 2013. 6 months living in New York, and then 6 months living in Paris, every year. Sounds like heaven to me.
Keeping consistent with things, and places that inspire my travels, we have the first DRT•BG Book Bag. My babies. These are what I've been waiting for. Fellas, I love you and had to make sure there was something in the mix that you guys could rock. Paris inspired, the first design puts a number of Eiffel Towers together in a pattern that flips the laws of physics.
Six colors include Blues, Night, Bubblegum, Berry, Cream, and Kryptonite.
$35 each and EVERY SINGLE PENNY of this first batch sold goes to funding Berlin. We leave in 5 days! Please help out with a purchase and by spreading the word far and wide!!!!! It's a movement!
Love you all and thanks for the help!
I definitely snagged this from the homie, fellow blogger Lanae over at TheComplexMedia.com
This is what I'm talking about! The artists have to be an integral part of the branding and the experience! Now a days it takes more than to just have something that's hot. Give the people, your consumers, your fans, an experience that they want to come back to.
All I'm saying is.......keep your eyes on the DRT•BG brand. I said it! Keep creating!
Check this spot out in Paris, if you can.
PUMA STORE PARIS
22 Boulevard de Sébastopol
75004 Paris
The dopeness that is these twins is beyond words. When I watch them I not only see the awe and sheer talent, I see an opportunity. More reason for me to get to Paris. Let's get it!
So you all know that I've been on my Paris kick lately. Nostalgia of course. To add fuel to the aggressive blaze I was sent some information on an R&B singer from France. Paris to be exact. Check out the video below. If interested in more of what Maty has to offer check her album out HERE!
Maty Soul feat. Walking Bass - Enfants De Martin Luther King
Uploaded by NOWAITINGINVAINTV. - Explore more music videos.
A little insight into the artist:
Maty Soul was born in Paris and spent half of her childhood in the south of France.
She grew up listening to Miles Davis, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill and later
Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway and artists from the Hip hop culture.
For Maty Soul, it all started when one of her friends invited her over to mess around with
her older brother's mic. Encouraged by everyone she decided to go for her love of music
and never looked back. Living in the South of France wouldn't stop her from jumping in a
train to Paris each time a Hip Hop or Soul artist was in town for a show, spending the
night on her sister’s couch.
To pursue her goal she decided to concentrate on music full-time. She left University
before graduating and moved back to Paris. She started singing regularly in different
venues, taking on minimum wage jobs to support herself.
Network or not work is how the saying goes. I respect the international reach. If there are other artists out there, regardless of country, feel free to contact me through the site for a potential posting.
(Cannot tell me she doesn't look like Teena Marie)
(Old School Evie. Fifty pounds heavier than present day. Crazy)
So, I got off the train at Paris-Nord Station and was invigorated by the hefty conversation I'd just had on art, Basquiat, Brooklyn and world travels with the three gentlemen I'd met on the train. One from LA, another from Holland, and the other from Canada. They represented many of my experiences I'd have over the years, traveling. It's the connection with strangers, on random trains, that make the experience all worth while. Once the train stopped we knew we'd never talk to each other ever again. We didn't go through the empty promises of wanting to exchange information and promise to keep in touch. We knew exactly what the purpose was for our meeting, and exactly where it was supposed to end. Here, on this platform in France. I knew I'd never forget them. I haven't.
When I arrived back at the apartment, Brittany had left a message for me. "Take the Purple line from Commerce to the Grand Boulevards stop. We'll be at ___ bar. We're watching the World Cup. You can't miss it. It's huge right when you get out of the station."
"Great!" After arriving back to Paris I wanted to chill, not attempt navigating a new Metro system at 8pm (excuse me 20:00) on my own. I was a good sport though and went anyway.
Expecting to have to search far and wide, I was not in store for what I walked into exiting Grand Boulevards.
It was a mass exodus of people unlike anything I'd ever seen before. People flooded the streets everyone, celebrating. Kegs were brought from inside the bar, to outside on the streets and it was a city wide celebration. Cars couldn't move because of people. I tried to imagine something like this in the States, let alone New York. The cops would have fired shots, arrests would have been made, an no happiness would have gone unshattered. Why are we like that here? We are so fucking tense.
Before my eyes, thousands of people flooded the streets.
I turned to Brittay and asked, "Wow, so did they win?"
She answered, "No they made it to the semi-finals."
"What!? Then what the hell happens if they win?"
