Rémi Gaillard - n'import qui

Sunday, 20 May 2012

Rémi Gaillard

nimportequi.com

I can't believe I haven't blogged about this guy yet! I've been watching and laughing hysterically at his videos for years.

A French humorist who has his own website and uploads videos onto YouTube, Rémi has been doing his own unique Candid Camera-style videos since he lost his job in a shoe store in 1999.

Rémi Gaillard gets over 1.3 billion views on his videos, each one averaging 1 million views. His most popular video has over 57 million views. Wow!

Here are some of my favorite videos--easy to enjoy no matter what language you speak! This guy is in top physical shape and can kick a soccer ball like a pro!

Foot (soccer) elevator

Rocky Rémi

Disco Elevator

Bat

and... Foot (meaning soccer) 2009

Bonne rigolade!!

Love, Charley

comments | | Read More...

Lek Ban Thaï Relaxation

Monday, 7 May 2012

One of the things I absolutely adore about France are Thaï massages. I am accustomed to a good strong massage that really digs in deep to release and relax the muscles and, unfortunately, traditional French massages just don't fit the bill. Just as the French don't like spicy food, they don't like strong massages; their version is a feather-like brushing of the fingers along the body, point final, leaving the recipient more frustrated than anything else!

Needless to say, I was thrilled to discover Thaï massage, and more specifically to discover Lek Ban Thaï Relaxation.

  Located in Saint Genis Laval, a mere 10 minutes from downtown Lyon, Lek Ban Thaï Relaxation is a little slice of paradise where, for an hour and a half, you part en voyage, leaving France behind for exotic Thailand. 

Greeted by the charming and warm Lek herself, one is immediately enveloped by smooth odors of exotic flowers and spices, and a hand-constructed decor of materials imported directly from Thailand. Nous sommes directement plonger dans l'ambiance!

-

First off, Lek baths your feet in warm water, salts and perfumes.

Slipping your feet into Thai sandals, you are directed into the changing room where you don a loose Thai shirt and trousers for traditional Thai massage...

... or a Thai pareo for the more relaxing oil massage.

Ahh, la vie est belle!

Best of all, you can make an appointment for two and go with your other half -- a relaxing afternoon à deux. 

So next time you feel the stress growing, take a break and have a Thai massage. I more than highly recommend it!

Lek Ban Thaï Relaxation

30 Bis Avenue des Belges

69230 Saint Genis Laval

06 66 22 25 27

Gros bisous de massage Thaï et à bientôt!

Love, Charley

comments | | Read More...

Zombie Walk 2011

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Hey everyone, I'm back!

I've just about wrapped up a translation of a French historical non-fiction manuscript which goes to print in November. Lots of other interesting writing projects in the works as well.

In the midst of all this glorious writing, I managed to take time to participate in Lyon's annual Zombie Walk. Yes, you heard me right... Zombie Walk! Now, how fun is that? 

First we went and had our makeup done by professional makeup artists who were on site.

Little old zombie moi...

... and my zombie friend.

Then, we gathered in a big square (roughly 400 zombies) where we learned a few zombie moves and shouts.

Some fellow zombies....

We walked from Croix-Rousse hill and finished at Place des Terreaux.

Zombie attack on the church of Scientology!

Ohhh, a fabulous male Snow White zombie, loved, loved, loved him!

Ok, this guy was super creepy!

Nice saw, zombie dude!

It was so much fun, so many people participated and were really into the whole zombie thing. The best part was keeping the zombie makeup on and strolling around town, totally freaked people out. Bien sur, we also wore our zombie makeup to a party that night--mwah-ha--and a fun time was had by all! 

And here is a little zombie video for you all to bring you right into the ambience that was the Zombie Walk.

Bon, gros bisous des zombies et a bientôt! 

Love, Charley

comments | | Read More...

New Paris nightclub - Silencio

Saturday, 3 September 2011

David Lynch

This week, David Lynch opened a members-only club called Silencio at 142, rue Monmartre in Paris . 

Based on the nightclub Silencio in his film Mulholland Drive, the club houses a bar, concert hall, art library and movie theater. This very private club allows access to members only from 18h to 24h, when it is then open to a non-member elite crowd until 6h. 

David Lynch spent two years designing furniture with designer Raphael Navot 

and working with partner, Arnaud Frisch, responsible for the trendy Parisian nightclub Socail Club as well as with the music label Savoir Faire. 

"Silencio is something dear to me," says Lynch. "I wanted to create an intimate space where all the arts could come together."

The Guardian describes the place as "somewhere between nirvana, a classy Cincinatti cocktail bar circa 1975, and Goldie's mouth." There is a smoking room and a restaurant that serves finger foods all night.

Here is the trailer for Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive. If you haven't seen it yet, I more than highly recommend it.  

Oh, and, p.s. Mr. Lynch was born in Missoula, Montana. Definitely something in the water there as I well know.

Gros bisous des clubs super élite et a bientôt!

Love, Charley

comments | | Read More...

Marché de la Mode Vintage

Saturday, 11 June 2011

Today I went on down to Lyon's annual Marché de la Mode Vintage.

Their website features a list of vintage shops in Lyon. Look for the Marché right next to the fair, just below the Aquarium (Bus 8).

Ma fille made sure we there bright and early to receive our free shopping bags.

The place was packed. Today was the first day, it's on all weekend. 

Some fun bangles.

Everyone needs a pair of these furry boots!

Fur stoles, anyone?

A high end stand: they had vintage Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and Hermes at 1,000 to 1,500 a pop. Is that in cash?

Way cool rings made with pieces of vintage material. 

Treasure troves of bijoux!

Ditto on the trove, but for pipes and old lighters.

Miles and miles of shoes.

An ancient, orange computer.

Ohh, a Supertramp album!!

Lotta sixties stuff ....

These guys were fun!

Ma fille browsing the 5 euro rack. 

My future is so bright, I gotta wear shades!! :-)

A colorful plethora of skinny, leather, 80's ties.

Ohh, loved these furry little mules!

Now, this mink coat was gorgeous and pas cher. 

Loved the graffiti on the back wall, the whole ambiance was warehouse chic. 

Bags for days!

Fun chairs!

Many of the sellers and customers went all decked out, dressed in their best vintage look. So theatrical!

I've never seen so many real fur coats! What up?

Nice little vintage Dior trunks.

Ma fille's purchase, a cute little leather back pack purse. 

Bon, gros bisous de shopping vintage et a bientôt!!

Love, Charley

comments | | Read More...