Paris: the good, the bad and the ugly

OK, I'll admit it. There is nothing too ugly about Paris. It is truly a beautiful city. But at least I got your attention.

I've been struggling with this post because I do have mixed feelings about Paris, and I've been trying to figure out how to say what I need to say without being rude, crude or unfair.

Let's start with the positive. Paris is bold and beautiful. There is nothing understated about Paris. Nothing that is subtle or untapped. Being someone who loves boldness -- in style, flavour, people and architecture, I liked that about Paris.

In fact, referring back to my notes of Oct 13, 2009, I say, " I am liking Paris better than I thought I would. It is charming, with lots of lovely old architecture and great style."

It's true. I did come to Paris not expecting to like it. And that is surprising for some to learn, as they think I am generally too positive in my observations of a place and too glowing in my reviews. But being an innately positive person brings that out in me. I look for the good in everything I do, in every place I go and in every person I meet. I never intentionally overlook the bad, but I never dwell on it.

However, as a journalist and an intently intuitive and observant person, I cannot overlook what I have seen and what I have felt. There is truth to the stigma that the French are arrogant. I did not see smiling faces on the streets of Paris. I did not feel a sense of warmth from its people. We did not receive help from them when needed, even after politely asking (in French) on more than one occasion.

Coming from the Canadian Prairies, and specifically "Friendly Manitoba" where we deliberately go out of our way to help neighbours and strangers alike, this lack of overt compassion for one's fellow man or woman made me feel uncomfortable in Paris. Yet I enjoyed the city, the quality of its museums, restaurants and other attractions.

I've visited quite a few world-class museums and art galleries (the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Prado Museum of Fine Art in Madrid, the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the National Gallery in Ottawa and the Gehry-infused rebirth of the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto are a few of my favourites.) But I was blown away by the magnificence of the Louvre.

If you go to Paris for but one reason, let it be the Musée du Louvre. The physical presence of this massive institution of art treasures is completely overwhelming. Parts of the main structure were built in the late 12th century, but this location did not become a museum until 1793. The newest addition -- built in the shape of a glass pyramid -- forms the new entrance to the Louvre and was opened in 1989. There was certainly some controversy about combining modern architecture with old, but I think it works. It was amazing to see an Apple store, Virgin books & records and other indicators of ultra-modern life located within the confines of the Louvre. But they're there. And it works, providing visitors to the Louvre with every imaginable shopping opportunity.

We spent a full day at he Louvre and had to move like the wind to even catch a glimpse of all there is to see. You can see much of the museum's exhibits and learn about its past, present and future online at: http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home.jsp?bmLocale=en

In line with the recommendations made in Frommer's "Paris day by day" guidebook (which we found very useful) we had lunch at the Café Mollien and liked it immensely. The views from this cafe are stunning, and if you are visiting from May through September, the outside terrace is open for you to enjoy.

Paris is filled with outdoor places that enable you to bask in its beauty, and we did take one full day to stroll along the Seine, the Champs Élysées and past the countless statues of beauty you pass with every breath. But with the city being so big and our time short (3 days, 4 nights) we spent too much time hurrying in and out of dark underground Metro stations and not enough time sipping coffee or fine wine in the light of the sun. C'est la vie.

We were fortunate enough to have accommodations at the lovely Le Meridien Montparnasse, part of Starwood's global network of properties. The location was convenient, with two Metro stops within steps, many restaurants within easy reach and a safe and peaceful place to retreat to every evening. Find out more about the hotel at: http://is.gd/4ZgB4.

With all that good, you'd think I could overlook the bad. And I may have. But unfortunately, our departing moments from Paris were the worst.

Our cab dropped us off at the main train station so that we could catch the Thalys (TGV fast train) to Provence. On exiting the cab we were overwhelmed with the stench of urine. It took my every effort to refrain from heaving. This is completely unacceptable for a world-class city so very full of itself.

