Paris Proud to Be…Gay, House Hunting, Drinking Apero or Born in the U.S.A.
GAY PRIDE OR PROUD TO JUST BE WHO YOU ARE?
“THE SYSTEM” does work. Saturday afternoon we gathered, we drank, we talked, we laughed, we watched and were merry…then when THE PARADE came in to Place de la Bastille, not all of us, but some of us, left our drinks behind to head into the throngs of marchers and floats, walking against it to see all the GAY SIGHTS. Every year I look forward to THE SYSTEM and even more so to THE PARADE.
This year, I’d have to say that there were fewer drag queens, fewer costumes, more bare breasts and just as many people and floats…but all in all, it doesn’t seem as if the Gay community needs to work so hard to be recognized anymore. Perhaps, is it fizzling a bit simply because homosexuality is so much more accepted?
One thing that always strikes me when in the midst of hundreds of thousands of people who march in the Gay Pride Parade and who may or may not be of homosexual leanings, is just how many openly sexual people there are in and among us. It makes me wonder if my own heterosexuality is less the norm than I think.
One of my Gay friends with us that day remarked that he “thanks the Lord every single day that he is a Gay man” and when asked why, replied “Because I find Gay men more open minded, intelligent, caring and interesting.” And I added, “Guess that’s why I have so many Gay friends!”
HOUSE HUNTING IN PARIS
Before THE PARADE and the next entire day, we filmed another segment of our eighth episode of House Hunters International. House Hunters International is a program of HGTV (House and Garden Television) that is broadcast on cable TV across the U.S. and Canada: “This spinoff of the wildly popular HGTV House Hunters globe trots from Sao Paolo to Prague. Home hunters and their real estate agents check out all sorts of architectural styles and work through the idiosyncrasies of buying real estate in other countries. In any language, home buying is an emotional experience.”
The crew from the company that produces the shows came from London to film the episode. On each episode, they have been a delight with which to work and the process is really fun. We start with the subject — a person or couple who have made a purchase, and then recreate the story of the process they went through to make it happen…it’s “fiction based on reality.” It’s impossible to film the process in real time, so this is the best way to tell the story in the most realistic way.
While we were filming on rue Trésor in Le Marais, a woman came over to say “I love the show and watch every night!” When I asked her if she was visiting Paris, she said she was an owner in a fractional property on that street. She was shocked I was able to guess the address and describe the apartment because we were the Property Consultants who found the apartment for the developer! “Le Petit Trésor” has one share remaining! See French Property Fractional for more information.
The episode will be complete when the apartment has been renovated and the crew will come back to film what’s called the “reveal.” So, have a bit of patience, but stay tuned — we should see it airing before the year is up. (You can see all the episodes we’ve filmed at Adrian Leeds on House Hunters International.)
APERO A L’AUTO
Parisians know how to have an “APERO” (apéritif — a drink served before a meal) just about anywhere — even in the most unlikely places. This unassuming car top doubled as a table for three who downed their drinks, chips and olives outside one of my favorite bistrots, “Le Petit Marché” (9, rue du Béarn 75003 Paris 01.42.72.06.67). One can only guess their table inside wasn’t ready.
BORN IN THE USA
I used to traditionally make REAL hamburgers for friends on Independence Day, July 4th…then I got lazy and starting making RESERVATIONS at Restaurant Joe Allen for hamburgers, fried chicken and the like, instead (this year they offer a three-course menu with tea or coffee for 35). This 4th, however, weather permitting, we’ll spend it picnicking on the Seine.
If you really want to do something special, see Bruce Springsteen in concert at Paris Bercy Palais Omnisports, July 4th and 5th! Visit Bercy Palais for more information and to buy your tickets. Ticket prices are between 68 and 99.90
Either way, it won’t be forgotten as one of Americans’ in Paris’ most special days (the other one is Thanksgiving!). Happy July 4th!
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
Editor, Parler Paris
(with the HHI crew)
P.S. Special Offer on rental of La Paris Plage and Le Parisol
La Paris Plage is a holiday oasis right in the heart of Paris. Enjoy a chilled glass of rosé on your private rooftop terrace. Ask about our special offer July 17 to 27! Visit Parler Paris Apartments: Parler Paris Apartments or email: [email protected]
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