Of course I have tried a lot of delicious food here in France, but the thing that makes my senses light up is the Croque Monsieur. Yes it is just the good ol' toasted sandwich a.k.a. toastie, yet it is so simple to make. I swear even the President of France probably requests it for a snack (with the top price ingredient of course!)
Seems as the French are cool to name it Croque Monsieur...instead of the typical 'grilled toast.' Makes the sound of it more chic when ordering it at your local café or bristo. "I'll have a croque monsieur please."
All it is is just bread, butter, cheese and ham. Grill it in the oven or a toaster and voilà a simple snack with or without a nice salad.
There are variations of this grilled toast such as the Croque Madame which is similar but with an egg on top.
Normally used with emmental or Gruyère cheese, but whatever cheese you want it doesn't matter.
It's so delicious I can eat 4 of them! MMMM.
Here is a simple receipe - nevertheless you can pout whatever you want in your 'croque monsieur'
You need:
4 slices of bread
2 slices of ham
grated cheese or 4 slices of cheese (Gruyère or chosen cheese)
butter
Griller toaster or you can use your oven, set to grill on 250 degreesC
What to do:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 250 or your grilled toaster
2. Butter the 4 slices of bread
3. On the non-buttered side, put your slices of ham on one side of each bread
4. Put your grated/sliced cheese on top of the ham
5. Place the non-buttered side of the other piece of bread on top of the cheese and place in the oven/ grilled toaster.
Make up. You would expect every female species to be an expert at it right? Wrong. I am one of the few that is make-up challenged. Of course I do dab in a bit of make up every now and then for special occasion, for example costume parties, weddings, concerts, parties etc..., but for everyday wear I am so lazy...or just rephrase "I like the au naturale look."
I have a lot of respect for women who apply make up every day and depending on your job a huge respect. Being a nurse I have no time applying make up for my shift. All it is is face moisturizer and lip balm..well okay if I really really feel like then probably a hint of mascara or eye liner. But as mentioned for me I prefer when its just for special occasion. Of course like every girls make up is an essential part of femininity and to accentuate areas of your face especially the eyes and how it compliments your daily wear etc... . Being a young girl, it was fun to go through your Mum's make up kits and try on the brightest lip stick and black eye liner trying it on yourself...til your Mum takes a photo of your beautiful facial artwork which she say 'You look so pretty'...only to realize you look like a Picasso artwork.
Picture and quote found with thanks to http://scabenga.co.uk/my-posts/damn-you-jordan/
Girls who say, “a lot of guys are after me”, should keep in mind that low prices always attract many customers.
I am in a place where taking care of how you dress and look is a must. I think it really is beginning to have an impact on me. I am not going to raid Sephora and get all the must haves and you need, just need something simple to hide all that dark circle, blemishes and discolouration. Last week I went with a friend to buy a fond de teint (foundation) as I did not know what colour that blended with my skin, needed help with the Clinique assistant. Yes foundations do work wonders.
The only exception for bad make up is for costume parties, the 80's and photo shoots for a theme etc..it can be caked on as much, but the annoying part is removing it..unless it is permanent makeup and you can sleep on it. If only there was an invention of peel-off make up then no need for a make up remover then.
Let me know if you've created peel-off make up. I'll order right away.
As I am sitting here on the bed, I am reminiscing the concert which was on last night. I haven't blogged for a while and I am definitely itching to type one. I've got plenty that I want to type about but it seems as if I have writer's block or that P word - procrastinating.
Ahh Oasis, how I have such a soft spot for you. The first time I heard Wonderwall, it gave me goosebumps and from then on I have been a [massive]* fan since 1995. Like every other fan of a music group you will have all the albums, collecting news paper clippings, photos (and before Internet) I use to buy a lot of 'TV Hits,' 'Q-Music magazine,' NME' and so forth just for any articles on Oasis and the famous 'Gallagher' brothers. Yes I admit I had posters, even a t-shirt with 'Oasis' on the front, but no..not a tattoo of the brothers (I was young at that time so obviously under age!..and a good idea NOT to get one of your favourite band!)..and yes I had a crush on Liam.
It has been 10+ years after and I still love them. Despite them breaking up and are respectively making their own music - Liam with Beady Eyes and Noel and his High Flying Birds. I have to admit that 'team Liam' it really hasn't had much of an 'oomph' for me, but team Noel, that guy is bloody brilliant! Musical and lyrical genius. I am sure he is up there with the rest of the great musicians out there, dead and alive.