And on our departure, we boarded the wrong train! There were no staff available to ask (and none to help with our heavy luggage.) Train departures were not posted to gate numbers until about two minutes prior to departure. Try running with heavy luggage in tow. We asked someone who looked like they knew something which train was heading for Aix-en-Provence and were pointed in the direction of the train we boarded. Turned out to be the wrong train. Read next week's post to learn more about our French adventure.

And in the meantime, don't refrain from commenting. I've love to hear about your own adventures in Paris.

Salon du Chocolat

Attending the World Chocolate Masters Championships (WCMC) October 14-16, 2009 was the catalyst around which we planned the remainder of our trip to Europe this fall. Imagine being among the top chocolate creators of the world (some of whom were serving as judges, some were participating in the competition, and others were offering demonstrations and meeting members of the public upstairs at the Salon du Chocolat, the massive chocolate event for consumers (i.e. chocolate lovers.) It was quite the experience! We were indeed big kids in the world's biggest candy store! But this show is unquestionably for big kids, although there were a few privileged tiny tots in attendance.

To clarify, the WCMC is a trade show and competition for those working in the chocolate industry. We were allowed entrance via pre-screened media badges we had been awarded. Congrats to a young Japanese chef for taking first place, Lionel Clement who makes his chocolate creations at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas took second place, and a woman -- Michaela Karg of Germany took third place. It was nice to see a woman in the top rankings as chocolate is definitely a male-dominated profession -- despite the fact that women purchase and consume 80% of the world's fine chocolate.

For more on the WCMC, visit: http://www.worldchocolatemasters.com/en/

The Salon du Chocolat was held in the same venue as the WCMC and is open to all chocolate and cocoa enthusiasts. It not only offered a huge selection of chocolatiers from most parts of the world, but also other forms of candy such as nougat, macaroons and desserts as well as products that complement chocolate such as spices, liquors, and kitchen equipment and tools to assist you in your candy making pursuits. What a tasty experience!

We were pleased to visit the Bailey's tasting booth more than once and especially enjoyed the coffee flavoured Bailey's. It definitely goes well with chocolate.

With more than 400 exhibitors, there is something for everyone. To watch a video showing the finest in chocolate couture, see a listing of world chocolate shows and learn more about the event, visit: http://is.gd/4WdZ1

The world of chocolate is filled with adventure and sensuality. This will be the premise of my upcoming book.

More on France later this week ...

Belgian Brilliance

What really fascinated me about Belgium was the passion of its people. As I'm writing a book about chocolate, maybe I was just lucky, and introduced to people who were even more passionate about chocolate than I am. Can that be possible?

But no, it wasn't just the charming chocolatiers who won my heart in Belgium. It was nearly everyone we met. I really got the sense that the Belgian people love their country, that they care about others, and that they are generally proud without being arrogant. The perfect recipe for the kind of people you want to get to know better. And when you like the people of a country, you can't help but like (or love) the country itself.

Most or our time was in Brussels, but we were fortunate to also get out to Florenville as well as to Liège, so we saw a good part of the centre of the country, but there is much more for me to see, and I hope to get back there next year. (Keep your fingers crossed. I have applied for funding that will help make that dream come true as there is much in Bruges and Ostend that I hope to see.) And plenty more Belgian chocolate to discover and enjoy.

Many chocolate connoisseurs say that Belgian chocolate is the best in the world. I cannot disagree, although Swiss chocolate is delectable and fine in its own right. And the French purists make incredible intense and delicious dark chocolate as well. But there is something about the Belgians. Something that makes you want to come back for more ...

Brussels itself is a lovely city. Clean, spattered with gorgeous sculptures, fountains and gilded buildings. The main square, called the Grand Place is safe, friendly and magical. There are dozens of chocolate and specialty shops, restaurants and bars. A gourmand's delight! The city also boasts plenty of greenery and lovely parks.

