“I like the night. Without the dark, we’d never see the stars.”
Love those Fringe magical nights…
Sometimes you wish you could stop the time so you can enjoy a little bit more : The Fringe festival is one of my favourite moment of the year! There are so many things to do and see and not enough time to do it all, it feels like I have not slept in a month but it was all worth it! Adelaide is so vibrant, so lively and on top of that I have a sweet spot for outdoor events especially with this beautiful weather !
This party at sunset was pretty magic, almost unreal ❤ We danced until the sun disappeared behind the horizon.
Did you know that Adelaide Fringe is the world’s second-largest annual arts festival?! For 31 days and nights during February and March, it features more than 5,000 artists from around Australia and the world. Over 1100 events are staged in pop-up venues in parks, warehouses, lane ways, theatres, hotels, bars, pubs, art galleries and cafes. Aren’t we lucky to have it all here?! There is a little bit for every tastes from comedy, to circus, cabaret, musical, drama etc….name it, the Fringe has it all, just pick and go with the flow! And if you are pretty smart about it, you can enjoy many shows for half price and maybe even for free if you have some good connections 😉
That’s what is called a “forced” smile… I was a bit scared but at the end I enjoyed it 😉
I personally declare that this year was the best 😀 Maybe because I really embraced it… I would not say I went everyday but almost. There were actually really good shows to enjoy and so many beautiful nights to just hang out with friends, chatting in the park, trying all sorts of foods and cocktails. And this year, I even ventured myself in one of those crazy fun fairs games, you know the scary ones where people scream like crazy ! I particularly enjoyed the stand up comedies and I saw a few ones like “The walk of Shame” (pretty hilarious with a bunch of girlfriends so we could relate to some of the girls stories), “The fourth floor” (I was with my mexican friends there and there were some reference to Mexico during the show so that made the whole experience pretty memorable), “Confessions of an aerobic instructor” (I went there with a colleague of mine and it was funny since our job is related to the fitness industry), “Anastasia” (it is a musical and the artist writes her own songs/music and it’s reallyyyyy good), “Ebony” (African circus). Something I really encourage you to try next year is to go to the Fringe with no plans and end up in one of those 6 dollars shows that last like 30 minutes, they are good fun and I like the idea of the spontaneous last minute “let’s try this show”, they are good fun too!
Some hilights this year during the Fringe were, for me (in chronological order):
Massaoke…. I know I know, to quote a friend, to really enjoy it you have to be wasted, cuz it s like a gigantic karaoke where everybody is drunk singing and dancing basically. I only had a few drinks but I promise I enjoyed it a LOT. Music was good and it was exactly what I needed to start the Fringe season. Actually I think it was the first Saturday night of the Fringe and I came back home at like 2am after sharing a gigantic pizza with my girlfriends… late food cravings moments are my fav and the perfect way to end a fun night ! I like the idea that I can have access to food at anytime of the day!
Red Hot Chili peppers concert as part of the Clipsal, pretty awesome! It was in the park and it was of of those magical summer nights. We sang, we danced and it was like the time had stopped and we were just free and wild kids. “Californication” was the biggest sing-along of the night, and it was incredible to hear ten’s of thousands of voices singing out into the warm Adelaide evening. But my favourite moment and song was “Give it away” and I was happily, crazily dancing, jumping on this one, I definitely gave it all ❤
St Patrick’s day which marked the very last day of the Fringe. My friends took me to a quite charming street party with a live band and good vibes all around with people all dressed in green and happily drinking beers. I met a really nice French couple there and we chatted and had some cocktails while sharing our experience about life in Australia as foreigners. Funnily all my friends left around 8pm because it was on a Sunday (and there is work on Monday) but again it was such a beautiful night that after a few seconds of hesitation (should I stay or should I go) I ended up staying by myself until 11pm!!! Actually I had a really good time, the band was pretty good and for the last part of the night they invited people on the stage to sing and they would perform whatever we wanted to hear. I met some really nice and fun people : my point being that, even if it feels comfortable to hang out with your usual crowd, sometimes it can be also good fun to step out your comfort zone, drop the shy attitude and mix with new people!
And now what’s next? Well…. once the Fringe and MAD MARCH is over,
it is said that Adelaide becomes quite dull and boring because the weather gets colder and there is not much to do. I guess it depends on how you keep yourself busy. For me cold weather means maybe more cooking, more writing, more reading and more time spent in cafés doing the latter… but it also means that far far away in another part of the world, in a country who’s got my heart ❤ , it is spring time and soon summer to be and with it the sweet promise and hope that I’ll be enjoying it too 😉
“Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes it own magic!”
