Travel

Seven years in Paris

3/27/26

Seven years ago this month, my wife and I had just moved to Paris as a pair of newlyweds — I’d found a job. Today I had an errand to run on the same street where that first Parisian office used to be.

We spent about a year and a half there. Enough time to build routines — the restaurant next door for lunch, the bar around the corner for after-work drinks with colleagues.

Going back felt strange in a good way. The street has changed — new lunch spots, new offices — but the vibe is the same. It just keeps renewing itself every few years.

What hit me more was thinking about the distance we’ve covered. From fresh-off-the-boat Parisians to actually feeling at home here. My wife and I, and now us as a family.

Same street. Different people walking it.

Seven years in Paris

3/26/26

Seven years ago this month, my wife and I had just moved to Paris as a pair of newlyweds — I’d found a job. Today I had an errand to run on the same street where that first Parisian office used to be.

We spent about a year and a half there. Enough time to build routines — the restaurant next door for lunch, the bar around the corner for after-work drinks with colleagues.

Going back felt strange in a good way. The street has changed — new lunch spots, new offices — but the vibe is the same. It just keeps renewing itself every few years.

What hit me more was thinking about the distance we’ve covered. From fresh-off-the-boat Parisians to actually feeling at home here. My wife and I, and now us as a family.

Same street. Different people walking it.

As I was running my errand(s), I took myself out to lunch, in one of my favorite street food places in town, a place that means a lot to my wife & I. Auto-generated description: A sandwich stacked with meat and a side of seasoned fries is served on a wooden table alongside a glass of lemonade.
Auto-generated description: Two people are smiling outdoors, with one wearing a burgundy jacket and the other a black and red jacket.

3/16/26 →

Looking back on a truly wonderful weekend in Strasbourg with some great friends!

Auto-generated description: A child holding a colorful toy sits next to an adult reading a magazine, with another adult nearby and items on a small table.

A person is joyfully holding a toddler with pigtails who is wearing a brown sweater.A pretzel stand is situated on a countertop in a colorful bar with various beer taps and glassware in the background.A multi-story European building features ornate balconies and window designs, with GANESHA signage visible on the ground floor.A toddler walks along a riverside path while a couple strolls in the opposite direction under a cloudy sky.A couple sits by the riverside, overlooking a bridge with a cyclist in the background.People stand outside a charming café with red signage, adorned with plants and decorative displays.A man stands behind a counter filled with an assortment of teas and pastries in a richly decorated shop.People are walking near a historic cathedral with traditional half-timbered buildings in the background.A picturesque riverside scene features half-timbered buildings adorned with flowers under a cloudy sky.A group of people walk along a riverside path lined with traditional half-timbered houses in a picturesque setting.A street scene at night showcases a brightly lit VOX sign atop a building, with people walking along the sidewalk.A stylish living room features a white sofa, a wooden coffee table on a rug, a bookshelf, and an ornate ceiling.A person is taking a mirror selfie in a stylish, elegantly decorated room featuring ornate moldings and a glimpse of a cozy living space.A child wearing black pants is walking on a wooden herringbone floor.A cozy living room features a wooden coffee table with two black mugs, a fireplace, and an armchair with a striped pillow.A vase with dry flowers and grasses sits on a wooden table next to decorative glassware and a candle, with a fireplace in the background.A person is reaching for pastries on a wooden coffee table set with a bottle of orange juice and four clear glasses.Two people are sitting on a couch in a spacious living room with elegant white walls, wooden floors, and bookshelves.A stylish interior features a wooden console table with a framed graphic poster and a stack of red and white books, accented by a small vase with dried flowers.A woman and a child are looking out a tall window in a cozy, elegantly decorated room with a small dining table and chairs.A wooden table is filled with plates of assorted brunch items, including pastries, meats, cheeses, and beverages, with people seated around it.A hand holding a can of craft beer with an artistic label is in the foreground, while the background shows a soccer match on a television above a fireplace.A building with blue shutters and a white facade is framed by bare branches.A beautiful pink cherry blossom tree is blooming in front of a historic building on a cloudy day.A woman is holding a child while standing in an urban area with buildings in the background.

