Travel

🏡 🇫🇷 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…

Pics 1-6: Beating the heatwave during a team dinner at Uma Nota, a delicious Brazilian/Japanese fusion place. Passionfruit Ceviche was mindblowing
Pics 7-10: home life
Pics 11-13: Streem food market for Le Food Market’s 10-year anniversary
Pics 14-17: running errands around Rive Gauche
Pics: 18-19: the Olympic Vask is back this summer. Felt emotional, proud, and nostalgic walking past it!
Pic 20: singin’ in the rain
Pic 21: home

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: 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: 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: 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: Sunlight illuminates a bookshelf with books, a blue soccer ball, and bags on a wooden floor.

Weekend Shenanigans

6/29/25

Friend’s Birthday Party
Cityscape
Discovering a new spot for lunch
A walk around the Jardins du Luxembourg
Some more city adventures

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.

6/10/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 10: rail #mbjune

Highlighting the Chương Dương Bridge in Hanoi from a trip in 2016!

Two people sit on the railway tracks of an old, rusted bridge while motorcycles pass by and colorful buildings are visible in the background.

6/9/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 9: wood #mbjune

A lush garden landscape with vibrant trees and a small water feature is seen through a canopy of leaves.

6/8/25 →

📷 Micro.blog photo challenge
Day 8: travel #mbjune

A colorful sign reading "Visit Baltimore" is set in a grassy area with surrounding buildings and trees.

5/19/25 →

The end to a lovely weekend

A bottle of Uivo Renegado wine is on a table next to two filled wine glasses and some coasters in a cozy room. A red building with a sign announcing a performance by Soccer Mommy and Bored at My Grandma's House at Le Trabendo. A person is walking on a tree-lined path with a stroller under a canopy of lush green trees. A cozy cafe features wooden tables and chairs, wall art, and a few patrons enjoying their time. A musician (Soccer Mommy) is performing on stage with purple lights illuminating the scene in front of an audience. A tray displays a round loaf of brioche, a pistachio or nut-topped cake, and a stack of glazed pastries. A street scene shows a bike rack with parked bicycles and a sign in French advertising café, magazines, and more. A wall-mounted wooden bookshelf displays a variety of magazines and newspapers in a neatly arranged manner. A cozy bookshop entrance with a glass door, leading into a warmly lit interior lined with shelves full of books. Customers are standing at the counter of a cozy cafe with a variety of drinks and pastries on display, surrounded by framed art on the walls. People are sitting at an outdoor café on a sunny street with a classic European-style building in the background. A taqueria with outdoor red tables and chairs is situated on a city street, featuring a menu above the entrance. A picturesque building with a brick facade stands beside a canal, surrounded by a few trees and people walking nearby. People are relaxing by a canal on a sunny day, with buildings and a blue sky in the background.

5/14/25 →

“Kyle Goon: The Baltimore ‘O!’ is about community pride. Don’t lecture us about it.”

We’re here, we’re proud of the place we live, and we want it to thrive. (…) The “O!” is a Baltimore thing. It’s a Maryland thing. It’s about a shared identity and community that we’re all rooting for, which is patriotic in and of itself.

[≠

5/11/25 →

Very happy to be home 🏡 🛬

A New Yorker magazine cover features an abstract design with a silhouette of a person holding a baseball bat against a patterned background. A stylized illustration on a magazine cover features an art deco design with geometric shapes, displaying the title "The New Yorker" and the date May 15, 2023.

5/9/25 →

Food, it’s good!

A person wearing sunglasses is sitting outdoors, drinking from a large container with a straw.

5/9/25 →

Half day in Baltimore’s inner harbor and discovering Pratt Street Farmer’s Market for lunch (aka Charm City)

A street scene features a curved road leading to a pedestrian crossing, surrounded by brick buildings and trees under a partly cloudy sky. A waterfront scene features modern buildings, calm water, and the Maryland state flag flying prominently. Skyscrapers and a building with the sign "IT'SUGAR" are set against a blue sky with clouds. A colorful "Visit Baltimore" sign stands in a grassy area surrounded by trees and urban buildings. A waterfront scene features calm water, city buildings in the distance, and a clear sky with scattered clouds. A waterfront scene featuring boats docked near a brick pathway, modern buildings, and a blue sky with scattered clouds. A historic brick building with large smokestacks is reflected in a body of water, set against a partly cloudy blue sky. A street scene features a brick-paved pathway lined with modern buildings and outdoor seating, under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. People are gathered around food trucks and a menu board in a brick-paved urban area under a partly cloudy sky. A lively outdoor market features people walking among vendor booths and tents on a sunny day. A traffic utility box covered in graffiti art featuring a detailed portrait is situated on a street corner next to a blue vehicle. Two people walk towards a waterfront with a large sailing ship docked nearby on a sunny day. A museum exhibit features various dinosaur skeletons and fossils displayed in a spacious hall with large windows. A street scene features a row of brick houses with trees and a parked car in the foreground.

