Tiramisu, c'est pour vous!

First of all I would like to apologise for the quality of image, I was too excited in creating what I classify as one the most delicious Italian desserts.

Ok so now it's about time that I let you into the secret of how to prepare the tiramisu. You'll need the following utensils:

Whisk (fork), teaspoon, table spoon, one dish (egg yolks) and two big bowls (one for egg whites and one for coffee), ladle and a pyrex dish measuring 28cm x 18cm and aaprox. 6cm deep.

Next are the ingredients and you'll need :

2 eggs, 6 teaspoons of sugar, 250gms Mascarpone cheese, 4 or 5 cups of Lavazza coffee (percolated is preferred but filtered will do), sponge fingers, 3 or 4 tablespoons of Amaretti di Saronno, Chocolate (good quality or sweet cocoa).

Now that you have all of the utensils and ingredients, let's get started!

1- Seperate the 2 x egg whites and 2 x yolks and mix in seperate bowls.Yolks in the dish and the whites in the big bowl.
2- Add 6 teaspoons of sugar to the yolks and whisk until creamy and a biege colour (not yellow). Mix and leave.
3- In the big bowl, whisk the whites. This is time consuming and can be painful if you whisk by hand. The texture you are looking for is fluffy and white; like snow!
4- When both are ready, add the yolks slowly to the whites and roll (not whisk). Keep rolling until mixture becomes a biege/yellow colour.
5- Add the mascarpone spoon by spoon and mix in slowly to the mixture. Try to ensure it is smooth, creamy and lump-free.
6- Prepare the coffee and when ready , pour in to the second big bowl. Take 3 or 4 tablespoons of coffee and pour into the tiramisu mixture.
7- Add 3 or 4 table spoons of Amaretto di Saronno to the tiramisu mixture.
8- Slowly mix the tiramisu mix with the whisk (do not whisk).
9- Rinse the pyrex dish and dry. Using the coffee in the large bowl, dip one-by-one sponge finger into the coffee (sugar side up) and then place into the bowl (length-ways and without breaking the biscuit). After the first layer, ladle some of the mixture over the sponge fingers until all coated.
10- The ingredients should last you for two layers. Repeat 9 until all tiramisum mixture is finished.
11- On the final layer, finish off by sprinkling (or grating) chocolate on the top.
12- Place in the fridge for approximately 5 hours.
12- Enjoy a small portion with friends or family.

This should be enough to feed around 10 people because with tiramisu you only need a small portion.

I made this for myself and my two flatmates and there was enough to consume over 3 days.

Please bear in mind that mascarpone is a cheese and will stay fresh for approx. 3-4 days maximum.

All that is left to say is, bon appétit!!

Chinois Fondue or Steamboat

I am blessed by god to have the best flatmates in the world where we help each other and always manage to have a good time, no matter what time of day.

Having the opportunity to live with my flatmates provides each person with an opportunity to share culinary delights that either person would likely never normally experience.

This week we had the opportunity to try a Chinese Hot Pot...and it is what it says on the label!

The ingredients are as follows :

- Special hot pot sauces, herbs and spices
- Cabbage
- White carrot
- Chinese dried mushrooms
- Chinese noodle
- Lamb
- Tofu
- Pig skin
- Fried Round Gluten
- Coriander
- Sesame oil
- Lots of water
- Stove

The dish that is believed to orginate from Mongolia, is a great tradition in China to remedy those cold winter days and nights.

What's more, it is eaten whilst continuously cooking and you do not stop eating until everything is consumed.

As you can see from the picture, this was just the beginning and I can assure you that my flamtes and I consumed everything.

In the insightful words of my flatmate you have to 'Attack' the dish by helping yourself, so it is not for the faint-hearted.

This is such a great dish and a special moment to spend together that we try to consume a Chinois Fondue often.

If you have an opportunity try it because I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

Repousser les limites

I have been meaning to make this post and finally I have got around it. Check out this advert by Virgin, France. It is an image of an elderly persons face on a young persons body. The strap line is 'Does not age too quickly!'

Where the rationality behind the advert could be listening to our music will make you feel and look younger than you really are.

However, did you know that this advert was banned in Clichy, France because the mayor did not like it. In addition, it certainly does it's purpose to create word-of-mouth where across France people stopped to read the advert.

Whatever, will their next message be? Let's just hope that it creates just as much buzz!

Rue de Lappe

Rue de Lappe is a famous street in Bastille that contains many bars, shops and cafes. It is a street that wakes up late and goes to bed late or early depnding on which way you look at it.

There is a lot more to this street than meets the eye and like most places in Paris you have to keep your eyes peeled because not is all quite as it seems where things can change without you even knowing.

During the Bastille Libre I managed to stumble across a bar that had a huge collection of clogs on the ceiling. However, I did not have enough time to consult the owner to ask why they have the collection and where they originate from.