The end of a 3-day work trip to HQ in Nuremberg.

1/23/26

Some highlights:

But with all this, it feels amazing to get home this evening and back to my family and the life we’re building here!

Airplanes are parked on an airport tarmac under a cloudy sky with the sun setting or rising.A sunset is seen from an airplane window, with the wing reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky.A group of people are clinking glasses filled with beer in a casual setting.A person wearing glasses, a fur-lined hooded coat, and a beanie with wide eyes is looking at the camera.A modern, brightly lit café features cozy seating, marble tabletops, and a relaxed atmosphere with a few patrons seated inside.A person holding a bottle of water sits in an airport terminal with a row of unoccupied seats and large windows in the background.People are seated at a restaurant table with dishes of food, drinks, and floral decorations.Several people are standing on a paved path near bicycles, with one bicycle lying on the ground.

🎶 Introduce yourself with 5 concerts you’ve seen:

1/21/26

A stylized concert ticket for a Jay-Z performance featuring Kanye West in Paris, France, with a venue capacity of 20,300, dated June 2, 2012.A concert ticket design for John Mayer's performance in Paris, France on March 24, 2024, featuring a stage with a musician performing to a large audience.A concert ticket for Sum 41's performance on November 23, 2024, at Paris La Défense Arena is shown, indicating seating in section 113, row 26, seat 39.A concert ticket design features Bloc Party performing at the Roundhouse in London on February 11, 2017, with attendance to be confirmed.A large concert features a performance by a band on stage with a full crowd and digital stage effects.

1/10/26 →

★ How to Temporarily Disable Face ID or Touch ID, and Require a Passcode to Unlock Your iPhone or iPad

12/16/25 →

Un excellent excellent épisode du podcast “Fifty States” sur Baltimore cette semaine!

Colorful artwork features the text Greetings from Baltimore, MD with a bold, graphic design.

11/23/25 →

Good run today: I was able to pick up the pace while the temperature and humidity were higher than 2 days ago!

11/22/25 →

Some great couple of days in Maryland after this first week:

A small child sits on an airplane seat, looking out the window while holding a container.A woman and a child are standing in front of a bakery display filled with various pastries and sweets.Three framed sports jerseys, one red, one blue, and one purple, are displayed on a wall above a door next to a sign for Corona Extra.A busy small-town street features American flags, historic-style buildings, and a bright, partly cloudy sky.A quaint street in a small town is lined with shops, American flags, and parked cars under a partly cloudy sky.A view of a historic-looking dome framed by brick buildings on either side under a cloudy sky.A charming brick building with colorful flags adorns a sunny street, flanked by a vibrant tree with autumn leaves.A person is pushing a shopping cart through a store aisle while a child in a red coat carries a plush toy.A person wearing a beanie and a fleece jacket is interacting with a child sitting in a shopping cart at a grocery store.A grove of vibrant autumn trees with red and orange leaves stands near a person walking along a path under a partly cloudy sky.A tranquil river reflects the dramatic sky and silhouetted trees at dusk.A child wearing a maroon top and beige pants is lying on a person's lap, with striped socks and a teddy bear in the background.A brick house is adorned with festive white lights and features illuminated reindeer decorations on the front lawn at night.A yellow school bus is parked in front of a large, historic-looking building with columns, while a group of people gather near the entrance.A wall inside a restaurant is decorated with various framed newspaper and magazine articles, alongside empty wooden tables.A man in a casual setting drinks from a plastic cup in a seafood restaurant with various decorations and a sign about oysters in the background.A person holds a cup of beer in front of a table with fried shrimp, sauce, and a plate of food with sides like coleslaw and corn.A plate featuring a crab cake, macaroni and cheese, and a container of spinach dip is served alongside a side of fried shrimp.A contrast of architectural styles is depicted with a modern white building and an older brick structure against a cloudy sky.A large photograph and banners with the words Legend and Legacy hang prominently in a spacious, ornate hall.A grand interior features an ornate hexagonal coffered ceiling, elegant light fixtures, and a wooden balcony railing.A display featuring Syracuse University basketball memorabilia, highlighting college hoops and honoring a prominent player.