Whether music is your religion or not, we should all, at least once, go to a concert to experience the real thing! Going to a concert or a music festival with friends, hearing your favorite band performing in front of a live audience, singing and dancing with the artists and the crowd, is a totally different world! This year, the odds were with me and it was meant to be my musical year because so far I won a ticket to the laneway festival via my work, one of my colleagues sold me last minute a ticket to the Robbie Williams ‘concert and more recently my friend Sybilla (German) took me to the Lionel Richie concert!!! Here are some thoughts on why I believe this is worth the money you will spend on your tickets!
It is about the atmosphere
As soon as you enter the venue, you can feel the energy. It is in the air, it is all around. It is not just about you but also the people surrounding you. I was lucky enough to attend outdoor concerts so far and this is so beautiful to feel music spreading in the souls, in the trees, in the earth, in the sky and in the stars. If feels almost magic.
when the night has come and the land is dark, and the moon is the only light we see… no I won’t be afraid… no I won’t be afraid… just as long, as you stand, stand by me…
2. It is about the people you meet
You can meet really cool people, from different horizons and backgrounds, sharing the same interests as you and spend a good time altogether! Sybilla and I had the opportunity to meet Jake at the Laneway festival, a very nice guy in his early 20s as many people there! He was supposed to come with his friend who bailed on him last minute and we were looking for infos regarding the bands playing and that’s how we ended all chatting together. A couple of hours and beers after, we were all friends and Jake even carried me on his shoulder so I could see the stage and dance in the air with the band and it was really something cool! Later in the night, we met Cameron and we had an interesting discussion about spirituality and fashion since he liked my French little hat! That’s the beauty about festivals, everybody is everybody’s friend!
Is it me? or does it remind of you this scene in Titanic: I am the king of the world lol
3. It is about this feeling you get
Robbie Williams concert in Adelaide parks as part of the Clipsal
You are getting all excited, nearly like butterflies at the simple idea that you are going to a CONCERT!!!! You talk with your best friend who is coming with you, and also to your other friends (who don’t really have a clue because they don’t like this artist lol), you sing the songs when they are played on the radio letting everybody know (hint hint to your colleagues) that yes you are going to see Robbie Willians! You post on Facebook, Insta, you talk to your family about it and your mother says “Robbie who? I don’t know who he is, I only know this guy with the guitar and red hair!” (She meant Ed Sheran by the way). But it does not matter at the end of the day, because the most important is that you YOU know and you are soooo excited about it!
4. It is about being happy
Because I’m happy Clap along if you know what happiness is to you!
When my friend Sybilla decided to take me to the Lionel Richie concert, I can’t say I was super thrilled. First, I thought I don’t know many of his songs (wrong wrong wrong….. what about : All night long, Hello, easy like a sunday morning, we are the world etc) and come on this is Lionel Richie and he still got it! On top of that the concert took place in Adelaide botanical garden at night. It was such a beautiful evening and yes I admit I was super happy. I love outdoor concerts, it is really something to experience, some people brought their picnic blankets and chairs, we had wine, we were dancing and having a good time. I even ended buying a little souvenir, the Lionel Richie pullover (I am not telling you the price) let’s say that was part of the concert experience, buying silly stuffs that feel great on the moment and then not so great once the concert is over, but definitely something to do at least once just for the beauty of it!
5. It is about the memories
‘Cause I got too much life Running through my veins”
Concert experiences are unique and definitely the ones you cherish to look back on. It’s always cool to see pictures of that night and remember how fun or emotional it was depending on the artists vibes or the song which was played at that moment. I must say Robbie Williams was so much fun, what a show man and I remember that my friend Sybilla and I were in each other’s arms singing “she is the one” and it was a beautiful moment!
5. It is about dressing up
Dressing up really emphasizes the excitement factor and let’s be honest it is quite fun especially if you are into fashion! Whether it is dressing as something related to the artist or just dressing a little different than your usual style to fit the event, it is a way of being part of the show and honour it!
So to conclude, YES I believe that concerts belong to these special events that create unique moments in life! Seeing your favourite artist LIVE, interacting with him, dancing with the crowd, and feeling like ONE is a magic feeling! So now what is next?! Well I believe for Adelaide, it will be: PINK concert in July 😉 and will I be part of it haha?! To pink or not to pink that is the question…
“A cat is a lion in a jungle of small bushes” – indian proverb
Have you ever noticed how cats can be all cuddly, gracious, sweet and cute sitting on your lap and the next minute flexible little hunters, all claws out, ready to scratch and jump on their prey ?! Like the Yin needs the Yang, the cat is the perfect expression of this duality. And Kitty lovers, I am sure, would agree that it is precisely why they are so attached to their (un)domesticated but fascinating little felines. Because let’s be honest, at the end of the day, you never really own a cat, he is the one who choses you and runs the show. “Cat have it all : admiration, an endless sleep and company only when they want it” – Road McKuen (poet, Stanyan Street & Other Sorrows).