Last night (Tuesday 9th October) Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds performed at Lille's Aéronef. A mixture of French, English (and as quoted by Noel :"England's very far!") and an Australian (!)
Jake Bugg, an English musician was supporting Noel commenced the show with his folk-ish/country rock songs. In between his 'thank yous,' the audience were shouting "NOEL!!!!!" I was sure they just wanted Noel to come on rather than him (guys...let the dude perform.) Jake performed a few of his new songs, which I felt he was channelling Richard Ashcroft from the Verve and Oasis of course. He was good as well, but of course like everyone else couldn't wait to see the man himself - Noel...or what the French pronounced 'Noël.'
As Jake finished his song the audience cheered, the lights dimmed, while the crew/roadies dismantled, shifted, moved, sound checked microphones, guitars before Noel and his High Flying Birds arrived. The lights turned dark blue and everyone started cheering and whistling.
The first song, everyone started dancing, bobbing their heads and waving their hands in the air (like they just don't care) and singing..yes regardless of the language, people did singalong - especially the die-hard fans of Oasis/Noel...not that I am referring to anybody.
Noel sang a mixture from his solo album "Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds" and classic Oasis..and to jog your memory - Talk Tonight, Little by Little, Whatever, Don't Look Back in Anger...Ahh memories back in the days. A brief period where Noel was changing his guitar and a few people from the audience was firing random questions.
How are you feeling? What'd you mean I'm feeling? Psychologically feeling, mentally feeling...I'm feeling good. Have you finished? (the person I couldn't hear what he/she was saying but said they were finished questioning him)..cause I've got a gig to do! Yup that person just got owned by Noel!
Noel finished with that awe-inspiring song "Don't Look Back in Anger." We were all hoping he would do an encore, nevertheless the crew started dismanteling the instruments. It was one of my friend's idea to stay a little longer, in hoping to catch a glimpse of Noel. Outside Aréonef we saw two black bus coaches, assuming that it was the bus driving the crew around France. We went there but of course noone was there yet, so we crossed the road and saw the crew, who were waiting for the truck to pick up the packed instruments. I asked one if they knew where Noel was...he didn't have a clue. So we waited around. We looked at every direction to see where he would leave.
One hour later I spotted one of the musicians walking on the overpass. I pointed out to my friends that there was one of the band members and I was assuming he would follow..indeed. We quietly crossed the road and as they were walking down the stairs, one of the members saw some 'people' with camera (us) - "no camera." Noel signed someone's ticket..looked at us..hesitated then said "alright, if it's necessary" and cheese! The four of us.
Lucky buggers we were, considering that they turned down the rest of the people.
I felt like a little kid with a new toy. I am over the moon as I got to met my idol for a brief moment.
I can die happy now.
*1995 - 2001 a massive fan. Of course I still am a fan, but not crazy to have my room covered (it was close though!).
Versailles, about a 30minute train ride from Paris, while on the way there a small group was singing and playing music (with the very cliché of the accordion) and going around the people for ‘donations.’ Thirty minutes went by and we were at our destination. Had lunch of duck foie gras in baguette (c’est bon!). A 10 minute walk from the ticket/info centre we arrived at Versailles. Rémy got to go in for free while poor me I had to pay LOL. Can’t tourist get in free, considering we paid so much for an airfare to France? Kidding.
Twenty or so minute waiting in the line, we finally got in Versailles. Magnificent outside as well as inside. I don’t know how many rooms there are, it was wonderful to get inside the palace and see how the French monarchy use to live. It was so lavish and I am amazed as to how they created this enormous palace without all the materials we have. The amount of marble used for the stairs, walls etc..it is very extravagant! My favourite of course being the Glass/Chandelier room. Despite the repetitiveness of the rooms. I couldn’t wait to head out into the gardens.
Just like the palace, the garden was huge as well. Rémy attempted to give me some history lesson about the ‘sun king’ and other trivial things. The garden was wonderful. I was picturing myself in 17th century clothes and how challenging it would have been for the ladies in 3 foot wigs, corset and ballooning dresses..I am sure heatstrokes where a problem back then, while strolling in the hot sun along the gardens.
We strolled along the man-made lake and decided to go for a bike ride along the gardens. We reached the place where Marie-Antoinette use to stay and then headed at the opposite direction of the big lake before returning the bikes. Afterwards we decided to take a boat ride on the lake. It was such a beautiful way to spend the afternoon... on a boat at the Versailles. Took turns rowing the boat (more or less Rémy). Row Row, row ya boat....
