People say Hawaii is paradise.  I’m here to second that emotion.

I was fortunate enough to visit Maui over the holidays and if waking up to majestic views and the lapping sounds of the ocean wasn’t enough, The Road To Hana sealed the deal and marked a place for Maui in my heart forever.

The Road To Hanna is a winding drive up a barely two lane roadway through the rainforest.  It is said to take two and a half hours but with all of the stops we took, it was more like 6.  We started in the quaint and beautiful town of Pai’a where we had an early lunch (and I bought the cutest bikini at best little bikini shop EVER – leave it to people who deem swimwear as appropriate clothing to know where it’s at, I LOVE MAUI)

I obviously can’t be in a new place more than 24hours without sampling some of their pizza…

The drive on the road to Hana was one of those experiences that is so true to life; it’s more about the getting there than the actual destination.  Hana isn’t much but a tiny collection of houses, some food stands and an Inn, that if you weren’t paying great attention to, you would probably drive right past.  The magic on this trip are all of the of stops you can make.  Just pull your car to the side of the road and hike; sometimes short distances, others long, to see some incredible waterfalls and breathtaking beaches.

There are so many things to see and do in Maui, but this drive will stick with me forever.  Winding and curvy, with serious peaks and beautiful valleys, The Road to Hana is just as much a lesson in life as it is a way to see nature at it’s purest.

xo,

coco

p.s. if you’re ever taking the trip, I highly recommend not wearing flip flops.  Almost broke my ankle 100 times….  AND if you rent a car, stop at one of the local shops in Pai’a to get a CD that will give you a great historical background and directions.

I am currently in Maui trying to find ways to never come home.  This place has always been on my list of dream destinations and let me tell you, it’s beyond!

Here are some pics, full review to follow if when I come home.

xoxoxoxo,

coco

Yesterday’s half dreary day had me California dreamin’ and while working on our Why We Love L.A. 1-10 post I found all of these photo of an afternoon I spent in Santa Monica that I thought needed their own post.

so many characters, so much to see, so much to do!  love this place.

xo,

coco

There’s so much to write about my « boyfriend Paris », I’m like that girl in a relationship that can’t stop gushing about how much she loves everything about her man. But in the interest of not sounding obsessed with Paris; I’ll focus this week on, culture, food and love.   Hope these tips are useful to you if you ever get the opportunity to visit or re-visit with my “man”! Bisous, Winy

Culture

One of the many things that I really love about Paris is that it is a city of culture.  In fact, the French government has invested millions and millions of dollars to preserve its heritage buildings, museums, culture, music festivals and more; I’ve never seen a city with so many museums. Whatever your interests are, you’ll find a museum for it!  Also, year-round, there’s always some kind of festival going on and usually admission is free, how amazing is that?

If you’re going to Paris for the very first time, I encourage you to do all the touristy things that are a must see such as visiting the Eiffel Tower,  Arc de Triomphe, Le Louvre Museum, The Notre-Dame Cathedral and going to Versaille.   Here’s a short list of my must go and see when in the P:

Museums

Centre Georges Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou, Paris 75004 métros Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Chatêlet www.centrepompidou.fr

Referred to by insiders as « Le Beaubourg », is a must see in my books for a modern art lover.  It’s not only unique on the outside but amazing inside as well.  Inside Centre Pompidou, you’ll find the Musée d’art moderne (modern arts museum), bookshops and Georges restaurant. What’s also great about Pompidou is that it is also the home of many special events throughout the year such as a travelling art shows, movies or concerts.

L’Institut du monde arabe, 1 rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, www.imarabe.org

Just down the street from where I stay in Paris, l’Institut du monde arabe is a cultural and learning centre dedicated to the Arab world.  The building houses a museum, exhibition areas, a library, offices, a gift shop and a restaurant. You can literally spend the whole day there, I learned lots and I’ve been back a few times. It’s pretty amazing.

Parks

Paris has the most beautiful parks that I’ve ever seen. Not only are the parks beautiful, they are maintained immaculately.  It’s so much fun to walk around these parks.  Here are some of my favorites:

Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris 75005, métro RER B Luxembourg

Just a few words to describe it; incredibly beautiful, breathtaking, a must see.

Jardin des plantes, Paris 75005, métro Gare Austerlitz

If you love flowers Jardin des plantes is a must see during your visit to Paris. Since it’s down the street from where I stay in Paris, I’ve eaten my lunch there many times while overlooking the colourful flowers.  From spring to late summer this place is blooming with all sorts of colorful flowers.  The fun thing about Jardin des plantes is that there’s a small zoo located inside of it.

