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My Current Favorites – [August 2025] – Illumination, Charisma, DIY, A Dream within a dream
I spent a whole month in the Paris region cat-sitting for friends while they were on vacation, so I had quite a variety of activities. Illumination I don’t know if I’ve ever told you about my obsession with illumination, but it’s been going on for several years now. I’d wanted to train in illumination for years, but it wasn’t until this year that I was in Paris at the right time and could sign up for Florence Aseult’s illumination workshop. Several participants said that illumination had become an obsession, and it was only by practicing it that I understood why. It’s the first time I’ve seen a repetitive task that…
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A Summer in Paris [August 2025]
Another summer where I’m cat-sitting. This time, it’s for friends. Three cats in total. It’s surely my (late) Rosalie who sent them my way. I was looking at Rosalie’s photo, thinking how much I missed her; that being sedentary was useless if you don’t have a cat, etc., when we were asked to take care of the cats during the August holidays. In Paris / Île-de-France. Since JB can work remotely unlimited and I have no geographical constraints, we happily accept. Lille is only a 1h30 train ride from Paris, but it’s quite a hassle to do a round trip in one day when we have quite a few museums…
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[review] Gastronomic restaurant Les Chemins in Guainville (chef Géraud Dupuis)
To celebrate our birthdays, JB booked a gastronomic restaurant an hour from Paris. Note: this article is NOT sponsored, we booked ourselves and paid out of our own pockets. The restaurant is called Les Chemins and is located in the Domaine de Primard, a hotel that is part of Relais & Châteaux. Here’s the hotel. There’s a large outdoor pool, but since we weren’t hotel guests, we didn’t dare go check it out. And here’s the restaurant. JB tells me there’s a “regular” section and a gastronomic section. There’s a single menu. The only choice is between a 5-course or 7-course menu. 7 courses = an extra starter and cheese.…
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[Reflection] #23: Karma & Destiny
Today I read an article about karma and I’m not sure if I’ve told you about it. It’s very difficult to help people, because most of the time they don’t need help but just validation. Many people contact us for advice on how to become digital nomads and when we ask a simple practical question, we annoy them because we don’t cover them with “you’ll make it” like dream sellers. I’ve already helped someone much more than necessary and I got sick for several weeks. Because I shortened their karmic trials and had to pay their karma in their place. Only help those who truly ask for your help and…
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[review] Exhibition: Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry at the Château de Chantilly
Apparently, it would be easier to meet the Pope or the President of the United States in person than to see the manuscript Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, carefully kept at the Musée Condé in Chantilly. Even researchers struggle to access this treasure. But we are very lucky because right now an exceptional exhibition is being held dedicated to Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry. This presentation, running until October 5, 2025, is a major event in the world of medieval art. A truly exceptional manuscript finally unveiled Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry represents one of the absolute masterpieces of medieval illumination.…
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The Best Facials & Spas in Paris [2025]
When I had a permanent job in Paris, I was so stressed and tired on weekends that I had to get a massage/pampering every week to relax a bit. And despite myself, I got to try quite a few spas and beauty institutes, plus the gifts people gave me, knowing my habit. I’m going to give you my non-exhaustive list of spas I really loved. Véronique Meissonnier I opted for the bespoke facial at Véronique Meissonier. A massage therapist and physiotherapist by training, she’s part of the French Facialists Club. She was trained by the master of Kobido (an ancient Japanese massage technique). Her one-hour bespoke facial is divine! She…
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Samsonite suitcase: disastrous after-sales service
In October 2019, I purchased a Samsonite suitcase. Since I was traveling a lot at the time, I was looking for a sturdy, reliable suitcase with a long warranty in case of problems. I really liked this suitcase, especially the quality of its wheels, which were much better than those of my previous travel companions. Gradually, I noticed the zipper starting to wear out until early 2025, when it became really problematic. I don’t know much about it, but in my mind, it must be a very common problem that should be fixable. I contacted Samsonite’s customer service hoping the repair would be covered by the warranty (in principle, 10…