Ended the day with partying it up with Rémy’s friend, in which we ended up at a night club, that looked like a warehouse till 6am, the following morning. Whoa. What a night!
With only two hour sleep and one with a hangover, we checked out of our hotel and headed to the Eiffel Tower were we met up with Neil & Alicia before departing our own way. It was a beautiful way to end a weekend in Paris. A huge congratulations to their engagement & a final farewell.
Touching down on Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, a sudden rush of excitement and joy came over me. First and foremost I am challenging myself to speak French and experiencing the french culture all over again. Another is that I got to travel when it is NOT WINTER! Experiencing my first (well kinda second time) of a European summer! Even-though most people are on holidays during this time of month, it is wonderful to be here because you can just go galavanting around any place outside and the best part is, is that it doesn’t get dark till 10pm at night! One of the things I seem to miss a lot when I go over to Europe during the winter months!
Ahh Pariiii. The city of lights! People love or dislike this city, however I think every time I land in Paris, I start to love the city more. Prior to coming to Paris, I have been watching a lot of movies that features Paris and whenever I see it, it gives me goosebumps as I count down the days when I finally reach this city! Bam! Here I am.
Catching the train to the city and then reached the hotel, got ready and then headed out to St. Germain area a.k.a the latin quarter and caught up with Neil & Alicia. It was really good to catch up for dinner with them and the great news of their engagement! Congratulations to my wonderful friends! A pity I have missed out on my ‘frog legs!’ I had the chance to try, but when it came to order food we forgot to order it. ‘Quelle dommage!’ Well I have all the time to try it. Nevertheless, from what I have heard, they taste like ‘chicken and fish’ - “fishken or chickish?”
We departed after dinner and went back to our respective hotels - time for a snooze before our next adventure.
Staying away from the usual tourist attractions, we headed down the Palais et Jardin du Luxembourg. We were hoping the weather would be holding up as there was 'possible showers' (as per my weather on iPhone!) but I am glad most of the day was find. Firstly sitting down in the garden watching a few people playing tennis in the sports area of the garden. It was nice just to watch them play and see the passers-by.
Afterwards walked near the palace and saw a big water feature, where children were playing with toy boats and people having lunch around the garden. There was also a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French to the Americans all those years ago.
Passed by more gardens and statues before having Italian for lunch. Afterwards, we took the metro to Invalides, where we went to the Hôtel des Invalides and got to view Napoléon Bonaparte's resting place in the church close by. It was a mother-trucker of a huge coffin (If I can call it a coffin!) and into the museum of World War I & II.
Despite me feeling tired, it was a great day. Had dinner close by our hotel before heading to our room to sleep.
Although the trip from Brisbane to Incheon, South Korea had a few 'turbulences' along the way..I have managed to safely arrive to Incheon Inernational Airport... I have on occasions during my flights from A to B (Europe) felt the plane go from side-to-side, up-and-down, as if it was an 'earthquake in mid-air' and then the cabin crew will announce "please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelts, as we are experiencing unexpected turbulence." My gosh! I have just realise I've taken over their job!..memorising that over and over again has been embedded into my mind.
Never the less don't we all get a tad paniky when that announcement comes up while you are in there....?
"Oh shit(!)..what to do now?" - technically speaking *LOL*
My flight to Incheon wasn't as smooth as it would have been, mother nature has indeed her moments. But at least it got me over from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. Other than that it was pleasant flight. I got to watch 'the Lorax,' 'Intouchable' (again with the English subtitles) and 'W/E' - which was directed by Madonna. Inbetween I dozed off while listening to Mozart and then awaken by the smell of food.
I arrived in Incheon just a little after 6:30pm. Customs took a while as they are scanning every one with their biometric passports. Downstairs through to the 'declare.' Where I had to show my measly peanuts, which I didn't end up eating..he let me through (of course I ticked it in the custom section).
I am here on a layover as my flight to Paris is at 1:00pm the following day.
I guess it is time for me to stop and snooze..definitely a big day ahead!
Last week, Europe was celebrating a musical event, in which Simon Cowell would probably be cringing on the side of his seat. Yup the Eurovision I'm talking about. I feel I am the only Asian to be loving this music contest, but at the same time proud to admit I love this show and I do look forward every May to watch this on SBS.
Eurovision is held every year, in whoever has won the previous contest, will be hosting the event the following year.
Whether you are a die hard fan or not, you have to admit it is very entertaining.
It is the "beauty pageant of music in Europe." The talent of all participating performers, competing to be the best. It is when the participating countries just stop quarelling with each other and have a week of celebrating together with music and having a grand ol' time.