10/22/25 →

Loved reading about the people behind the movement. Been hearing about most of these places and have them all in my ever-expanding list of places to try :)

NYT: In Paris, More Restaurants Are Combining Cultures and Flavors

An article titled ‘In Paris, More Restaurants Are Combining Cultures and Flavors’ by Christy Choi and Joann Pai features images of diverse culinary dishes.

10/1/25 →

Back from a week in Nuremberg for work

A person wearing a sweater is sitting at a table with a dish of nachos, two wrapped sandwiches, and a bottle of Blue Moon beer.A man in glasses and a green hoodie takes a selfie in an open office with several people working in the background.A person stands by a large window, looking out at a cityscape featuring historical buildings and a cloudy sky.A cityscape at sunset features a skyline with tall structures silhouetted against a colorful sky.A person is enjoying a large pretzel in a bustling outdoor market with a historical building in the background.A peaceful night scene by a river features illuminated buildings, a bridge with people, and a person sitting near the water.People are gathered at an outdoor market or festival in the evening, with food stalls and illuminated canopies.People stroll through a bustling outdoor market with red and white striped stalls, set against a backdrop of traditional European architecture.Fans wave scarves and cheer at a crowded football stadium during a match.A bustling city street at dusk features illuminated streetlights, passing cars, and people walking along the sidewalk under a cloudy sky.A collection of photo booth pictures shows groups of people posing playfully with various props at a work event.An Air France passenger plane is stationary on an airport tarmac, viewed from inside a vehicle.

⚽️ FC Nuremberg v Hertha Berlin

9/28/25

In Nuremberg for work for the week, and decided to go check out the local football team with some of my colleagues.

We were seated next to the Berlin fans, and unfortunately, the stadium has a running track around it, which I generally really dislike. But other than that fun atmosphere and frustrating experience to watch the home team lose 0-3. Good experience if they were playing better, I would try to go see that more regularly considering I am visiting this town four times a year.

A digital ticket for a football match on September 28, 2025, shows FC Nürnberg vs Hertha Berlin with a score of 0-3 and seating information.Three friends are sitting in a stadium, smiling and posing for a selfie.A large crowd of spectators dressed mostly in blue and white are gathered in a stadium, enthusiastically watching a sporting event.A large crowd at a bustling soccer stadium watches as players and staff display flags on the field with vibrant banners in the stands.A person is holding a schnitzel sandwich while watching a soccer match in a stadium.A person is holding a plastic cup of beer at a crowded sports stadium with a soccer match in progress.A crowded soccer stadium is filled with fans waving red and white flags and banners while players are on the field.A lively soccer match takes place in a stadium filled with spectators under a clear blue sky.A large crowd watches a soccer match in a stadium with clear skies above.

9/8/25 →

First couple of days back in the US for a while, for personal family-related matters

A cozy living room features a fireplace with toys scattered across a patterned rug, surrounded by a leather couch and armchairs.A person wearing glasses and a black T-shirt is seated at a table with a laptop and a Maryland-themed mug, making a peace sign.Shopping carts are lined up in a parking lot in front of a Target store under a cloudy sky.A person is pushing a child in a green shopping cart designed like a car, while another person walks beside them in a parking garage.A person is holding a bottle of Kevita Tart Cherry kombucha with another Health-Ade Cayenne Cleanse kombucha bottle in the background.A café with a mural featuring portraits above the counter and a display menu.A farmer's market stall displays an array of fresh vegetables and fruits under white tents, with colorful baskets and brick buildings in the background.People are enjoying a sunny day at an outdoor market with tents, food stalls, and picnic tables.Two people are sitting in a car, smiling, and holding McFlurry desserts.A large brick house is nestled among tall trees with a grassy lawn in the foreground.A person is grilling burger buns and chicken on a barbecue grill outside on a deck, with various grilling tools and dishes nearby.A small table holds various magazines, a heart-shaped dish, a pair of glasses in a case, and a wireless earbud case.A black pickup truck with a ‘YAKIMA’ logo has a colorful license plate reading ‘NOSUP4U’ at a traffic light, a popular reference to Seinfeld.A golf course with players is set against a backdrop of trees and a partly cloudy blue sky.

