Clipper Inspired is a media project covering travel. I was inspired by two things: vintage travel posters to locations such as: Rio, Hong Kong, and Paris. Clippers were Pan Am flights to different destinations around the world, a feeling of adventure combined with the experience of getting there. The second inspiration came in the form an Aunt who packed up to travel to Africa in the 1970’s. One day she announced, “I am packing my bags, flying to the Ivory Coast to explore Western Africa. See you in a year.” Off she went, alone, traveled on Pan Am.
The questions covered: Where to eat? Where to go? Where to shop? What to do? How to go? When to go?
Clipper Inspired
An original podcast and webcast featuring travel locations of all sizes. Stay Tuned.
Paris. I look back with so many fond memories. No matter how small or how big, the city inspires. I had a cafe at a bar in Galeries Lafayette overlooking the make up area. Pure Joy!
I travel a lot. Sadly, most of my luggage does not make it. I was fond of a stylish brand, but after several broken zippers, including a trolley bag breaking at the Milan Airport. Done! Rearranging clothing in an airport is not a glamorous look! At that moment, I decided to look for a new travel bag label.
My criterial: Durability, and of course it has to look nice. But I think I will place an emphasis on strength. Are the bag’s compements able to hold up during travel? Cheap, plastic components could mean trouble somewhere.
My first question to the Thule of Sweden team at Pitti Uomo in Florence, “What is the guarantee for a check in trolley?” When he said 4 years, the state of surprise on my face was noticeable. I scanned the brands website. Luggage is listed as “limited lifetime”. After a quick recovery, he showed me the new product line. (See Video) A number of details distinguish the luggage include, contrasting interior and the minimal Scandinavian exterior design. The design leans more on the masculine side. The subterra bag duffel bag comes in an unique square but tubular shape.
Interior with Shirt Press feature Soft, Semi Hard, and Hard bags
The logo branding on the shell, was something I had to think about. I am not a fan of overt labels but if the quality is in the product, I can live with it.
Along with luggage, available are: Back packs and check in luggage.
I have not tested the Thule brand. I may try it. Can their bag survive flying around from one fashion week to another? Then a bus, then a train? Stay Tuned.
I have traveled the low cast airline many times. Now, I’m inspired to write about why I suffer but still find myself in the terminal waiting. Stay Tuned.
The first part of 2019 is busy as busy can get for us. There are so many events: First, Pitti Uomo in Florence, The great menswear show for mens style. Then, Milan Fashion Week Men, Paris Fashion Week Men in January are on the agenda.
Hot Faces from Milan Fashion Week Men
February kicks off with show business glamour. The 69th Berlinale starts the first week of the month. Ten days of cinema from the unusual to Hollywood fare screened until the 17th.
George Clooney at the Berlinale
Fashion starts up again in the middle of the month with women weeks from Milan and Paris, so many runways, so little time.
Etihad Airline Crew
Lastly, March is travel. The world’s biggest travel event comes around, the ITB. All the global destinations spread over 27 halls. A sandy beach to a high mountain top to a five star resort, we report on the latest trends. Stay Tuned.
Montmartre is the romantic Parisian neighborhood on the hill with many local establishments, but what I like are the food stores. The display of goodies of all kinds are heavenly! For me, a casual stroll turns into a wonderland of food spotting, “gastronomic inspiration” through a window S’il vous plait? What is that? I want to try a bit. It looks delicious.
Cheese Store
Asian Food
A small cafe
Fish
Even with a throng of tourist making their way up or down the streets, a rewarding time is to be had for those who love gastronomy.
Making the experience more memorable, I stopped in front of a shop window admiring the prepared delights. I was about to walk away when a patron said, “This is the best bakery in the area. Give it try.” Judging by the line in the small space I had to suppose he was right. The problem. What did I want? Hot or cold? Sweet or savory? I decided on sweet for later with coffee, strawberry pastry with whip cream and of course, some macrons. I am not sure how it happened, but,, the pastry managed to make its way back to my hotel for coffee. The delight did not disappoint. The whipped cream had melted, taking away some aesthetic points, but I enjoyed every sweet bite.
Strawberry Delight
Quiche
Berry, Berry Good
Sadly, I do not know the name of the bakery. If you are on a Rue Lepic, it is on the left side, going down, look for the Moulin Rouge at the bottom on Blvd Clichy. A flower shop and fish store are next door. There is no place to sit, as I said, it is a small, 25 meters, the establishment does not offer cafes, to my shock! Just go in and buy. If you use a credit card, the minimum is 10 euros.
When I am in the Paris, I cannot help but go into the department store to see what the theme will be for the season.It is always a pleasure to sit at one of the cafes in Glaeries Lafayette to look up at the Christmas Decorations under the dome. I waited for the light show, every 30 minutes, to light up around the tree. It sounds a bit of pop sugar overdose, almost as bad a Marie Osmond, but I could not resist. It did not disappoint. I was enchanted.
2019’s motif is centered around the experience of the aurora borealis. Partnering with Maison Piaget. The Christmas Tree is trimmed with gifts, watch and jewelry designs from the luxury brand.
No matter the perspective, when you troll on the Seine, it is inspirational. Take a book, a magazine, or a bottle of wine with a blanket, then find a spot.
Under certain circumstances,,,,, I could go,,, KABOOM!
The Paris today is not the Paris I remember the first time I visited the city. My then boyfriend was studying at the Sorbonne. How exciting! I arrived, threw the bags on the bed that took up 75% of the 22 sqm apartment then ran out to absorb the French capital.
Of course there was security but it was not omnipresent. I heard the two-toned French sirens in the background every once in a while but being in a city of 18 million, police sounds are a part of the landscape, a price to pay for the vitality of an urban space.
Returning to Paris, now feels like a different world. Police are everywhere patrolling the streets with guns, in wagons, on the river. The 2015 Bataclan Attack has affected the spirit of this open city. I felt a bit sad, everywhere, checks, security where once entrances were unimpeded.
Lemons
When life gives a lemon, make lemonade. Turn a negative into a positive. Visiting the Army Museum or Les Invalides made me have a rethink about the police presence. Walking up to the entrance there were three young, smiling gentlemen wearing army uniforms. These guys were protecting us from a threat. Looking at their faces, I really did not care what threat, Invasion from Mars, terrorist! Their lean bodies trained to react, protecting the innocent.
I was carrying a shoulder bag. I knew the procedure. Open Bag, show the inside, possible body scan. It did not happen! I was insulted. What do I have to do to get checked by soldiers? I am wearing orange trainers with matching orange shoe laces. I could be a threat! Orange in November! I insist you CHECK! Frisk Me! I WANTED TO BE TAKEN TO A ROOM!!!! With all three! I would have settled for one, two better. Who knows how explosive the situation could have been.