So there's this artist.
LA born and bred.
Brazilian lived.
Israeli/Yemenite/Polish roots.
Citizen of the World, like myself.
It was ony a matter of the Universe gravitating us together at some point.
Fate had it. We ran with it, and although we have never met face to face, our technological traveling has spanned over continents.
She is the definition of dopeness in more ways than a few.
This post is my well wishes to Noa on her approaching move to Paris.
Paris. The place where my wanderlust began. Still my favorite city in all the world. One day I will be able to call it home, for long term. I will relish the day...
Much love Ms. Avi. Check her blog out, her photography is fire!
It's been a few days since Ayutthaya, and I feel I've had enough time away from it to be able to come back to it after processing through it mentally.
This city of ruins was another cast member's choice of venue for us to hash out our issues, and enjoy the ambiance. I went to Ayutthaya with no expectations whatsoever. I did not expect us to leave this place the best of friends, nor was I looking for an enlightenment of any sort. I was going to be open to the elements and the conversation.
I asked him his take on his own life during our train ride. More so than anything, I searched for perspective. I wanted something within his stories to reveal a 'reason' as to why certain traits were present, and actions were taken in the past. I let him speak, and he reciprocated. We revealed to each other what we felt comfortable revealing.
Over lunch, the most surprising thing that he has done thus far happened, he apologized. I was stunned and grateful. I also accepted fully and open heartedly.
He said that immediately after the altercation at the previous dinner he realized that he'd been judging me, and that is not within his character and he was sorry.
That was definitely phase one, possibly for both of us. The beginning of a point where we can begin to relate. My only goal for the day trip was to get to a point where we could deal/live/travel with one another for 90 days without all the negative energy. I wanted the awkwardness between us to cease for our own personal benefits, as well as for the betterment of the group. All I needed was a starting point, and I feel that, for me, it was definitely achieved.
There have been blogs, and vblogs on this situation. It will definitely be a part of episode one. Yet, as I tell people, I have not (and will continue not to) read other people's blogs and comments. At least not while I am here, in it. It's too easy, in a situation like this, to get caught up in other people's opinions of your own experience. At the end of the day, it is just that, your individual experience. All the extra bells and whistles are uneeded. So I freely, hope everyone does stay honest to their experience, and if that means revealing issues with me, then so be it. Own it, and I will own the right not to partake.
I never disliked this person without merit. What readers, and viewers alike, are unaware of, are the communications that have gone on prior to departure. This has been going on for months at this point. Let me clarify, then be done with it:
From conversation number one, I saw the difference between the way he and I operated, and it was that conversation that set the series of unfortunate events for me. It went a little bit like this:
In my mind, the likelihood of three other people wanting to go to the exact same city/country as me for this trip was extrememly low. Approaching it, I didn't find it smart, nor realistic, to get my hopes up on one place considering the odds. What I brought to the table was a list of around six places, scattered throughout nearly every continent that I'd be interested in exploring. Morocco. Spain. Greece. Brazil. South Africa. Cambodia. for starters. I felt it was an eclectic mix, and it'd be cool, once the cast was picked, to see if we overlapped on any. To me, it seemed fair and more realistic. It still left room for everyone to have a say. But this is just my thinking process, so I was open to hearing other recommendations on how we could go about this fairly.
During this same first conversation, he noted a pointed city/country he wanted to go to, down to the T. Ok, that's fine. Then he continued on to explain how he'd already contacted people for potential jobs and living arrangements there...Ok, wait. Now to someone else that may be innocent enough. However, to me, I registered that as "You haven't even spoken to anyone you will be on this trip with. You haven't even considered their options. You, actually, don't even know who these people are, yet you have already taken substantial steps forward in trying to secure your sole option." To me, it came across presumptuous, and a tad bit inconsiderate of me, and those future members yet to be picked.
I like fairness. I like everyone's voices, contributions, and additions to be heard, and I felt that from the beginning it was being a bit muzzled. I also realized quickly upon arriving, it was a bit of foreshadowing.
So, in a nutshell, in conversation one, this is where it started for me. Maybe this will give more perspective from where I came from. Maybe it won't, but it's my truth. It is my beginning.
***
The ruins at Ayutthaya gave a wonderful backdrop to the healing...healing from the first conversation, to the first human interaction, to this very moment right now in Chiang Mai speaking with the Frenchman who have stirred (and shaken) my love affair with Paris.