9/1/25 →

🏡 🇫🇷 Super excited to wake up to this article about our home and neighboring town in The Times today!

A man and a woman with a dog stand by a cobblestone path next to a river, surrounded by trees, with a bridge in the background.

Greater Paris is born, reconfiguring the city. (…) The east (…) [side] has risen, turning the banlieue from Pantin to Romainville into cool, desirable areas. (…) The action is no longer on the Seine River — it is on a 200-year-old canal, the Ourcq.

8/17/25 →

Final holiday pics before getting back to work tomorrow: a well deserved break and staycation!

A child in a red dress walks towards an ornate, historic building with statues and architectural details.A spacious art gallery features ornate ceiling, wooden floors, and walls adorned with large framed paintings, accompanied by plush seating for visitors.A majestic castle stands beside a serene lake under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by lush greenery.Two children in strollers are reaching out to hold hands.A street scene in a sunny city features a vintage advertisement on a building facade, lush greenery, and a small market or kiosk.People are gathered in a bright, modern café with a mirror displaying a decorative world map on the wall.Two women are sitting on a picnic blanket on a grassy area while a small child stands nearby.People are dining outdoors in a courtyard with historic architecture and ivy-covered walls.A young child in a checkered dress walks along a cobblestone path with an adult in the background.A table with a cappuccino, an empty espresso cup, a chocolate chip scone on a saucer with a spoon, a basket of bread, and two people's legs nearby.A cozy café features wooden flooring, modern chairs, round tables, and warm globe lights, with plants and framed art for decoration.A charming Parisian building with classic architecture is framed by lush trees under a blue sky.A plate of penne pasta is topped with mushrooms, cheese, and fresh basil, served on a decorative blue and white dish.

8/6/25 →

Our Parisian/home staycation continues…

Today started with a homemade brunch, before a visit to the Great Mosque of Paris, a delicious lunch, and a walk across town!

Stumbled upon the memorial of the November 13th, 2015 terrorist attacks — a stunning, well-designed square across City Hall

A breakfast setup with a plate of food and a glass of coffee on a table, featuring items like Tabasco sauce and seasoning.A quiet urban street lined with parked cars and scooters offers a view of a tall, ornate building in the background under a partly cloudy sky.A spacious, ornate courtyard features tall arches, decorative columns, and a central fountain.A lush garden with a central fountain is framed by an ornate archway and vibrant greenery.A woman stands near a decorative fountain surrounded by vibrant pink flowers and intricate architecture.A meal featuring a dish with octopus and garnishes is served on a white table alongside glasses of water and wine, with a person in the background.A street with classic European architecture leads to a grand domed building under a clear blue sky.A grand architectural scene features historic buildings with tall columns under a clear blue sky, alongside parked cars and a few people strolling nearby.A street market stall under large trees displays various art prints, books, and postcards on a sunny day.A hand is holding a cup of iced coffee in front of a stroller, where a child is sitting and eating.A simple storefront sign featuring a drawing of a hand is mounted on the corner of a building with blue and beige accents.A historic building with ornate architecture is surrounded by a lush garden and trees, with people walking and relaxing.

8/6/25 →

More holiday shenanigans

A cup of coffee sits on a patterned table outside near a grand building with a clock tower.A man wearing a floral shirt is seated on a couch, interacting with a young child standing beside a marble table with items on it.An adult and a child are walking on a decorative floor in an ornate room with large windows.A person is taking a photo of their reflection in a mirrored table with two cups of coffee on it.A man is helping a young child at a playground with a play structure nearby, while other people and trees are in the background.Appetizing flatbreads topped with vegetables are served on a table alongside two red drinks.A rooftop terrace features a closed umbrella, potted plants, and wrought-iron furniture, overlooking a cityscape under a clear blue sky.

