Yesterday strolling around Hotel de’ ville, I walked pass a stunning display of outdoor landscaping plants and furnitures, I walked into the store, CASANova outdoors, to talk to the owner, a botanist and landscape artist who opened the store just four months ago. He said the idea of opening a store is to realize the synergies of landscaping and selling outdoor plants and furnitures products; the names of landscape artist are usually from directories, he wish to standout from the crowd and make a name for himself with this store. The products he sell are impressive indeed. The store owner travels all over France every week, and to Africa and other countries every year to find exotic plants that took their form from exotic environments. Most of them in the desert and the rain forest. At the time we were talking, he was doing research online to find plants that are resistant to frosts in the winter (on his clients’ request). His company purpose is “Conception, realisation et entretien de jardins et terrasses”. It is located at 24, avenue de Victoria Paris 75001, www.casanovafrance.com, 0140 284 845.

Last Night I had an amazing steak dinner at a restaurant Hippopotamus, I ordered a medium rare XL steak. Thank god, it was so tasty and tender, I literally screamed out Ha-la-lu-ya in my head. I closed my eyes to savor every chew when the sea salt melts with the protein to unleash that almost galvanizing flavor—all while listening to Bobby Darin’s Moon River. Walking out of the restaurant, I laughed out, standing out in the streets, I was I though I was in a dream! Its the best night I ever had so far in this trip. I was half-asleep, nodding, but overjoyed, on my metro ride home.

This morning I had some serious nasal and chest congestions as well as coughing, but it all resided after a good hot shower. I packed my bags and moved into an ibis hotel steps away from the Gare de Lyon station (31 bis,Bd Dideort 75012 Paris). My room is small but it has a balcony and a beautiful view! For only 105 euros a night, its an excellent value for money. For lunch, I had a club sandwich and Tea w/ Milk at a cafe across the stress of the Lyon station. It was def. very filling and I took the opportunity to use a few French phrases to order my meal. “Je Voudrais, Le Club Sandwich”, “Apportez-Moi du the, L’eau, avec du sucre, s’il vous plait.” and for asking the bill, please “L’addition, s’il vous plait”, “Merci!”. Also, at the hotel reception, to check in with reservation, “Je m’appelle Chong Wei Wong, J’ai reserve, s’il vous plait”. Just like that, I was handed a customer service feedback form, and a room with a view!

Right now its a hot sunny mid afternoon October day, the sky looks amazing with the clouds hobbling in clusters. I am taking off to enjoy the outdoors. Au Revoir!