Eurovision is the time when the pyrotechniques go overboard and that "wind machine" is dusted off and revived, giving an "extra 10%," as quoted by Sam Pang - who co-hosted with Julia Zemiro on the SBS Eurovision broadcast for Australia.
Eurovision calls for over-the-top clothes, hair, make-up and back-up dancers who didn't make the cut to Britney Spear's gigs.
Eurovision showcases a variety of songs from folk to channelling David Guetta, singing in their countries' respective language, yet sometimes sing in English. (Note: I am still envious they can speak more than one language.)
I've watched Eurovision for 14 years. No matter how corny and crazy it is, I find it very entertaining, regardless how much a song can put you to sleep or make you want to go crab-walking from side to side. Every Eurovisions is different and each hosting country always do a wonderful job hosting and showing around the beautiful things they have to offer (..that I am listing down where to go next...)
A huge thank you to SBS for broadcasting the show as always. Julie Zemiro and Sam Pang broadcasts live from the event and online. The both of you were hilarious and how much I wish I had your job!
This year the contest was held in Baku, Azerbaijan (in which I never knew it was a country, till I was watching Eurovision 2011 in Düsseldorf, Germany, in which won last year's Eurovision). Yes I had to googleMap it where it was located....Hey! I learnt something new!..See Eurovision is educational in a way.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and the host country are automatically in the grand final, then 36 participating countries battle it out for the top 20 and towards the grand final.
There was a carbon copy of Sacha Baron Cohen for the Turkish entrant - Can Bonomo with his human pirate ship....
....then French entrant Anggun with her acrobatic dancers and a hint of the wind machine.... ....the Russian entrants which I call the "Grandmothers." Thought this song was cheesy, but it goes to show that Russian Grandmothers can dance it up as well!!! They did get a huge ovation...and were 2nd place in the grand final....I think everyone just loved them..I want to give them a hug!
Then there is Jedward, the Irish entrants, whom I swear nicked Lady Gaga's costume and your aunt's water feature....boys..go easy on the red cordial.
Some were amazing and others you just wanted to disinfect your eyes and ears, and at that moment would have to agree that your next door neighbour's cat was better.
Eurovision brings out all the Mariah Carey's, Beyoncé, Def Leppards, Michael Jacksons, Björks, Britneys and Justins of Europe.
The famous Engelbert Humperdinck (try saying that when drunk) represented the UK (not sure if they agreed on that)..unfortunately he only got 7 points and was second to last on the tally board.
He was the first to perform in the Grand Finals..Sorry Engel.. I have to admit you nearly made me fall asleep.
The winner for this year was from Sweden - Loreen's dance song "Euphoria." Which I say reminds me a mixture of Sash, DJ Sammy..ya know the old school dance music in the late 90's/early 2000.
with her barefeet, MC Hammer inspired dance crossed with tai chi..the audience screamed louder whenever they announced she was performing in the Semi-finals as well as the Grand finals. A close tie between her and the Grannies from Russia. Congratulations Loreen. A great song!..I want go to dancing now!Now got to wait for next year in Stockholm to watch it and re-live it all over again. Time to pack up the wind machine...for now.
Who was the idiot who didn't bring a pair of non-heeled shoes? ME! Such a dork. I decided, while packing as to not bring any, thinking that "4 days in Madrid..I think I can handle wearing my heel boots." Considering that I didn't want to add 'another .kg in my hand carry-on bag - due t
o the strict RyanAir hand carry-on bag rules. I was stubborn...until we took off in the plane, I realised "shit we are going to walk a lot especially on uneven surfaces...should have!"
Rémy and I went on a 4 day short trip to Madrid, Spain; however ended up as 5 days (more like a bit) due to a strike on the 30th of January at the Brussel Charleroi South Airport (yes I am naming!) we had to reschedule our flight on Tuesday 31st..nevertheless it did give us another day to explore Madrid.
We departed early from Rémy's place for a 1hour and 30mins drive to Brussel's Airport - Charleroi. Got there at about 7am and had our petit déjeuner before heading to the boarding gates. RyanAir's annoying 'only 10kg, including handbag (if you're a girl) into the hand carry-on bag and then 5 metres ahead had to then re-open up my case for inspection and through the security check..dammit..PLUS I had to take my boots off for inspection as well. Left the airport at about 9:30am and touched down at Madrid Bajas International Airport at about 11:30am. We took the metro and stopped at Gran Via Station, which is close to the main 'calle' Gran Via. Wow busy and big..people everywhere and looked for our hotel - Vincci Capitol on Gran Via..wasn't far from the station - about a 5min walk. Once we found it, didn't realise there was a metro station close by - Callao. Could have stopped there if we knew.