8/3/25 →

Vacation Day 03: 🧋☕️🍦

#CongCaPhe #Paris

A Cộng Cà Phê coffee shop is situated on the corner of a street with beige buildings in the background.A group of people browse merchandise displayed on wooden shelves, with bags labeled ‘HA NÓI’ and ‘DA NANG’ prominently featured.People are standing in line inside a wooden-themed cafe with shelves displaying various products.A cozy café scene features people sitting at tables, engaging in conversation, with a wall decorated with colorful teapots.A park scene shows people walking and gathering near a large reflective sphere and a Ferris wheel under a partly cloudy sky.

Day 2 of our summer break ☀️🏞️🏙️

8/2/25

Went out to Musée de L’Homme for the exhibition on Wax Textile, and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in fashion, colonialism, ethnography, culture, and global trade.

Then had lunch at Schwartz’s Deli before enjoying the sight, and spending time with some of our friends living close to the Eiffel Tower on Rive Droite.

A vibrant red wall features digital displays with various colorful patterns and the bold word "wax" in the center.A gallery exhibit showcases vibrant, colorful artworks and patterned clothing on mannequins against a white wall.A plate of food featuring a sandwich with pickles, fries, and coleslaw is accompanied by condiments, a glass of beer, and a water bottle on a table.A person is standing on a sidewalk taking a photo of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, surrounded by trees and urban scenery.A chalkboard outside a deli humorously references loss of hope, cash, jobs, and bacon, while a person works inside.Two people are taking a selfie in front of the Eiffel Tower on a sunny day.

Day 1 of our summer break ☀️ 🍪 🥃 😘

8/1/25

Including delicious cookies and affogatos from Crème and a visit to the National Archives and seeing the official handwritten “Appeal of June 18th” from General Charles De Gaulle, which he broadcast on the BBC from London while in exile, on June 18th 1940, trying to inspire the French to resist their invaders.

Also: Happy International Spritz Day! Grateful that we have a lovely big Eataly here in Paris 🇮🇹

7/20/25 →

A lovely lovely weekend

A narrow cobblestone street is lined with Parisian buildings and a café with glowing lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.

7/20/25 →

My wife has been sharing some of our most personal cultural stories over on her newsletter

A new series, ‘Living Between’, is introduced as a platform for exploring cultural connections and personal stories, featuring a community of over 500 readers.

7/17/25 →

In a world of food fads, this is why the real French baguette reigns supreme | @monocle.com A person is holding several baguettes in front of a decorative door, accompanied by a text about the supremacy of French baguettes in travel and restaurants

7/13/25 →

Very wholesome afternoon with close friends at the #FondationLouisVuitton for the David #Hockney exhibition yesterday!

A modern architectural structure with curved glass and metal elements stands against a blue sky.A large, golden, flower-shaped sculpture is displayed in a landscaped park setting, with trees and buildings in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.A group of people is sitting in a dark room with vibrant, colorful digital art projections on the walls.People are viewing colorful landscape paintings showcased in an art gallery.People are sitting on benches and the floor inside a room with blue lighting and star-like projections on the walls.A group of people stands in front of a modern, angular glass building under a partly cloudy sky.A person takes a photo of a seated individual against a blue backdrop, with natural light streaming in through large windows.People are walking around and observing artwork in a spacious, modern gallery with lit display tables and large paintings on the walls.Two people walk down a sunlit path surrounded by lush trees.Holding a partially eaten sandwich wrapped in foil, a person stands near a stroller with a child inside at a playground.A fast food restaurant counter displays various menu options featuring smoked meats and sandwiches.