The Cats’ playground
Now that said, if you want to explore this microcosm of the world, there is a Cat Café here in Adelaide! What is a cat café? Well obviously not the place where you take your cat on a date and share a latte together while chit chatting about the chubby mouse you saw in the garden shed, gossiping about the noisy neighbor’s dog or complaining about the poor quality of the litter ! A cat café is actually a place where you can catch up with your friends just like in any regular coffee place while fulfilling your craving for hugs with cute little kittens running around the place, curling around cat scratching poles and rubbing against people’s legs. And if you get lucky those little furry friends will entertain you for sure because when they are not sleeping they can be quite playful or all cuddly depending on their mood!
This concept comes from Asia where the first cat cafe opened in 1998 and then it became such a trend that every big cities (Paris, London etc…) have their very own since a couple of years. And it is quite successful… I mean… who can resist a kittens’ cuddle… it is good for the mood, it is good for the stress and it is even said to regulate blood pressure… pur-fect!
Yummy green tea base dessert
So if you want to satisfy your meow needs, why don’t you try the Meow Me Cat Cafe on Glen Osmond Road. This cute little place offers delicious Asian treats and drinks while you can gaze at the cats playing around and if you get lucky they would jump on your lap while purring loudly. And cherry on the top, if you fall for one of them, you have the possibility to adopt any of those cuties for an endless flow of affection ❤
“Don’t be afraid to take an unfamiliar path. Sometimes they are the ones that take you to the best places”.
The coolest moments in life often happen unexpectedly. The most memorable stories begin often with “and all of a sudden…”. The funniest adventures were never planned as they turned out to be as the best often comes when and from you least expect it! Nothing is more exciting than meeting new people, sharing stories and having a good laugh. It is funny like sometimes the most simple things can put a smile on your face and somehow inspire you. My Friday night was the perfect expression of it from sunset to sunrise… be prepared because that was a lonnnnnnnnnnng night!
Have you ever experienced those days, when everything is well planned in advance, the restaurant, the party, the people … and no matter how much you are looking forward to it, for a reason life has other plans for you and the whole thing turn out to be completely different from what was supposed to be?! Well this is exactly what happened to me last Friday as I was originally supposed to attend to a Birthday Party which was cancelled on the very same morning.
Enjoying cocktails at the Grand Bar – Glenelg Beach
But Friday was such a beautiful day that I could not resign to go home after work and I decided to enjoy the evening and go to the beach instead! I had nothing complicated in mind, I just wanted a nice walk, an ice cream and maybe a drink with my friend Sybilla (German) and her husband Warren (Australian) while watching the sunset. That was the plan! And this is exactly what we did.. but after sunset, that’s when the fun really began !
Gazing at the sunset at Glenelg Beach
It was one of this warm evenings in Adelaide when it is like 28 degrees and you just want to be outside enjoying the night! So we headed to the CBD a little bit before midnight as Sybilla and I were in the mood for a bit of dancing but Sybilla had ONE request: Let’s go somewhere we don’t go often OR some place we have never been before! Let’s wander out off the beaten tracks she said! And maybe that’s why the whole night turned out to be a surprising series of funny and unexpected moments! Maybe it is my culture or my personality but generally when I go out, I go to one place and I stay there unless it is really boring, but it seems that Aussies go to plenty of different places in the same night, they party from one place to another until they have no more energy to keep going. So I guess we experienced the Aussie way on that night and it was probably one of the coolest night we experienced so far!
Ready to party!!!
It literally did not stop from sunset to sunrise and my blog article won’t do justice to those memorable moments as it is something that you have to experience to really enjoy it: we met tourists from Melbourne who were eager to know which places to visit in Adelaide, where to go out etc and for a time we became like a tourists information centre which is funny when you think that Sybilla is German and I am French and Adelaide has become our city of adoption quite recently, we bumped into a Greek family (brothers and cousins) who were reunited for the weekend to party and were so loud that I became half deaf but they were quite funny, we went to a place where people were dancing like they were not self conscious of their body anymore (quite interesting to witness when you are sober), on our way back home, as we were walking on Hindley street, a fight started on the sidewalk and a homeless (looking like Hagrid from Harry Potter) stood up so we could be safe on his bench and positioned himself in front of us so we could not be hurt by the fight (the police arrived very quickly and the situation was under control rapidly), we had a little chat about working conditions with the staff working on the Tramway line construction on King William as they were working from 6pm to 6am, we walked barefoot all the way down to Rundle street (my feet have never been that dirty in my whole life) and Sybilla quite luckily found a pair of flip flop shoes which fitted right in the street (a good brand by the way), we had a little chat with backpackers who were enjoying the night (it was like 5am and still 25 degrees maybe more) and we talked about France as one worked there for a while. So the night was filled with little moments that maybe taken separately are nothing special but as it kept going on and on, that made our night out quite interesting and funny… but the fun does not stop here… now comes the hilight of this special night.
YayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyRundle Street at 5am
The street was desert, not a single soul around which was not really surprising at this hour of the night. Behind us it was still dark but in front of us (Adelaide Hills direction) we could see that the sun would rise in a couple of hours, I could not believe that we were up all night and I was happy to go home now. Suddenly out of nowhere two guys appeared and they seemed to go in the same direction as we were heading which made me a bit anxious on the moment… I know this is Adelaide and so far the most scary things I saw were Huntsman spiders and opossum in trees but still… As we were walking along the park, we could see bats flying in the sky, it was for us again something completely new, it is funny how this whole night amused and surprised us (maybe for Aussies it is part of your routine). And quite suprisingly somehow we started to chat with those guys as we were walking in the exact same direction. For a reason one asked me where I lived and I panicked a bit and I said “somewhere over there” and that’s when he made a joke about not being a stalker and somehow surprisingly it kinda acted like an ice breaker, and that’s how we met Glenn, James (and later their friend Steven) who happened to be really great guys as in nice, friendly, fun, relaxed and cool. In my opinion they fitted perfectly this typical image you would have of Aussie guys: only the surfing board was missing haha
I found this image on the net that made me think o the boys on the rooftop at sunrise
So when they offered us to go and watch the sunrise altogether from the rooftop of their building, as we are almost neighbors, it was a great way to conclude this crazy night out. And I must say I regret so much I did not capture this moment with my camera. Anyway climbing on this rooftop happened to be more challenging than I thought and I would have never made it without them (I also still can’t believe that I used one of the guys as a human ladder to make my way up (poor him he had all the dirt from Rundle street on his back as my feet were BLACK from dirt). The view was really nice and it was nothing like I have ever experienced so far, it was so silent as everybody was sleeping, the colours were really beautiful as the sun was rising slowly and you could hear the early birds singing… We just stayed there chatting, waiting for the sun and that’s when Steven (their friend) showed up and joined us on the roof and the fun continued as Steven happen to have a French friend who seems quite an interesting character, so more stories were shared! We talked, we laughed for a couple of hours and I must say it was quite special to be there, almost unreal when you think of the whole situation. I must say it was a bit sad to say goodbye to the boys but quite nice to know that the world is full of nice people and life is full of surprises. As Sybilla and I were walking back to my place, we almost regretted that I did not have the idea earlier to take my bike and go to the Bakery Cannelle in Norwood where they have the best French croissants in Adelaide because that would have been the perfect French cliché to have croissant on the rooftop at 7am while chatting! Anyway as we were still talking on the sidewalk at my door step, in our party outfits, bare foot… it was quite funny to look at the expression of the early bike riders passing by… like we were some kind of IBIZA GIRLS… I still wonder why 😉
Some would call it a funny coincidence, some would think that the universe is trying to tell me something… I will let you the judge of the little story that is about to follow. First I must confess something important : I don’t drive, I never had a car, it is not my thing I guess… I prefer riding my lovely green bike Zoé or walking, especially here in Adelaide. But it seems that for some reasons life has other plans for me… and keep sending me beautiful classic cars over the years in different countries where I go. So I am really wondering if that it is really just a simple coincidence or much more than that…
Enjoying the view in Adelaide Hills
1. PORTSMOUTH, UK
Sir John’s mythical yellow E Type JaguarPortsmouth Hills and see view
It all started in England. At that time I was still a student doing a 6 weeks internship at a local newspaper: The Portsmouth News. My lovely british family of adoption : Sir John and Lady Sandie happened to own a superb yellow E type Jaguar so I had the pleasure to enjoy beautiful rides. Sir John (as I like to call him) bought a red E-Type jaguar soon after qualifying as a doctor! It was a left hand drive 3.8 series 1 e-type made in 1961 and was the 219th ever made. Today it would be worth a fortune! He kept it for 20 years and then eventually sold it but a couple of years later, he was missing riding a Jaguar so that’s when he bought the yellow one in which we went altogether to the Prescott Hill Climb. This is really a great car, with a vibrant colour and the noise it produces is so unique. It is totally orignal but has had some touch of paintwork. It is a series 111 E-Type Jaguar, drop head, with 5.3 litre V12 engine and has now convered only 68000 miles despite being made in 1972!!! I played also the “Portsmouth Model” next to the Jaguar: private joke with my British family as I ended up posing for an ad related to France in the Portsmouth Newspaper) so this nickname kinda stayed as somehow I often end up in the local Newspaper/Magazines or brochures abroad (so far Uk, Germany and Australia)! But back to my story, there are some beautiful pics of me sitting on the long bonnet of this Jaguar and you will have to take my word for it that there were some glamorous and glorious moments. This E type Jaguar even traveled to France and even spent a night in my family’s garden as Sir John and Lady Sandie came to visit me and get to know my parents ! As I am writing this article I regret, I don’t have the pics in my laptop to share with you, but this was a little while ago… but still a wonderful first experience with collectible cars.