But you don't hear the Belgians boasting like their larger neighbours to the south. They are understated, humble, but brilliant! I was completely amazed by the ingenuity of its entrepreneurs. And by the beauty of its architecture.

My one complaint is the traffic. For a relatively small country, the traffic in Belgium (particularly in Brussels and the arteries leading in and out of it) is insane. Brussels has just over 1, 000,000 people, and obviously most of them do not take public transportation as the roads are filled with cars just about any time of day or night. They could learn something from the Swiss. (See last week's post on Zurich regarding the efficiency of the public transportation system.)

But that is a small negative in view of all the positives. I give Belgium an 8/10 as being a visitor-friendly country worth getting to know. Visit this link for more info:

http://www.visitbelgium.com/

We stayed at the Hotel Dominican, which I would highly recommend:

http://www.thedominican.be/

But don't take my word for it. Do yourself a favour and get off the beaten path. Take a trip to Belgium, spend some time in Brussels, eat lots of chocolate and have yourself a great time.

Why I love Zurich

I've just returned from Europe and had a tremendous time discovering Belgium, France and Switzerland. I'll share some of my thoughts on each destination over the next couple of weeks.

I'll begin with what I think is the safest, cleanest and most efficient city I have visited: Zurich. Safe, clean and efficient may not be sexy words and may instill the impression that Zurich is dull or boring. Not true! This lovely Swiss city is architecturally appealing, historically fascinating, has plenty of terrific shopping, great restaurants, and of course ... some of the best chocolate in the world. What could be sexier than the sensuality of chocolate?

I've always been a fan of dark chocolate, so I was afraid I might not like the offerings of the Swiss chocolatiers. They are primarily known for their milk chocolate. But I was wrong. Firstly, the Swiss are now producing more dark chocolate products, so it wasn't difficult for me to like them. And secondly, the Swiss live and breath chocolate, so if anyone knows how to make great chocolate, it is the Swiss. It is smooth, creamy and sensual. Even the milk chocolate of the best chocolatiers and confectionaries is appealing to the most dedicated lovers of dark chocolate.

But Zurich is far more than a chocolate lover's paradise. It is home to the Swiss National Museum, the Landesmuseum, a facility that combines a strikingly contemporary layout and design with the traditional styling of a world-class museum. For more, see:

http://www.landesmuseum.ch/e/index.php.

You won't find more clocks, watches and other time pieces anywhere in the world than in Zurich. Perhaps that's why their public transportation system is so efficient. Time really matters to the Swiss. Various forms of public transportation are at your disposal and almost always ... on time.

We rode the local trams and trains religiously over a three-day period and found them to be clean and high-efficient, as well as an economical way to tour the city and surrounding area. Buy a Zurich card and you get cheap transportation and entry into local attractions all in one. Find out more at: http://www.zuerich.com/en/page.cfm/zurich/zuerichcard_x.

Restaurant meals are terrific but expensive by way of North American standards. But if you buy the Zurich card, you'll find some deals on dining, too.

I also love the people of Zurich. They are friendly, helpful, attractive and cosmopolitan without the arrogance found in at least one neighbouring country.

We stayed at the Hotel Zurichberg, which was situated on a hill overlooking the lake and mountains. It was a wonderful refuge to help regenerate us for each new day.

http://www.zuerichberg.ch

This was my second visit to Zurich. The first was in 1996 and only a brief stop over. This year's trip -- although primarily focused on chocolate -- was fortunately much longer, and gave me a true insight into one of Europe's most understated cities.

chocolate in my suitcase

I've just returned from 2 weeks in Europe, meeting some of the world's best chocolatiers -- all in the way of a good day's work. My next book will be about chocolate. There will be much more about that as time goes by.

I've unpacked the big suitcase, which contained an assortment of immensely heavy press materials, heaps of clothes to be cleaned, toiletries and about 5 pairs of shoes. How is it that men can travel with just one (or possibly 2 pair of shoes?)

