Paris, Made in China.

Impressive or just completely obsessive?

RECENT WEB RESEARCH has found me stumbling upon some very strange things…

We’re all used to turning over our new purchases and seeing the “Made in China” logo affixed to the bottom of a mug, stitched in a clothing label or printed on packaging. When anyone asks us “where’s that from?” we reply jokingly “probably China!”

The “Made in China” logo is probably the most distinctive logo on products due to the rapidly developing manufacturing industry in China and its rapid economic and technological developments, making it the largest exporter of goods in the world.

We’re also all accustomed to knock-offs; fake designer bags, shoes, clothes, perfumes etc. sold cheaply in China, much of the time indistinguishable from the real deal but at 90% of the price – don’t lie we’ve all been there, done that.

But what if I told you, what I stumbled upon on Google recently is that China have taken ‘copying’ to a whole new level, is this possible?  

Research shows that located near Hangzhou, in 2007, a Chinese real estate company built their very own knock-off Paris… From the Palace de Versailles to the Eiffel Tower, it’s all there. You can look down the replica Champs de Mars and over the counterfeit Haussmann style Parisian buildings which house up to 10,000 people.

Photo credit: Reuters

Justification? The Chinese developers said that they wanted to give the rich and wealthy citizens of China the opportunity to visit the European city and experience the culture without the dreaded trek half way across the world. Ok, so the replica Eiffel Tower doesn’t quite match up to the height and standards of its Father original at only 108m as opposed to 324m but yes it’s still there!

So a fake Paris is one thing, but what if I go on to tell you that dotted around China you’ll find Thames Town – a little London featuring old English style houses and architecture as well as Italian, German and Austrian architecturally inspired towns.

Thames town

This and above photo credit: Marc van der Chijs

The question remains to me though, if these were built for the purpose of the rich and wealthy Chinese to be able to appreciate these European cities, why do theses ‘rich and wealthy’ not merely travel across the world with their hard earned money to see the real deal? Or is this just another cyber myth?

Only one way to find out I guess...

E x

I'll just Carrie on dreaming...

WITH THE RECENT PREMIER of the Sex and the City spin off slash origins story The Carrie Diaries I started looking back over the highs and lows of of the fashion icon Carrie Bradshaw  and some of her extravagant fashion. The I wish I could pull that offs, the what was she thinkings and the simply drool-worthy designer delights. If I could even afford half of it, I'd definitely need a Carrie wardrobe - one can but dream!

From French-style Parisian Sonia Rykiel stripes to a preppy Ralph Lauren suit and everything in between these are a few of my favourite (but definitely not limited) Carrie Bradshaw fashion moments. 

If I could wear this to work every day...

I've never noticed this Eiffle Tower bag before - cheesy or classy?... maybe just maybe doesn't go with the outfit, but Carrie can still pull it off! Lucky the shoes and dress make up for it!

Not forgetting the most famous vintage pink tutu! Any idea where I can get one myself?! 

Despite some uhm-ing and ah-ing on some outfits, Carrie will always keep me company on a cold rainy day on the sofa - no doubt about it!

Inspiration to experiment with fashion? I think so! Just don't get too Carrie'd away...

E x

Adventures in Paris #1 Montmartre

Now that the hectic festive period is over and I am settled back in Paris after an amazing Christmas at home and New Years under the Eiffel Tower, it's time to get back into the swing of things and back to blogging about gay Pariee.

So one of the many precious presents that I was honoured to open this year included a small box containing "City Walks for PARIS - 50 adventures on foot" - probably one of the most thoughtful presents to receive when you're living in a city that you hardly know.

Of course by now, I have done, seen and been to all the 'obvious' places to do and see...the Eiffle Tower...Arc de Triomphe...Sacre Coeur etc...but there is always more to do, secret little treasures to find and hidden cobbled streets to walk down. Each and every one of these little cards covers a small area of Paris and takes you on a walking adventure whilst pointing things out that may not be obvious to you had you not know they were there. So what better a way to start the new year than to pick a card at random and discover things about the city that I didn't know before. 

New Years day: the first day the year, 2013 and more adventures in Paris - walk #1 Montmartre.

I'm always lost for words when it comes to Montmartre, home to so many picturesque peeks and many artists...delicately sat in the north of Paris on a hill, this beautiful area will really have you captured in its beauty the moment you begin your adventure through the windy cobbled streets.

We started our walk at the Moulin Rouge  - an icon of Paris and cabaret.An interesting road I must say...but nonetheless an experience to walk down (see for yourself). We then headed up the bustling Rue Lepic slowly moving out of the touristic crowds into a quieter, more peaceful area walking past the Tabac des Deux Moulins which featured in the famous Amélie. 

Turning left, we began to climb the hill of Montmartre and you could almost imagine what it was like back in the days of Van Gogh and Picasso. Following the street round, we passed the still-operational Moulin de la Galette, a windmill turned dancing club which gave inspiration to Renoir's Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette. 

We then turned left onto Rue Girardon, seeing Claude Lelouch's Ciné 13, a small glamorous theatre where you can enjoy champers and cocktails whilst lounged on red leather sofas during the film! Just over the road slightly hidden to the right, a very peculiar Man coming though the wall which is said to be based on a story called The walker through walls. 

Just right, round the corner sits Paris' last remaining vineyard and a museum where you can taste and buy wine from the vineyard. We finally continued up the hill past La Maison Rose, a cute little restaurant that I have yet to try! If it's goes anything by its appearance then the food will be delicious! 

Carrying on up the hill and situated at the very end of our walk, right at the top of Montmartre, the Sacre Coeur casting its shadow over Paris and giving each and every climber the most amazing view of the city. Be sure to find the spot hidden among trees and looming buildings where you can just about see the Eiffle Tower. If you've planned well or are lucky enough time your walk to end up at the top to watch the sun set over the city, it's breathtaking!

E x

The iconic Moulin Rouge - the start of the adventure

#54 Rue Lepic once was home to Van Gogh

A peek at the stunning view of the city half way up our walk.

A very cute pub-village-esqu looking restaurant - another one to add to the list to go to! 

The Moulin de la Galette windmill turned dancing club

Ciné 13

This really doesn't look like Paris - one of my favourite things about Montmartre, the old cobbled roads, the cottage style houses and the country-village atmosphere - ah love!

Peeking through the trees the sacred Sacre Coeur and its tower. Night time beauty.

The most breathtaking, amazing - words cannot describe - view from the top of Montmartre as the sun sets over the city of love and lights x