2. LOS ANGELES, USA
It is me waving at Teresa, while sitting next to John – The car is a 1952 MGTD Midget
I met John and Teresa (my californian friends) when I was living in Paris. They are both great people and we naturally became very good friends. So when they returned to California, I made the wish to pay a visit to them someday…which eventually happened and this is when I took the real measure of John’s true passion for vintage cars as he owned at that time: a 1972 Lamborghini Espada Serise II, a 1968 Maserati Ghibli S, a 1957 TR-3 and a 1952 MGTD Midget. It was winter when I visited, just after Christmas, it was freezing but I was overjoyed to enjoy a beautiful ride in Los Angeles with this superb 1952 MGTD Midget, I payed the hard price since after this, I caught a really bad sore throat that Teresa tried to cure with natural medicines but it was soooo worth it! John just likes cars, none of the cars he owns were collectible at the time he bought them, they were just old cars but he had a crush on them and they became popular as the years passed. To quote John ” You should not buy anything just because other people like it. You should buy things that you like. Popularity is fleeting but your taste will probably be more consistent and last”. I absolutely agree!
3. ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Sybilla (black dress) and I (white dress) posing on Hana (Warren’s Porsche)Adelaide Hills and vineyards
I met Sybilla (Germany) this year at work and we became instantly friends. She is the most “Frenchic” German girl you could think of! She is married to Warren (Australia) who is adorable and together, they are a fantastic couple! Warren has a passion: he is an enthusiastic collectable cars lover and owns a beautiful vintage Porsche called (H)ana (Warren likes to make fun on my French accent as I can’t pronounce the “H”). One weekend we went altogether for a ride with “Hana” in the Adelaide Hills and then to the beach sides. It was a wonderful day. This car is absolutely beautiful, it is impossible not to fall for it at first sight: the colours, the shapes, the noise… And to quote this song “Isn’t she lovelyyyy”… I mean how can you not possibly love a ride in this beautiful car when the weather is so beautiful (hello summer), feeling the wind in your hair, hearing the birds singing. It is impossible not to feel so lucky and grateful for experiencing such a wonderful moment with such lovely company.
I live for days like that ❤
Like I said above, I am not crazy about cars, or should I say fancy/modern cars… I don’t drive, I am way happier riding my bike actually! But… yes BUT when it comes to vintage cars, it is another story… I find it funny that over the years, in different countries such as UK, USA and Australia, I had the chance to become friends with wonderful people and experience riding those beautiful collectable cars. To me, they are not just cars, they are so much more! I have a sweet spot for them because they have all a story to tell. They have a soul and that makes all the difference. I like the way also these cars are treated by their owners but also by other people on the road : with love and respect! And you too, as a passenger you want to acknowledge this beauty, you even want to dress up with a beautiful dress to honour this special moment. It is not just going on a ride, it is going on an adventure ❤
When you think about Australia and more specifically when you think about Australians… what is the first thing that comes to your mind? I mean as a stereotype, as a cliché?! Before I moved to Australia, I thought that Aussies were all surfers and crazy about surfing mostly… that was THE thing! But then I moved to Adelaide and I realised that one of the most important thing for Australians is actually…. wait for it…. COFFEE!
They drink a LOT of coffee… and forget about Starbucks, because here it is not just about the coffee, but also about the cute little place where you enjoy your latte, the friendly and talented barista who knows you well and the vibes and atmosphere! For those who know me… I know what you’re thinking… V you don’t even drink coffee, what are you talking about?! Well I am a Chai Latte lover… so generally where there is good coffee, there is a good barista and de facto there is a good Chai, it is as simple as that 😉 And you know me, I like to discover new cafés and to blog about it… I have always this crazy fantasy that I am going to have my local café where I am going to be a regular… Long story short : a bit like the Girlmore GirlsTV show with “Luke’s dinner” except that Lorelai did the mistake to date Luke, big time, and then they broke up so it was very awkward she could not go there for a while and she was really missing the coffee, hugeeeeeee mistake (lol, that was a wink for the TV show fans).
