A Life Far Removed from Durian Trees

FRESH ROTICANAI Muniyandi Vilas restaurant 207 Rue Fauborg St Denis (near La Chapelle metro)

When I was in Angola, I was surprised when our French friends didn't know what okra was... I thought to myself, Wha?? How can they say French cuisine is "the best in the world" when they don't know what to do with okra?? Well, there's a first time for everyone. At the supermarket last week, we saw some tomates coeur de boeuf (beef heart tomatoes) and bought one to try. (At the risk of sounding nerdy, the lemon is for scale!)

I'm not much of a shopper but I love to shop in Paris (and taking people shopping in Paris). From my personal experiences, the salespeople are pleasant and patient and not aggressive. And I love that they explain the product to you and will serve you (to the exclusion of others) until you are done. In some other places, you're ignored. Or followed around by a salesperson who is checking that you don't steal anything. Or blatantly lied to ("yes, it will fit you, no problem"). Or verbally assaulted ("you'd better use this, you have big pores"). Or pressured/manipulated into buying other stuff ("if you spend another 150 dollars, you get this free cheapo bag worth 5 dollars "). I get all of the above whenever I shop at home, in Malaysia. In Paris, if you buy lotions and creams, they will tell you how and when to use it. If you buy handbags or watches for example, they will tell you what the brand is famous for, which line, which season (pe...

Five months into Paris, and what have I done? Completed a 40-hour French course. One-on-one classes, brushed up on my grammar and learned new phrases for daily use. Been to most of the tourist sites in Paris (including Versailles and Chateau Vincennes) Only one countryside excursion: Blois Tried a few nice restaurants from friends' recommendations. Met up with old friends living in Paris Had the "best macaroons in the whole world" at Ladurée (shoot me, but I prefer the ones from McDonald's McCafé!) Had lunch at Café de la Paix at Place de l'Opéra Garnier Last weekend, went to Rue Faubourg St Denis...loved it! Loved the vibrant atmosphere and the fact that there are plenty of Pakistani, North Indian, Turkish, Armenian etc places to try out. Stopped by the famous Brûlerie Lanni, which sells excellent whole/ground coffee and herbal teas at reasonable prices. Bought decaf Colombian (throw out the instant stuff after having this!) and two teas ("mystery mix"...