One of my next missions is to provide some insight to this section, so keep checking my blog for regular updates.

L'Etudiant.fr

This website is a life-line for students moving from another country to France or vice-versa. The invaluable digital pearls-of-wisdom offers insight for student internships (stagiaire in France), accommodation and even information about studying in the UK.

You will establish that you can apply for job posts directly from the website with positions available for all nationalities.

Here is the link to the website: http://www.letudiant.fr/

I hope that you find it useful!!

Bastille Libre

You have to come and vist this annual Batille festival. Many shops that are closeddaily open and the ones to target have the famous red mats outside to indicate something taking place. For example along Rue Keller there was a famous local artist (sorry but I did not get his name) he deisgns these unique eye paintings. As you can see, he markets his product by using street posts which gives the impression somebody is watching you. In my opinion, the artists design is extremely creative.

There are many more events from skateboarders jumping random objects, taste the soup and guess the ingredients, to epigrams (inscriptions) outside Theatre de Bastille.

This is an event that guarantees to provide an insight to the delights in Bastille throughout the entire day.

á la decourverte de Navigo Passe

I know, I know, it has been a little while since I posted on this blog. However, I have been collecting some important information to create blogs. What's more, the week commencing 21st July 2010 was the toughest week I have experienced in my lifetime; I very nearly had to leave Paris. Therefore, I would like to give a special thankyou to the following people: Fanny De La Prada, Alcatel-Lucent peers, Karen Ephram, AimHigher peers, my parents, LCL bank, my flatmates and last by no means least my landlord. I can now say that my feet are firmly secure on the ground in Paris.

Sorry for the tangent but I felt it was feasible and valid to mention. OK so back to writing the blog...

At the beginning of my blog I informed you that you could buy 10 billets to get you safely into Paris. The next step is then to find a ticket that will get you to and from work and around Paris cost effectively in the long term. I have the answer.....The Navigo Passe.

This is the French version of the Oyster Card. You can use it on Metro, Suburban, RER and all bus routes. I believe you can use it on the tramlines too. There are a variety of cards that you can purchase

in Euros
Zones Week Month
1 - 2 € 17.20 € 56.60
1 - 3 € 22.70 € 74.40
1 - 4 € 27.90 € 91.70
1 - 5 € 33.40 € 109.90
1 - 6 € 37.60 € 123.60

***There is a EUR5.00 to all first-time buyers for the card and card holder that is non-refundable***

Please note: You will need to take a passport photo, pen and payment (Euros or Card). I was not asked for any other documents. However, I have heard rumours that some train staff ask for proof of ID and a valid 'Convention de Stage' or alternative proof for your time in Paris.

The following website has lots of important information that you can download such as price lists including a Zone Map: http://parisbytrain.com/paris-train-metro-week-pass-navigo-decouverte/

I purchased the card for zones 1-3 for EUR74.40 well EUR79.40 to be precise. My next month will decrease to EUR74.40. I find these zones cover all of my travelling in Paris to get to and from work and sightseeing on the weekends. My advice is to get a metro map and always plan your journey. This way you will always know whether you need to purchase extra tickets or not. If you do need to buy more tickets bear in mind to just buy tickets to permit you entry into the zones that your NaviGo Passe will not; keeping your expenses down is a priority!!

Remember to keep your receipt of purchase to give to your employer for reimbursement. It is usually standard practice for French employers to reimburse the cost of employee travel expenses. However, this is not the rule of thumb so you will need to check with your employer first. Finally, and probably one of the most important points, REMEMBER THE DATE TO RECHARGE YOUR NAVIGO PASSE!! Diary the date, set reminders on email calendars and your mobile phone.

Bonne navettage (Happy Commuting)!!

Ou'est mon logement?

One of the most important factors when moving to Paris is accommodation. Therefore, prior to moving in the forefront of you mind you need to find solutions to the question, 'Where will I be living?'.

To help you get started here is a short list of some useful websites that helped me in my quest. These are in no particular order:

1- http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/ressources/24/54 (comprehensive website in both French and English; provides essential and comprehensive information for all international students coming to live and work in Paris)

2- www.adele.org/ (information on accommodation that is similar to halls of residence)

3- http://www.estudines.com/carte_estudines.html (information on accommodation that is similar to halls of residence)

4- L'Eglise Americaine (American Church) - www.acparis.org/
Church opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-midday - 1pm-10:30pm and Sun 3pm-7:30pm
Accommodation listed on information baord. You need to visit the church to obain information

5- Svenska Kyrkan (Swedish Church) - http://www.svenskakyrkan.se/default.aspx?di=295562
Not sure of the opening hours
Information listed on notice board. You need to visit to obtain information

6- http://www.appartager.com/ - One of the best sites to find accommodation in Paris
Please note: There are some users that will try to waste your time. However, my suggestion to you is message everyone and do this as early as possible; get on it like a rash! In addition, keep your eyes open for replies. You have to be quick to find accommodation.