I know that some of you cried a river when the very hipster Tin Cat Café closed but maybe this will cheer you up if I tell you that a new tenant has taken over : The black addition. Sounds promising for coffee lovers, isn’t it?! And this is quite an interesting story since it was formerly a mobile coffee business which was pretty successful on the road…on various private and corporate events… so busy that they were hard to catch… it is like when the fun fair arrives in town and you have all those colours, those lovely smells and you just follow the music hoping not to miss the show! Actually they were so successful that some fans even made the secret wish that someday the 2 owners would settle down so it would be easier to find them and enjoy one of their delicious coffees and this wish came true!
So at the moment, they are operating in the former Tin Cat Café in Kent Town. The two lovely owners Alison and Sean (a couple) are experts in the latte art and even host Barista classes in their lovely little café! I had a Chaï Latte and it was absolutely delicious with coconut milk and it tasted different from what I am used to and I really enjoyed it! As for the coffee, because I wanted to give a fair review, I went to this place with my coffee expert friend : the lovely Jessica from Mexico (and god this girl lovesssss coffee and can be fussy about it lol) and she really enjoyed it, she said it was sensational!
And cherry on the cake they are opened until 7pm! And believe me this is something to definitely mention! You know, as every good french, I like to complain and one of my recurrent complaining topic is that in this city everything closes at 5pm so it is like nothing is opened for people who basically work during weekdays… so this is nice to feel welcome in this cute little place after work for a comforting cup of coffee while watching life passing by. They also collaborate with other catering businesses so they can offer a nice range of yummy cakes and pastries. I have not tried them yet but I definitely intend to go back and it might even become my local ! And if you are in the mood to give this place a go, they also offer breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea so it is definitely a nice weekend plan! The two owners are absolutely lovely and will make you one of the best coffee in town ❤
What about you? Are you tea or coffee drinkers? Any nice cafés to recommend me?!!!! oh… I already know what you are about to say… OK V, but first coffee 😉
I know, I know… it is still winter in Australia, so an ice cream seems like the craziest idea. When all you want is to snuggle under a comfy blanket and just wait for summer… But sometimes, it is nice to remember that when it is cold here in the south hemisphere, there are some other parts of the world that are nice and warm and it means that soon it will be our turn 😉
So before I scream for summer, maybe I’d just scream ice cream, like a magic prayer, so it will make summer come quicker! And when you hear these mouth watering words, there is a special place that comes to my mind where you get the best ice creams you can think of. I am not even sure I should share this secret with you because it is such an enchanted place. Maybe I should just keep it to myself so it is mine forever… but that would not be fair. Little gems like Kem CoBa must be shared ❤
So if you happen to go someday to Montreal in Canada and it is one of those warm days… then go to one of my favourite areas : the Mile End, it is definitely worth the walk. There are lovely boutiques, with some good vibes and a really nice trendy atmosphere. Look for the little pink and green shop and the queue on the sidewalk, because here is Kem Coba and its delicious homemade ice creams owned by a charming couple.
Cute ❤ this one is called “La romantique” and acts like a love filter! Forget about the traditional roses bouquet, this ice cream says it all!
Those people know how to make your heart melt. Who said that an ice cream would make you cold. Those “crèmes glacées” are just pure sweet love. Imagine what happens when a cute vietnamese baker meets a French baker…. it is all hearts and ice creams!
Kem CoBa it s a bit like the Jacarandas in Australia announcing spring and summer! It is opened from May to September, best days in Montreal 😉
They are as beautiful as delicious. Besides they are all made with natural ingredients: so super healthy… well… as healthy an ice cream can be 😉 It is been years… but I still remember the lovely flavour of the Masala Chaï ❤ and I have heard that the “beurre salé” (salted butter) is reallyyyyy good too!
Dulce de leche and mangoes. Because in a perfect world, you don’t have to choose, you get both!
But the cherry on the ice cream is probably Kem CoBa’s famous “crème glacée molle” (soft ice cream). It looks like an italian ice cream to me with a torsade and double flavours and coulours! They have each week I believe a new combination: blueberries and honey, vanilla and passion fruits, dulce de leche and mangoes… I tried them all haha when I was in Montreal and I highly recommend to do the same. Besides trust me because normally ice creams are not my thing but Kem CoBa is the kind of place that turns a “never in my life” into a “normally not but this one is different”. Yes this is how good it is!
The soft vanilla from Madagascar allied to the exotic passion fruits because life needs this je ne sais quoi touch!
I could spend hours describing the vibrant colours, the exotic flavours of those sweet treats, the lovely texture, how they melt on the tongue leaving an exquisite taste but I guess the best way to really get the feeling is to go and try them all and tell me about it! So next time you go there, make sure to tell me what is your favourite!!!