And then there's the second suitcase. The size you use for a long weekend of travel. I took it nearly empty, knowing ... hoping ... that I would be coming home with lots of chocolate. And sure enough, I was right. So much so that I had to unzip the expansion pocket on the suitcase just to fit my treasured stash without crushing its valuable contents.

The trip began in Montreal on October 9th, where I enjoyed a tremendous lunch with friends at a trendy restaurant specializing in chocolate, then visiting a remarkable chocolatier in Pointe Claire. A great way to begin a voyage of chocolate discoveries.

On to Belgium, where we met several memorable creators of chocolate magic. I've always loved Belgian chocolate and now I know why. No one takes greater care than the Belgians in making chocolate much more than just cocoa butter, cream and sugar. Those 3 key ingredients are only a small part of the amazing chocolate creations we were introduced to. The Belgians really know how to innovate with chocolate.

France was included in my itinerary because the Salon du Chocolate and the World Chocolate Masters Championships were taking place at the same Paris venue mid October. How could a self-declared chocoholic not take in the world's largest chocolate extravaganza? The Salon du Chocolate offered consumers an amazing selection of chocolate delicacies, enhancements and accompaniments. The World Chocolate Masters event introduced me to trend setters and key people in the chocolate industry from around the world. A most enjoyable visit to the south of France topped off the French experience.

Our trip concluded with four days in magnificent Switzerland, a country whose thriving economy pays tribute to the chocolate industry. The Swiss take pride in eating the world's most chocolate on a per capita basis and in producing the world's most chocolate products. I came away with a greater respect for Swiss chocolate, thrilled to see that the country best known for its creamy milk chocolate is now producing an increasing amount of impressive dark and delicious delicacies.

Hats off and thanks to my translator, part-time navigator, full-time friend and fellow taster, Kathe Lieber for joining me in this endeavour. Her new knees served her well as we navigated our way through some of the world's best museums, houses of chocolate and other memorable places. More on that later, too.

But for now, I just wanted to assure you that I am alive and well and probably a few pounds heavier than on October 6th when I last posted to this blog.

Writing to inform and entertain

I write periodical articles and books to inform my readers and to entertain them. Fortunately, my writing style lends nicely to that combination. I pretty much write like I talk. Hopefully the content is interesting and intriguing but will still bring a smile to your face or happiness in your thoughts.

Most of us in the western world take reading for granted. We are taught to read from a very young age and have an endless supply of reading materials to inform and entertain us. So much so, in fact, that if you're like me ... you have an ever-growing pile of unread magazines begging for your attention.

But it's certainly not like that in every home, whether here in Manitoba or elsewhere in Canada, the US or the rest of the world.

A September 27/09 article in the Winnipeg Free Press features my friend, Rob Sarginson of Selkirk, who is currently serving as the acting executive director of Literacy Partners of Manitoba. Learn more about their efforts and programs at: http://www.mb.literacy.ca/.

Read the full article here: http://is.gd/40hkj.

The article tell us that Manitoba, a province with only about one million inhabitants, has nearly 400,000 residents who cannot read effectively. They are not illiterate, but they cannot read at an equivalency to a Grade 8 level. Sarginson says this demographic represents a "significant underclass in Canada that cannot use information in the same way as others."

And Manitoba is pretty much on par with the rest of Canada in this dilemma, so our situation is not unique, although it is surprising and most unfortunate. But at least our provincial government is doing something about it. Manitoba is the only jurisdiction in Canada to have a Literacy Act and a minister whose portfolio formally includes literacy.

That is good news for our province and our economy, as an improved literacy rate will translate into a healthier economy through bolstered productivity and a stronger economy. This has already been proven in the business practices of private companies such as Boeing in Winnipeg.

It is good to see that this issue is getting attention from proactive individuals and leaders. Canada has always been considered a land of opportunity and the right and ability to read is something most of us mistakingly take for granted.