Last week’s shenanigans

7/7/25

The end to another eventful week and weekend…

A glass of beer with the label 'L.B.F.' is placed on a bright yellow table in a lively bar setting.A group of people are socializing in a lively venue, with a colorful background featuring the words 'BOMB SQUAD.' Auto-generated description: A table displays a variety of dishes including a bowl of thinly sliced fish garnished with herbs, a plate of cubed sesame snacks, and a bowl of fried appetizers with dipping sauce. Auto-generated description: A pan with sliced steak and mixed greens accompanied by a small bowl of sauce, served alongside a plate of crispy potatoes topped with grated cheese and a bowl of dipping sauce. Auto-generated description: A dish featuring a roasted stuffed poblano pepper topped with cheese, nuts, and greens is served on a plate. Auto-generated description: A table with a variety of dishes including sliced steak with greens, bread cubes, vinegared chicharrones, a dish wrapped in a leaf with a fresh topping, and glasses of red wine. Auto-generated description: Pink flowers and a cactus are in the foreground with trees and a building in the background. Auto-generated description: A delicious pizza topped with cheese, sliced mushrooms, olives, and herbs is served on a wooden board, accompanied by a glass of red wine. Auto-generated description: A rooftop terrace features vibrant pink flowers, a white umbrella, green plants, and overlooks a cityscape with a large residential building. Auto-generated description: A person holds a can with a graphic design of a fish, standing on a balcony with plants and two people in the background. Auto-generated description: A street food stall offers pita falafels and kefta with various toppings under green and white striped tents. Auto-generated description: Two people are serving plates of food at an outdoor stall with a green and white striped tablecloth. Auto-generated description: A bustling street scene shows people gathered at long wooden tables enjoying food and drinks in an urban setting. Auto-generated description: A toddler in a yellow dress is holding an adult's hand while walking through a supermarket with black and white tiled flooring. Auto-generated description: A retail store display features a variety of products such as bottles and jars arranged on a large, wheeled counter in a well-lit shopping area. Auto-generated description: Bottles of wine and small jars are displayed on a wooden counter in a store with shelves stocked with various products in the background. Auto-generated description: People walk and cycle along a street lined with historical buildings and a French flag visible in the background under a cloudy sky. Auto-generated description: A large balloon and a Ferris wheel are situated in a park with colorful flowers, against a backdrop of architectural buildings. Auto-generated description: A large balloon hovers above a garden with colorful flowers, surrounded by people and historical architecture in the background.Auto-generated description: A child in a pink raincoat and yellow boots walks along a paved path near a building with a garden to the side. Auto-generated description: Sunlight illuminates a bookshelf with books, a blue soccer ball, and bags on a wooden floor.

Weekend Shenanigans

6/29/25

6/23/25 →

A nice evening to catchup on Monocle’s latest issue, with a big section dedicated to the best cities for Quality of Life.

Especially delighted to see a quote from Jordane Giuly — with whom I worked during my Spendesk days— about how Paris has improved as a place for business, and especially for technology companies of all sizes. Even less surprising was seeing Lindsey’s name in a quote about how the city has changed over the years.

It’s something that I’ve noticed over the past decade, and part of the reason why I’ve been back living around Paris for the past 6 years. Great quality of life, great work life balance, and — unlike 10-15 years ago— much more welcoming to foreigners and non-francophone visitors than it’s ever been.

Respect the city and its inhabitants and it’ll pay dividends the next time you visit for pleasure or for business :)

A person holds a Monocle magazine while sitting on a patio with outdoor furniture and potted plants.A person is reading a magazine on a patio with outdoor furniture and plants in the background.A page from Monocle magazine discusses urban development and environmental initiatives in Paris.A magazine page details Paris's development and cultural prominence, featuring a small image of a cityscape with greenery.A black Monocle tote bag on a bed is accompanied by a Monocle magazine and a small round tag.

6/22/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 22: hometown #mbjune

My hometown growing up, and the one I live in now.

Auto-generated description: A narrow, cobblestone alleyway is flanked by rustic buildings with warm-hued walls, leading into the distance under a clear blue sky.A sunny plaza features a historic church, surrounding buildings, and people strolling around.

6/21/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 21: silhouette #mbjune Auto-generated description: A silhouetted statue of an angel holding a wreath is set against a dramatic, cloudy sunset sky.

One of my first ever pics taken and edited through VSCO. This takes me back to when I was living in Brighton, about 15 years ago (!) — which is where this pic is from.

6/11/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 11: brick #mbjune

Little brick lanes in Lille

A narrow, cobblestone street lined with historic brick buildings is illuminated by sunlight, creating distinct shadows.