A year and a half!

That’s how long I’ll have lived in Paris by the time I leave next month.

My unconsummated love affair with this maddeningly beautiful city is now quickly coming to an end.

I’ve known it for months. But I’ve just been hesitant to say it on this blog. Mainly because Ziba has always been a blog based in Paris.

Paris is, after all, the city where Ziba was born.

In fact, Paris is where many of my colorful plans and daring dreams have taken shape.  

And I’d willingly stay forever if I could. But in order for me to move forward with my dreams and my goals, I have to leave this place. And I have to be open to the changes in my life that are coming.

Yet, it’s been a blast! I’ll be taking many magical memories with me. All those long meandering walks and bicycle rides, the fresh baguettes and buttery croissants, the friends and smiling folks in my neighborhood, surprise bobo art shows, dancing around in rock concerts, picnicking by the river, planting little plants on our balcony, gazing at the moon through our telescope…

And yet, it hasn’t entirely been picture-perfect either. There have also been moments of pure frustration. The kind of frustration you get from living in a super tiny apartment in the attic somewhere in the heart of the heart of Paris. Picture lots of things falling out of small cabinets and onto your head, bumping elbows with door frames and tripping on stacks of books…

But in the end, I know my boyfriend Oliver and I will always look back at this time in our life with much laughter and happiness.

And so, you ask, where am I going now? Well, in the fashion of true nomads, all I can say is… well, right now I can’t say for sure yet.

Yeah, I knoow. Crazy, right? But this is the way I’ve been living my life for the past six years. And I’m just trying to get to a place (both physically and figuratively) where life will finally be a little more stable.

As of right now, all I know is that life is taking us farther and farther out west.

And so, what does this mean for you, my dear readers? 

It means that you are getting a change of scenery. It also means, you are going to start seeing more and more reviews of non-French cosmetics. And alas, I think it might also mean that my blog posting schedule will be a little more erratic as I go through another transitional period in my life.

But, in the spirit of true nomads, I have this feeling that years from now… yes, many years from now…

My path will lead me right back here again…

To Paris.

Photos taken by and copyright of Oliver Squibb.

I’m not gonna lie, I think doing touristy things can be awfuly cheesy.

But when it’s your first time visiting a new place, it IS a shame to skip out on seeing all those world-famous tourist sites.

So, let’s continue with the second part of the Touristy Things To Do in Paris series, which I hope will be useful for those who are visiting Paris for the very first time.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to read Part 1.

Now, I know many would argue that this list is not complete. And I agree, there are many many Oh, so Parisian! things that one could do while visiting Paris.

But, if you are only passing through the city for a couple of days and you are pressed for time, then these are the places and activities that are a must!

6) Visit The Sacre Coeur

Sacre Coeur is the beautiful cathedral that’s sitting on top of the hill of Montmartre. While the inside of the cathedral is well worth a look, the real reason to come up here is the stunning view of the city of Paris from the top of the hill.

On a sunny day, you can come prepared with a basket filled with sandwiches and a bottle of wine, sit out on the grassy knoll and have yourself a nice little picnic. Along with the rest of the world, who’ll probably have the same brilliant idea as you.

In the same area, you can find lots of cute little shops, restaurants and café’s. And many small and quiet cobbled paths for you to explore.

7) Climb Montparnasse

Montparnasse is quite easy to spot as it is the only skyscraper within the city limits of Paris.

Almost all the buildings in Paris adhere to the same elegant look and height of six floors. So Montparnasse, with its 59 floors and outdated 70s mod look, is really the odd one out.

But even though Montparnasse is the ugly and embarrassing hulk of Parisian architecture, the view provided at the top is even better than the one that you see from the top of the Eiffel Tower.

People say it’s the best view, because when you’re on top of Montparnasse, you can’t see the ugly building you’re standing on!

8) Ride the Bateaux-Mouches

This is an easy (ahem, lazy) way to take in a lot of different sights. Just hop on one of the boats that cruise up and down the Seine river.

During the ride, the sights are pointed out and explained to the passengers. I would recommend doing a boat ride especially during the summer, when you can sit out on the deck and enjoy the breeze and wave to the people sitting on the river bank.

Many of the boats also offer a dining experience. Among the different dining boats to choose from, I’ve ridden on the Calife. It’s not a typical bateau-mouche, but I recommend it for its quaint charm and appetizing menu.

9) Go On A Bike Tour

This is a more active way to get around and learn about different historical sights. Although I’ve never been on a bike tour before, I recommend going on one because everyone I’ve seen biking around in a tour group always looks so happy!

There are different kinds of bike tours you can go on. You can go on a night time bike tour, hidden treasures of Paris bike tour, and even a wine bike tour! If you’re concerned about the safety of going on such a tour, it’s good to know that Paris is very bike friendly and the tour will probably only take you through the safest routes.

Two of the more popular bike tours are Blue Bike Tours and Fat Tire Bike Tours.

10) Visit the Arc De Triomphe

The Arc De Triomphe is the magnificent arch at the end of the Champs-Elysées avenue.

It is probably the third most iconic structure of Paris (after the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame cathedral). It was built in honor of soldiers who fought and died during different French wars, and etched on the walls are hundreds of names of soldiers.

For those who are interested in military history, there is an “eternal” flame that burns under the arch in honor of the unknown dead soldiers from both world wars.

You can also climb the arch to get a panoramic view of Paris. Afterwards, you can make your way down along the Champs-Elysées and go into all the different luxury name brand stores.

While you’re here…

Take a little bit of time to sit outside one of the café’s and sip on an adorably small cup of espresso. It’s a great way to relax and do some people watching. This is definitely one of those activities that are oh, so Parisian!

So there you go.

Now hopefully, you have some ideas of all the famous places to visit in Paris!

There are some things in life that never get old.

These are seven beauty tips that I’ve encountered time and time again. They’re classic. And when practiced, they can only lend more beauty and add depth to our lives.

Here they are, in my own words. And in no particular order of importance.

1. Be In Love

With life! With what you do. The moment. Your breath. The sun. And all the free and simple pleasures of life. This kind of love is infectious and when you exude with this kind of love, you become a radiant and irresistible source of energy for others.

2. Be Genuine 

Only say or do things if you really mean it. Smile from the heart. Ask questions if you are sincerely interested in finding out the answers. Act in a way that comes naturally to you. And be open about your vulnerabilities.

3. Above All, Kindness.

It doesn’t have to be as cheesy as it sounds. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can mean so much to others. Even just the simple act of listening shows that you care. Be kind to others. And above all, be kind to yourself.

4. Cultivate Good Health 

Beauty comes from energy and vitality. Nourish your body with fresh, clean and simple foods. Keep your bones and muscles strong by constantly moving and enjoying the outdoors. Sleep well to feel rested and rejuvenated when greeting a new day.

5. Laugh. A Lot.

In the grand scheme of the universe, nothing is all that serious. Don’t be afraid to get silly! They say people who laugh the most laugh the last. There is a real connection between laughter and longevity.

6. Cherish the Imperfect

A crooked smile. Freckles. A scar that tells a story. Imperfect things make life more interesting.

7. Simplicity 

Simplicity is the foundation of elegance. It is the understated. The harmonious. It can apply to the way we dress, what we eat, our everyday activities and what we choose to dedicate our thoughts and energy to. Simplicity is beautiful because it allows us to focus on what truly matters.

Have a happy weekend, my loves!

Normally, I would hide photos like this from the world… (it looks like the sun is bursting out of my nose! haha) 

“Or, rather, let us be more simple and less vain.” ~ Jean-Jacques Rousseau