Learn more from the Canadian Council on Learning: http://www.ccl-cca.ca. And keep reading! Statistics have proven that if you don't use it, you lose it and that includes your ability to read effectively.

learning from the well-seasoned in our lives

Hope Spencer

It's interesting how some people seem to relate so well to children, and others -- like me -- seem to relate better to those of a well-seasoned age.

The fact that I wasn't interested in having children was such a joke among my friends of the female persuasion that when I was a young girl of about 13, they bought me a book on "naming your baby" just for fun. Somehow they knew I would never use it.

It's not that I don't like children. But I definitely relate better to those of a seasoned age. Perhaps it then is no surprise that I married a man 25 years my senior. There has never been anything unnatural about our union. It just felt right -- and he has taken his rightful place in my world, fulfilling a need (coming straight from my soul) that no one else could reach.

And the relative that I was always closest to was my Auntie Florence --my godmother and my mother's sister -- who quickly stepped in when my mother was taken from me (due to cancer) when I was just 13. She was 44 years older than me, but we were as close as good friends would be, and she never lost her spunk until she was in her 90's.

I have several other women of influence in my life who are golden girls and inspire me to live life to the fullest -- each and every day.

I met Alice Rhodes (now in her 80's) in March, 2000 in Churchill, Manitoba, when I was up there researching the Northern Lights (aurora borealis.) I was fortunate enough to have been invited to participate in the Elderhostel course being taught by a friend at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre. It was an experience I shall never forget. Not just for the remarkable display of aurora we witnessed that week, but also for the remarkable people I met on that course.

Alice was one of them. We have communicated by e-mail ever since we first met, always hoping we could somehow hook up again on our travels, but it has never happened. Alice lives in the American Midwest and continues to gain Elderhostel experiences. (She has just signed up for her 27th course with the organization. This one, to take Tai Chi in Northern Michigan.) If you've never been on an "Elderhostel" course -- do it! They've now changed their name to "Exploritas" to get away from the age stigma as most folks who participate in their courses are "young" like Alice and truly love life and the adventures it brings.

Now, anyone who is a baby boomer or older is the company's prime target, and even younger folks are welcome to join in. For more info, see http://www.exploritas.org.

I continue to explore new places in conjunction with my assignments as a travel writer and author continually in search of memorable experiences.

That is how I met Hope Spencer. Hope is a fellow member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada, an organization we both hold dear to our hearts. http://www.pwac.ca.

Hope attended PWAC's Annual General Meeting in 1998, when I was a new member and on the organizing committee of our national conference. We immediately bonded and have been friends ever since. Hope turned 90 on July 4, 2009, and although a fall last year has slowed her down and cramped her globe-trotting style, her spirit remains positive and uplifting.

I am very blessed to have these well-seasoned individuals in my life. They have taught me so much and made me realize that the birthdays to come can be every bit as good -- if not better -- than the birthdays that have passed.

Do you have a well-seasoned person in your life who has enriched your spirit in a most profound way?

Finding your unique factor

I subscribe to a terrific daily quote service from the good folks at:

http://www.famous-quotes-and-quotations.com/

I really enjoy the quotes they provide and the thoughts they instill.

Today's Inspirational Quote is:

"If you want to be truly successful, invest in yourself to get the knowledge you need to find your unique factor. When you find it and focus on it and persevere, your success will blossom."

This is a quote from Sydney Madwed, an individual who seemingly has made several very quotable observations, but little else is found online about him. I don't have time at this moment to do a more extensive search on this individual, but if anyone knows more about him/her, do let us know. All I have been able to come up is site after site that quotes him/her -- but no further details!

Back to the topic at hand, and that is "finding your unique factor." I am attracted to that thought because my sister-in-law is about to pass away of terminal cancer.

She has had a magnificent (albeit short) life at making her mark everywhere she went and never allowing anyone to interfere with or influence her "unique factor." She knew who she was and wanted to be and that was enough for her. She never tried to impress anyone in trying to be something or someone she was not.

