Travel

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.

4/6/25 →

Earlier this week: in Nuremberg for work

An airplane wing is visible from a window seat, overlooking a sprawling landscape of urban and rural areas under a partly cloudy sky. A group of people are dining together at a table filled with various dishes, drinks, and a lit candle. A nighttime cityscape features a grand hotel and streetlights, with illuminated buildings and structures in the background. A person walks through a spacious brewery with high ceilings, copper brewing equipment, and wooden furniture. A panoramic view of a historic city features red-roofed buildings, a distant horizon, and a clear blue sky.

3/30/25 →

Never missing an opportunity to share fellow bon vivant Action Bronson’s adventures in Paris:

no one makes me want to roam the city [Paris] quite like American rapper and food enthusiast Action Bronson.

[≠]

3/7/25 →

Tibz, what is it like living in Europe?
Like this…

Passengers wait inside a busy train station in Paris, with luggage, while authorities deal with an unexploded World War II bomb.

1/16/25 →

This man is my hero:

“The food here is different,” he said in a heavy French accent. “Bigger portions. Too much salt. Too much sugar.” He decided to enroll in a paid study at his wife’s new workplace. It was exploring why the American diet, compared with almost any other, causes people to gain weight and develop chronic diseases”

1/15/25 →

Silver Linings:

Got sick (flu season) the day before a business trip to HQ. Had to cancel the trip this morning with my French and German colleagues.
My French colleagues obviously still went. Flight got cancelled and they now have to wait from 10am to 8pm to be rebooked on a later flight.

So while I’m recoveringing at home, this is …for the better in my part

1/6/25 →

A quick visual recap of this past holiday season :) (full post on the blog)

A child is playing with a stuffed animal dressed in a colorful outfit on a patterned carpet. A person wearing a hat stands in front of a café counter with a menu board and coffee equipment. A busy street with several cars parked along a row of historic brick buildings adorned with festive decorations. A winding road curves through a leafless forest under a partly cloudy sky. A colorful sunset casts a warm orange and purple glow as silhouettes of bare trees and telephone wires create a striking contrast against the sky. A decorated Christmas tree stands beside a fireplace with stockings and a child admiring the tree. A person is standing in front of a Dunkin' store near a parking area. A table is set with a variety of breakfast foods, including French toast, berries, bacon, cinnamon sticks, and pastries. A stroller is parked on a sidewalk in front of a yard with inflatable Christmas decorations, including a tree, gingerbread figures, and a snowman. A suburban street features leafless trees lining the sidewalk, with houses and a fire hydrant visible under a partly cloudy sky. A wide, futuristic-looking metro station features an arched ceiling with geometric patterns, escalators, and tracks flanked by platforms with a few people walking. A trendy bar features a long counter with yellow tufted seating, stylish hanging lights, and a variety of drinks displayed on shelves behind it. A plate with fried chicken on biscuits, hash browns, and a small bowl of gravy is on a counter next to hot sauce bottles and utensils. A historic multi-story building stands at a street corner with a street sign and lampposts under a cloudy sky. A person wearing glasses and a Batman hoodie takes a selfie in a blue-lit environment with an escalator in the background. Several vintage airplanes are displayed inside a museum with signage indicating different airlines. A stylish living room features a green curved sofa, yellow armchairs, a geometric black-and-white rug, and a glass coffee table, with artwork and an elegant dining area visible in the background. A cozy living room scene shows two children playing with toys on a colorful rug alongside a fluffy dog, with board games and books visible on a nearby shelf. A restaurant entrance featuring the signage for The Cheesecake Factory. A serene river flows through a peaceful landscape with leafless trees under a clear blue sky. A person holds a clear plastic cup of beer in focus, with plates of food like mac and cheese and possibly coleslaw blurred in the background.

1/3/25 →

Home sweet home

A flight path is shown on a map from Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Paris (CDG), accompanied by a boarding pass with travel details. A view of a modern airport terminal with multiple sections, as seen from a nearby road. A road runs parallel to a row of power lines and tall electricity pylons surrounded by frosty vegetation under a misty sky. A cozy room corner features a round mirror, a small table with various items, dried plants, and two framed art pieces, all lit by warm sunlight casting shadows on the wall.

The Foursquare City Guide App is closing on Dec 15th

10/23/24

Getting ready to say goodbye to Foursquare, an app I’ve used almost daily since its earlier form back in 2009 between my time studying and working and living in the UK, then in San Francisco, Paris, and my native French Riviera. Back then I used to check-in to places I visited from the mobile browser of my Nokia blackberry knockoff (E63) (2009-2011), then an Android phone (2011-2013), and finally from the dedicated iPhone apps (2013+). During that time the Foursquare app (and later Swarm) has almost always been on my phone’s Home Screen.

I’m feeling genuinely sad about this, truly the end of an era for a formative time in my life, the late 2000’s-early 2010s “SoLoMo” (Social Local Mobile) apps.

4SQ has been invaluable, not just for memorizing/logging/remembering places I’ve been to, but also to discover new places.

I traveled the world by myself for most of 2017, but Foursquare was my guide to discover new favorites while visiting cities all around Asia or America for the very first time. The amount of time I’ve spent on this app is immeasurable and I have a hard time wondering how I’ll get by the next time I explore a new city in the world.

As I start looking at substitutes, it seems that Superlocal could be an option. Otherwise North.Industries which I need to look into. But I need to do a lot more research!

9/26/24 →

Hallo Nurnberg