Last Christmas, I was in France and I had the opportunity to meet my brother’s lovely girl friend who happens to live in Montreal. Talking with her about this beautiful city brought back some memories. Oh Canada, Canada… you are not a country, you are a season! And as for you Montreal, you are my morning Bagel at Saint Viateur, you are this cute maple leaf on the sidewalk, you are my enchanting stroll in Mont-Royal Park, you are my chai latte at café Pikolo, you are my bubble tea in China town, you are my favourite ride along Saint Laurent river, you are my matcha ice cream at Jean Talon market, you are this lovely blue sky even when it is so cold outside. And my heart just melts when you are wearing your majestic white coat that gives me the feeling that for a minute the time just stopped.
I am so far away from you now, it is summer here in Adelaide and still winter for you. But lately you have been a lot in my mind. So I thought today, I would share with you one of my favourite place for a delicious sandwich in Montreal 🙂 should you ever visit this beautiful city!
As for many French people, Le Plateau, is my kingdom. I know that Canadians like to joke about the fact that obviously French people must be missing so much the Parisian expensive lifestyle that they are attracted like magnets to the trendy Plateau area… What can I say?! I like the atmosphere, the little cafés, the shops and the artistic vibes all around.
Colourful, vibrant, local!
In a charming little street stands a funky Portuguese café called “Chez José”. A cute and tiny little place that tends to get crowded at busy hours, but the food they serve makes the wait worth it. If my memory is is correct, I had a lunch combo (smoothie + sandwich) for something like 10 dollars! I must say this spicy sandwich was something very special… and normally spicy is NOT my thing but… I guess when you find something special, some rules may not apply… the chicken was thinly sliced and paired so well with the homemade hot sauce, the cheese and the avocado. I really enjoyed each bite of it. It was fresh, it was delicious, it felt very local and typical!
This sandwich is killing me softly with its sweet spicy sauce!
Sometimes, you discover little gems like “chez José” and you are so grateful they do exist. How can a simple sandwich make your day?! Was it just about this sandwich or the whole journey?! Walking in this little street, looking for this address, spotting this graffiti wall, gazing at all these vibrant colours, looking at the people queuing happily outside, trying to imagine who they are, discovering new flavours and being overwhelmed by this new experience… I think it was a mix of everything. Next time I will go back there, I will just order the same but this time I make sure I won’t go on my own and share this precious moment hoping that it will be once again a delightful moment ❤
“Life is about creating and living experiences that are worth sharing” Steve Jobs
Chez José
173 Avenue Duluth E
Montreal, QC H2W 1H4 – Plateau-Mont-Royal
What could be better than sitting on the Semaphore jetty, catching crabs, drinking beers and having fun with a bunch of good friends?! That’s called a perfect Aussie summer day 😉
Let’s go to the jetty!
Last Friday, Kim (Vietnam) came up with the perfect and most original idea: “Let’s go crabbing at sunset”, she said! It is something that none of us have experienced before. We thought, yes sure, why not, let’s give it a try! Jessica (Mexico) believes that each week we should do something totally new in order to embrace our new Australian lifestyle and make some good memories.
Sometimes it feels like your own private desert island!
I must confess I was a bit confused about the technique and was picturing myself running on Semaphore beach, lifting (small) rocks and chasing (or being chased) by crabs and running even faster should this happen to me! I thought, yes well, worst case scenario I would enjoy the beach and maybe even an ice cream.
Catch me if you can 😉
But actually, I was wrong, crabbing is easier than I thought, all you need is a jetty, a bucket to hold your catch, a fishing basket with line and a little bait to attract crabs such as fish heads… mmm I know yummy! Like fishing, it requires some patience, so the best way to make the time flying by is to enjoy this activity with some crazy and lively friends!
So lucky to be surrounded by my international friends!
Our friend Kim (Vietnam) was the best instructor ever. She gave us many instructions how to throw the fishing basket far far away. You need to keep if flat and be careful with the strings attached to it because you don’t want to end in the sea with it eaten by the crabs. Three, two, one, GO and fly away!
Thank god, I have been working out lately and it shows!
We were pretty successful and we managed to catch something like 12 crabs. Actually we caught more but we had to release the little ones. Everybody was super happy and Peggy’s kids (Taiwan) were so proud and they had so much fun. It is definitely a good idea for a family/friends activity.
Summer time can be so hot in Australia, sometimes the temperature is so high that sleeping at night becomes nearly impossible despite a good air con. Some people prefer instead to spend the evening until late at night on the jetty crabbing. There is a cold breeze coming from the sea and as the sun is disappearing the temperature is dropping. Actually I recommend to bring sweaters, socks, trainers as it can get pretty cold on the jetty… As it was a first time, many of us did the mistake to come in their beach gears, not the best idea especially at sun set, it was “freezing”!