Checked-in our hotel and was surprised that the staff member even offered us if we wanted to up-grade to a room, 'where the view is better.' 60€ extra so I decided 'yeah, why not.'
Habitación 806: Beautiful view and room was in a 360degree shape. One end was the bath, the opposite was the shower and toilet and in the middle was the bathroom vanity and then the room. The windows were placed in a semi-circle and therefore saw the view of Gran Via aka the Broadway of Madrid..we even got lollies (the substitute of chocolates) on our bed. It was nice. We were amazed with our room and the view.
Headed out to have lunch at Pans & Company - a mixture of subways and MacDonald. With our trusty Lonely Planet map of Madrid (with thanks to Rémy to organise the places to visit) and we headed out to Puerta del Sol then Place de Mayor and then afterwards to the Royal Palace, where King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia use to reside. Unfortunately cameras where prohibited so you just have to come over to see it yourself. An enormous palace and not all rooms where the same size, colour. It was very extravagant and amazing as to how the monarchy back in the days were able to afford all the luxury and extravagance of items there. Its a place to get ideas if you plan on renovating your place to something majestic as this (and of course at a cheaper price!)
Night falls in Madrid its party time. Rémy & I had tapas upon tapas with cervezas y vinos and ended up at a nightclub, which I am surprised that I can remember up to this date! Mixed drinks = huge hangover.
Saturday I spent sulking in bed, as if it was the end of the world for me. Finally got up at about 14:30 (as to much of Rémy's disgust)and headed out to a place to eat, which I was still queasy and only had a drink of coke and tea. After we took the metro Plaza de España to another part of Madrid and went to visit the Museo Reina Sofía and went to see Picasso's famous artwork "La Guernica" and his other art and sculptures...I got in trouble taking a photo, but anywhere else in the museum you could. Whoops.
On the way back to our hotel had more tapas and then went back to our posh room for a while before heading back out. We decided to have an early night..failed as we ended up leaving one of the night clubs at 3:30am and went to bed at 4am.
Sunday morning, a beautiful sunny (yet cool) day. Had a buffet breakfast at the hotel, got ready and then headed out to the metro and went to another museum - The Prado Museum. Another great place to visit while in Madrid..another huge place (like many other famous buildings in Madrid). We went there to see more art works from the famous Goya, Valézquez, Rubens and other famous artist...yup my feet were hurting. I was kicking myself for NOT bringing non-heeled shoes that whenever I saw a vacant seat I went to sit down for 5 - 10 mins before heading to the other parts of the museum. At the same time, I thought of just 'suck it up bitch,' which worked for a while then I felt the pain in my feet..again. Walking in uneven paths or cobble stones made it worst hahaha.
Sunday evening we booked a table to see a Flamenco show at Villa Rosa. Shared a bottle of rosé and had entrée or jamon before having the traditional Paella during the flamenco. The show was full of emotion but amazing. Olé! After the 1 hour show we had a 'chupito' of agwa before departing. Spent a few minutes at another bar to drink before resting it up at the hotel.
The last day we had the breakfast buffet at our hotel. Regardless it was out last day here, I gave up and brought a pair of non-heeled shoes, lucky on sale black Adidas shoes..thank gosh! My feet can now rest! We got ready and headed to Real Madrid Stadium - Estadio Santiago Bernabéu Real Madrid.
Footballer stars - Beckham, Zinedine, Rolando, Castillas just to name a few have or are currently played in one of the best teams. Saw the museum, it's history of the stadium, the team and how it is not just football but for other sports within the city.It was great to see the Barcelona F.C's rivalry team. It was a great day out, especially when it was another sunny day. Headed back to the main centre of Madrid and watched the finals of the Australian Open at a Tapas bar. One of the longest games in history, as we started watching it while getting ready and then after sight-seeing in Bernabéu, it was still going..both players Nadal and Djokovic are excellent..but the almost 6 hour game..Djokovic claimed the title...Nadal was of course annoyed he lost but still he made it to the finals.
Our last evening ended up packing for a while, had a nap before having our final 'tapas.'
We left early to catch the 7:30am flight..nevertheless the flight had a 'technical problem' we left at 9:30am and reached Charleroi Brussels at 11:30am.
Had a wonderful stay and having up-graded the room made the stay better haha. Will definitly come back for another stay....