Festivals

Tons and tons of music festivals, special events going on throughout the year, visit the official website for Paris to keep you in the loop of what’s going on at: www.paris.fr

Fun things to do in Paris

Cooking classes

Les coulisses du chef www.coursdecuisineparis.com

Le notre www.lenotre.fr

I can’t cook to save my life but I’ve taken cooking classes while in Paris. I figured, why not do something fun and different while you’re in one of the best food cities in the world?   I took some classes at Les Coulisses du Chef where I learned how to make typical French meal and at Le Notre to learn how to make pastries, they were both wonderful places.

Going to the market

There are open markets everywhere in the city with fresh produce to buy and taste. Nothing beats buying fresh food and it’s part of the Parisian experience so, pick up at basket and go!

Food

If you love good food, good pastries, good wine and cheese as much as I do, you’ll love Paris. Be prepared to put your diet on hold while visiting Paris and bring stretching pants. I know for a fact that my trainer is reading this right now so in the interest of not getting in trouble with her, I’ll pretend that I’m always very reasonable with my food intake in Paris…

What’s also fun about eating in Paris is that there’s something at every price point. Whether it be a simple nutella crepe from the street vendor or a five star dinner at one of Paris’s posh restaurants, there’s something for everyone.  Remember that service is included in the price of your meal; however, if your service was amazing, and you want to leave a little something extra, it’s greatly appreciated by the hardworking wait staff.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Everyday spots:

Pastries

There’s a bakery at every corner and eating a croissant or a piece of baguette is part of everyday life in Paris.

French bistros around the city

You can literally get a descent meal at any French bistro around the city. Look at the menu posted outside to check out the day’s specials and make your choice.

Kitchen,  74 rue des Gravelliers, Paris 75003, métro Arts et métiers

Althought I’m not a vegetarian, I love eating that way. When in Paris, I go to Kitchen, this little spot in the 3^rd arrondissement at least once a week.  Kitchen is owned by a New Yorker, Bob, who’s been living in Paris for the last ten years.  At Kitchen, you can get a freshly squeezed juice, stew, futomaki, rice bowl…and the list goes on. I also really like the fact that the tables are communal so you get to meet (if you wish) other people at your table.  I also love that they serve banana pancakes on the weekends, so good!

Altaglio, 27 rue Saintonge, Paris 75003, Le Marais

This is some of the best pizza I’ve ever had. And what’s cool about this Le Marais piazza joint is that the pizza is sold by the slice. You’ll find authentic Roman style pizzas – everything from potato & truffle to buffalo mozzarella & basil, super yummy.

Mary’s  Gelateria Naturale, 1 rue Charles François Dupuis Paris 75003, métros République or Temple

Best gelato of my life.

Special dinner night spots

La Cigale Récamier, 4, Rue Récamier, Paris 75007, métro Saint Thomas d’Aquin

My girlfriend Nora recommended this spot and girlfriend loves her food as much as I do so you know this is a good spot. Reservations are recommended for this French style cuisine restaurant.

L’atelier de Joel Robuchon, 5 rue Montalembert, Paris 75007 www.joel-robuchon.net ,

Extremely tasty, you won’t regret it! Reservations for lunch only.

Georges restaurant, Centre Georges Pompidou, Place Georges Pompidou, Paris 75004 métros Rambuteau, Hôtel de Ville, Chatêlet www.centrepompidou.fr

Excellent French cuisine, impeccable service, I highly recommend for a special night.  Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.

Love

If you’re a single girl going to Paris, I can guarantee you’ll have a good time. I tell my girlfriends all the time, every girl should experience at least once in her life being the object of a French man’s desire, it’s so much fun because it’s so different from the way North American men approach women.  Over there, a man will freely and easily approach a woman to tell her he likes her or as the French say “je te kiffe”.  So if a “beau gosse” aka a hot guy invites you out for a drink or dinner, why not go for it?

P.S I realize I didn’t cover nightlife in Paris which is pretty lively, if you want a Part 3 let me know!

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

I am now hungry, inspired and ready to pack a knapsack!

These videos were put together by three guys over 44 days in 11 countries.

Awesomenessssss!!

Learn more HERE

Thanks Winy for sending me these.

xo,
coco