When in Paris

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To commemorate coming up on the one-year anniversary of completely getting my life in Paris, I want to recollect some of the awesome experiences I had in the enchanted city. Admittedly, Paris had never been at the very top of my travel bucketlist but when a random opportunity came up for me to go, I couldn’t turn it down and welcomed a chance to see the Paris that wasn’t shown to me in wistful and romantic renderings of the city (though YES I wanted to see this, still). Call it ignorance, call it a skewed sense of perception—who knows! But I was excited to explore THE and explore BEYOND the Eiffel Towers, Arc de Triomphes, etc. I was so blessed to spend (a (f)unemployed) two weeks in France, staying primarily in Paris (only venturing to Versailles for a day). Intentionally staying in Paris made me feel like a whole local and experience things in a little less shallow, more relaxed, and go-with-the-flow type of way. Heck, we didn’t even make it into the Louvre, that’s how incredibly quirky things got 😊 Here, I recall 5 experiences in addition to the museum/monument/etc. circuit that made my trip awesome.

Let’s get the *summer* party scene squared away. I love a good day party and Paris provided! Le Jardin Suspendu is first up, with its settings way up on the roof of a completely transformed parking lot garage. The hanging plants, hip furniture, block-party ambiance, and stellar view of the Eiffel Tower was a complete jungle-y VIBE. Entry is free, just buy your food/drink. The Sunday Groove party at Wanderlust is a MUST, especially if you like hip-hop/afrobeat/all that is good in the world. So many beautiful people, nonstop dancing, and open space to prance around and act a fool (if you’re like me!).

Get you some Black American flavor in your life! Though we stumbled upon it (our original soul food destination was Gumbo Yaya), eating at Baba Zulu in Canal St. Martin was such a great experience. More than the food, the warmth and humor of the Djiboutian owner and his partner made the time spent there all the better. The place is a true, loving homage to Black American culture—the iconic images plastered on the walls, throwback-esque typology, etc. Between here and Gumbo Yaya, you have a chance to partake in a familiar slice of Black American goodness abroad.

We found modern takes on Chateau Rouge culture and vibrancy at Maison Chateau Rouge, a concept store with dope wax-inspired attire, and Sawa Shoes, a shoe and accessory store with heavy Ethiopian-influence and presence. Both stores embody the rich culture of the area but nothing beats simply walking around and taking in all of what is considered “Quartier Africain” or “African Quarter.” All 5 senses will be engaged, best believe.

If you simply want to feast your eyes on trippy and engaging art outside of four walls, check out Pigalle’s NIKElab/Ill Studio collaboration on a basketball court. Pictures don’t do this court justice! The gradient look and warm colors, plus the Parisian-inspired Nike store across the street, invite you to slow down and bask in this lil’ oasis of fun. Hearing how this court helped give the local youngins a place to hoop and chill within their own ‘hood was especially awesome.

I have to end this with mentioning all the Ethiopian things we got into in Paris, namely the FOOD. I’m a fiend for trying out Ethiopian food in different cities, just to get a flavor (no pun intended) on how our culture is expressed in different settings. A microcosm of Ethiopian life, if you will. Being that we were there for an abnormally long time, we got to visit 5 (FIVE!) different Ethiopian restaurants. All had a special je ne sais quois but Menelik Restaurant (or ‘Restaurant Ménélik’) was by far my fave. It was warm, overly cultural (in the best way possible), and felt the most authentic (they even had EBC playing on the TV!). And the food! Yummy. For those from LA, it gave me a pre-renovated Messob Restaurant vibe?! With the pictures of Ethiopian celebrities adorning the walls and all. So, want to feel a bit of home away from home (away from home)? This is your place.

Until next time, Paris! You’re super cute; can’t wait for more memories!