5/9/25 →

Day out to Washington DC: always like the architecture and being able to walk all around!

Local DC Bros are the worst, local city folks are the best!

A café counter displays a menu board with various food and drink options, alongside pastries, snacks, and a selection of cookies in the foreground. A train interior features a staircase with a sign reading "NO SITTING or STANDING on STAIRS," leading to seats filled with passengers. The United States Capitol building is seen under a dramatic cloudy sky, surrounded by greenery and pathways. Several people walk towards a large historic building with three American flags and a prominent statue in front, under a partly cloudy sky. A spacious hall features an ornate, domed ceiling with people walking or gathered near a modern, green glass installation on the marble floor. A modern architectural complex features circular-topped buildings with a mix of curved and straight lines, set against a cloudy sky and framed by wide stone steps. A person stands at a crosswalk facing the U.S. Capitol building under a cloudy sky. A historic building with tall columns stands on a sunny street lined with parked cars and other urban structures under a clear blue sky. A street scene features the corner of a building with "Hotel Harrington" signage and a few pedestrians near a crosswalk. A bustling street scene features a colorful Chinatown gate with construction workers, orange cones, and modern buildings in the background. Several flags are displayed on tall poles along a pathway, with a building in the background under a cloudy sky. A stone building facade features a central doorway with the word "COMMISSION" above it, flanked by decorative lamps and steps leading up, with an architectural relief above. A bustling urban street features historic red-brick buildings, a pointed tower, pedestrians, and traffic under a partly cloudy sky. A colorful, urban building with sports-related murals stands on a city street corner under a clear sky.

5/7/25 →

3pm on a strip mall in the American suburbs is a helluva time 😳

5/5/25 →

Wonderful little day out to Annapolis, state capital of #Maryland, today :)

A cozy bar features patrons seated on stools and is adorned with various university flags and sailing decor. A cloudy marina setting features boats docked near a waterfront, with nearby houses and parking visible. A historic brick building with a tall, white-domed steeple is surrounded by greenery and overcast skies. A cobblestone street is lined with colorful buildings, parked cars, and overhead power lines under a cloudy sky.

5/4/25 →

First few days of our holiday with the family in Maryland ☀️ 😊 🍔 🍗 🍺 🇺🇸

A breakfast table displays a plate with scrambled eggs, mini pancakes, and avocado, accompanied by a bottle of hot sauce, with a cozy living room in the background. A quaint storefront features a striped awning, a variety of decorative items, colorful plants, and a sign indicating an order area. A brick walkway leads through a park with a map kiosk, benches, and lush green trees surrounding the area. A mural on a brick wall depicts vintage cars and people in early 20th-century attire next to parked bicycles. A street scene features a row of quaint buildings with shops on a slightly overcast day, while cars are parked and driving down the road. A store display showcases a variety of Baltimore Orioles merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. A vintage red popcorn truck features vibrant Peanuts cartoon characters and celebrates 75 years. A person stands in front of a Barnes & Noble bookstore entrance next to parked cars. A display table features a variety of sports-related books, including titles about managers, baseball, and football. A can of Sapwood Cellars beer is placed next to a glass filled with a light-colored beverage on a marble counter. A person is holding a Tree House Brewing Company glass in front of someone grilling food outdoors. A small dog with a fluffy coat is lying on a wooden deck next to a potted plant, enjoying the sunlight. A hand is holding a Dunkin' milkshake with a pink straw in a cozy living room setting.

4/22/25 →

Lille, you were magnificent this weekend: your architecture, hospitality, and food culture, we loved it all!

This was our first time, but we will definitely be back!

A bustling square features historic buildings, including one with a prominent clock tower under a clear blue sky. A canal with adjacent trees and a small structure is captured under a partly cloudy sky. A table set with two different meals, each accompanied by fries, and a dining setup including utensils, plates, and a bottle of water. Two plates of burgers with curly fries and a dessert plate with a rolled pastry and sauce garnishes are on a pink table. A group of people are gathered near a row of bicycles in a cobblestone square lined with historic European-style buildings. A group of people walks in front of an ornate, historic building in an urban setting. A hand holds a pint of beer in a bar with pink lighting and "BierBuik" in neon signage in the background.