7- http://www.aljt.com - (information on accommodation that is similar to halls of residence) - Good prices

8- Host families are an effective form of accommodation in Paris. This weblink will provide you with useful information and some ideas into how much it could cost:
http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/ressources/staying-french-family

9- Paris Attitude - http://www.parisattitude.com/ - Letting Agency
Most agencies in Paris charge extortionate prices. However, you get what you pay for. Plus doing business with people in the know could be more secure.

10- My final solution is, network with the company that is taking you on as a student intern. Enquire about spekaing with other student interns and establish how they found accommodation. In addition, establish if they are looking for a room-mate.
I was lucky enough to do just this and I currently live in the heart of Bastille. Sometimes the most effective solutions are the most simple.

Try to do as much research on accommodation prior to moving to Paris. However, in worst case scenarios Paris offers many foyers (hostels). Here are two useful websites that list details of Parisenne foyers:

1- http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/sites/default/files/PDF/liste_hostels_paris.pdf

2- http://www.paris.org/Accueil/Foyers/

Please note: Never pay anything up front/prior to moving to Paris, never accept the first solution that is offered to you (unless it is in a life or death situation) and always follow your gut instinct because this is usually the best solution.

Most landlords require a month rent in advance and a safety deposit (depot de garantie). This varies between each landlord and arrondissement.

Once your accommodation is sorted you can look into applying for a housing subsidy to contribute towards the cost of living (rent). More nformation can be found at: www.caf.fr. I will post a blog on this topic once I have completed my CAF. To be continued...

Bancaire en France

Depending on the bank and nationality of the individual wanting the account, opening up an a new French bank account is relatively easy. If you choose Credit Agricole you can open the account using a fiscal UK address whilst you are preparing to move to Paris. However, bank statements, payslips, two utility bills, bankers reference, two copies of identification all need to be signed and approval stamped by your UK bank. This can be a long process because all documents go via the fiscal UK address.

Therefore, my suggestion to you is, wait and open an LCL bank once you have moved to Paris. There are plenty of branches in various arrondisements (municipal districts/departments) in Paris. Other banks to use consist of:

- BNP Paribas (my friend did have some bad experience with them)
- HSBC
- Barclays
- Banque Populaire
Plus various others. Some banks have English speaking staff and call centres.

Here is how easy I found it to open an LCL bank account.

Visited branch on Saturday. Bank manager asked for the following information:

1- Proof of Id (id card or passport)
2- Proof of address (Contrat de location meublee a usage d'habitation)
3- Contract of employment(Covention de Stage for Erasmus students)

You can provide LCL with payslips and other information but it is not mandatory.

Within 20-30 minutes I had a bank account up and running. However, French bank accounts differ to that of some UK bank accounts.

1- French bank accounts require payment for the VISA/Mastercard; usually between 3-5 euros
2- I opted for card insurance that is around EUR2-3(optional).

I took both that gave me a slight discount. Please note: these amounts you will not see because they will debit your account automatically.

You have to wait approx. 5 days to receive the pin number. You then need to take this along with your ID (id card/passport) to collect the card, paperwork and cheque book direct from the branch where you opened the account. Please note: employers require RIB and IBAN number to pay wage/salary and the same is required to open mobile phone and transfer money to other French bank accounts.

It is also worth noting at this point that you will need a postbox with your name displayed in order for the postperson to deliver your correspondence. I made sure to immediately notify the porter of the block of flats where I reside.

Bienvenue à Paris

For those of you that have never visited Paris or for those that may have forgotten how to travel into Paris by train. This information will assit you to get you on your way. Please note this is for passengers flying via Charles de Gaulle airport!

1- When exiting airport you need to look for signs stating 'Sortie' (Exit)
2- Turn right out of departures and head towards signs stating Paris par Train or RER. This is a long walk where you just keep walking right in the airport until you see the train station.
3- Locate a green billet machine and purchase a book of 10 billets for EUR 11.60. These will get you into Paris and you will have plenty left over. 1 ticket will get you into Paris from Charles de Gaulle
4- Follow Paris Sud signs
5- Board train that travels direct to Gare du Nord; usually left platform
6- Alight at Gare du Nord, walk up stairs to Metro line 5 heading towards Place d'Italie; destination Oberkampf. Changed to Metro line 9.

This is the metro line that will take you into the heart of Paris.

Take Metro line 9 towards Pont de Sévres and alight at Franklin D Roosvelt and chqnge to Metro Line 1 heading towards Chàteau d Vincennes; just one station stop Champs Elysées Clemenceau. Two stops after this station will take you to Musée du Louvre.

My suggestion to you is find a metro information desk and ask, "Je voudrais un petit plan, sil vous plait".