This defiant attitude did cause raised eyebrows and friction at times over the course of her 68+ years, but that did not flinch her confidence or her determination.

Léa will always be remembered for her colourful expressions (verbal and facial) and is loved and respected by those who have known her. That is largely because she embraced her unique factor. She did not fight it, try to hide it, try to change it, or try to force it on anyone.

You've heard the quote, "it is what it is" -- which by the way, has 20 contemporary definitions on the Urban Dictionary site: http://www.urbandictionary.com. Check it out if you've never been there.

Léa adapted that attitude to her own lifestyle. She accepted things she could not change. She embraced change when it was necessary, and she never let anyone or anything stifle her own unique factor.

Her success was not measurable by financial means, but rather by the emotion she was able to instill in people. I was reminded of that inherent quality yesterday, spending several hours at her hospital bed and watching the endless stream of friends and family coming by to say what is likely their last good-byes to a wonderfully spirited woman. Hat's off to someone who found her unique factor early in life and embraced it.

Have you found your own unique factor, and are you embracing it?

Heading for the final stretch

Had a fantastic Labo(ur) Day weekend. Hope you did, too. Am Canadian, but was in the US for the weekend. Thus the cross-border spelling.

Now it's down to business. I'm hoping to finish my book, "Before You Say Yes ..." on boards of directors this week. Down to the last 5,000 words. It's been a tremendous pleasure to write and research. I've spoken to so many amazing individuals with such a willingness to share their expertise, experiences and insights. Despite my own personal experience on numerous boards, this project would have not had the depth of vision and strength of voice without their input.

But what is it about writers and procrastination? Why is it that so often, as we approach completion of a major project, we seem to be distracted with other things that prevent us from crossing the finish line?

A friend of mine referred me to this spot-on essay by Will Ferguson that recently appeared in the Globe & Mail. If you're a writer, check it out. I'm sure you'll be able to relate.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/hows-the-book-going-well-let-me-tell-you/article1276747/

I can really relate to what Ferguson says. Somedays when I try to write, every possible distraction has my attention. Every other possible task seems more urgent.

Yet, I love to write and I love what I am writing. The desire is there. But somedays, it seems like someone has forgotten to put the quarter in my slot. Someone has forgotten to turn on the "write" meter.

Perhaps that someone is me. But no more. The time has come to do the deed. To complete the task. To finish writing that book.

So watch for "Before You Say Yes ..." in March. It will be published by Dundurn Press. Find it in their Spring 2010 catalogue: http://dundurn.com/

An early review say it will be a tremendous success. Fingers crossed that review is spot on, and that everyone who reads the book will find it to the long awaited treasure I am hoping for.

The importance of time-out time

I've just returned from a refreshing weekend away from my desk, usual housework and responsibilities. It's great to spend a weekend away with friends, when you can just sit, chat, rejuvenate your friendships and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. It's even better when the weather cooperates and the sun is shining. Makes the spirits soar and your time away more energizing and effective.

What do you do (or need) to rejuvenate yourself?

Everyone is different. Some people love the serenity and solitude of spending the weekend with a good book. But not me.

As a writer, people find it surprising that I don't read a lot. Have never been a big fan of fiction, so whenever I read, it's almost always something educational -- whether pertaining to my work (and passion) as a travel writer, learning something new, or finding research material for a project I may be contemplating. Or whether it's a book or publication to assist with my personal development as a human being, it is always non-fiction that I seek to read and that I want to write.

But somehow it is not the solitude of reading that I seek when I need rejuvenation. It is the companionship of good friends. I am a social being, and despite my many interests, hobbies and passions, it is the discovery of people and places and the interaction of the two that best feeds my spirit.

I am happy with that and have no desire to change. It seems to be my role in life. To connect with people and to help people connect with one another. I do it through my work and in my personal life. And I think I do it well.

Have you discovered your key role in life? And does it make you happy?