We spent a really good time together and stayed at Semaphore beach from 6pm to 10pm. We also had like a little picnic there because the sea, the air, the activity make you very hungry! Kim was thrilled, I must say some crabs were HUGE and Liliana tried to make me pause with a crab on a picture but I was a bit scared (she is a naughty girl haha). All in all it felt like being on holidays somewhere else. Sometimes you don’t need a lot of money or being in fancy hotels to enjoy life, simple things can actually feel even better. Best Friday, since a long time, I really enjoyed it ❤
But the fun did not stop there. Crabbing is something and eating crabs is something else! And the party went on at Kim’s house. She invited us in her beautiful home and taught us how to cook the crabs. She also made some delicious sauce to go with. It was fun, because we learnt how to eat a crab, breaking it in small pieces and sucking the flesh out of it… does it sound like a zombie/vampire thing?! I must say it was delicious and we all enjoyed it very much and we can’t wait to go again crabbing!
I would have never imagined that eating crabs that I caught could be so much fun!
These moments make me realise how important it is when you are abroad to be surrounded by amazing and generous people that you can call friends. They will make you smile, welcome you in their home and share some part of their culture with you. This is the beauty of living overseas, getting to know new people, bonding with them, discovering new places, opening your heart to new experiences and so much more. The more you are discovering about what is surrounding you, the more you are learning about you ❤
Who could have imagined that crabbing could be so deep 😉
When Spring looks like a French Autumn, the only thing you can do is put a hat on, grab your bestie and chill out with a latte! Nasim (from Iran) and I are always on the same page when it comes to enjoy life at its best!
Spring has been so lazy to come this year. We experienced a lot of morning showers, grey sky, wind and some severe storms in September and October. In one hand, it was a bit depressing + there was a “major” water leaking in my house (one morning I woke up and water was coming from the ceiling, click here for the full story) but in the other hand, it is really good for mother nature because the trees and flowers look amazing right now with beautiful deep and lively colours. I guess you can’t have it all!
These past few days, spring is back on the track and it feels good to wake up with a big bright sun in the bedroom. I like to ride my green bike in the parks with this beautiful weather and explore new places whenever possible. In Australia, you have to wear an helmet (it is the law) and I must say when the weather is warm (sometimes around 40 something) I miss to feel the refreshing wind in my hair when biking! But again, I know this is for my own good so I am just going with the flow…
A romantic vision of a young girl with a white dress walking on the Jacarandas’petals on a sunny spring day.
Maybe you will think I am a fool but one thing I was really expecting was to see the Jacarandas blooming! They are my favourite trees and their romantic purple flowers appear the first weeks of November announcing that spring is here and summer is only a month away. This year, because of the strange weather, the Jacarandas only started now to spread their vibrant colours in the whole city. Their mauve flowers petals are falling on the pavement like confettis and it brings a “je ne sais quoi” to the streets of Adelaide. Someday when I will own a house with a garden I will plant a Jacaranda tree to gaze at it!
At the moment, my friend Jessica (Mexico) is encouraging me to practise “mindfulness”. I started doing it in London with my yoga teacher and I must say it is a really calming and grounding state of mind. We are so busy with our everyday lives sometimes, worrying about the past and the future that we forget to fully live the present moment. Maybe it will seem odd to some of you but sometimes just taking the time to stop for a minute and gaze at a tree or a flower can make a big difference in the rest of your day ❤
Just try it and tell me in the comments below how it felt!
Did you know that Adelaide Fringe is the world’s second-largest annual arts festival?! For 31 days and nights during February and March, it features more than 5,000 artists from around Australia and the world. Over 1100 events are staged in pop-up venues in parks, warehouses, lane ways, theatres, hotels, bars, pubs, art galleries and cafes. Aren’t we lucky to have it all here?! There is a little bit for every tastes from comedy, to circus, cabaret, musical, drama etc….name it, the Fringe has it all, just pick and go with the flow! And if you are pretty smart about it, you can enjoy many shows for half price and maybe even for free if you have some good connections 😉
“The fourth floor” (I was with my mexican friends there and there were some reference to Mexico during the show so that made the whole experience pretty memorable), “Confessions of an aerobic instructor” (I went there with a colleague of mine and it was funny since our job is related to the fitness industry), “Anastasia” (it is a musical and the artist writes her own songs/music and it’s reallyyyyy good), “Ebony” (African circus). Something I really encourage you to try next year is to go to the Fringe with no plans and end up in one of those 6 dollars shows that last like 30 minutes, they are good fun and I like the idea of the spontaneous last minute “let’s try this show”, they are good fun too!
Hello World! 
