Paris Archives • Dzhingarov

Most Haunted Places To Visit In France

Dzhingarov — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 21:59:21 +0000

We can say that France is no different than any other country when looking at history in the sense that the paranormal and spirituality were always huge in the past, much more than now. This easily led towards the appearance of various haunting remnants of a truly dramatic past. So many reports now suggest that there is supernatural activity in various places of France, with more appearing every single year, especially at the locations that are going to be mentioned next. In the event that you are hunting for haunting, go to the following spots.

Mont Saint-Michel Monastery

This is a monastery that stands out as an easily recognizable landmark in France. It is because of many different reasons, especially because of the stories stating that Archangel Michael burned a hole in the skull of Saint Aubert before being persuaded to build it. Various reports highlight the fact that Captain Louis d’Estouteville’s ghost now guards the area, ever since the victory against England in the year 1434.

Versailles

Whenever thinking about France, Versailles is one of the most important and popular tourist attractions. The paranormal side of the Versailles starts with sightings that are reported of Marie Antoinette. Sightings have been going on for a really long time now. Marie Antoinette was executed and it is said that it haunts this castle ever since. Most of the sightings appear in the royal bedchamber, the one where she stayed in the past.

Chateau Du Chateaubriant

Go to the Chateau Du Chateaubriant before the Halloween in order to have a lot of fun and maybe some scares. According to the legend, every single October the 16^th, when midnight comes, monks and knights ghosts are seen following Francoise De Foix’s ghost, together with other personalities from the time. It will not be seen for a long time but according to various records, the sightings still happen.

Catacombs

This is, most likely, the most well-known haunting site in France. It is quite difficult to find a location that is creepier than the underground labyrinth right in the capital. There are so many skeletons present here. The walls are lined with bleached, old bones and the brave tourists can explore this eighteenth century burial ground. It was created for the corpses that overcrowd the graveyards of Paris at the time. Now, it is a sight that is perfect for the paranormal seeker.

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Florida’s Rich Heritage

Dzhingarov — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 06:35:54 +0000

When I think of places enriched by historical sites and buildings, I rarely think of Florida. Generally I am thinking of places like New York City, Rome, Paris, and etc… What a wonderful surprise, though, that Florida does, in fact, have so much to offer with the rich heritage that has been passed down through the years. Florida was officially admitted to the Union in 1845. Prior to its admittance, it was still inhabited by people that were referred to as Seminoles. Florida was once a Spanish territory, prior to being acquired by the Union in the Transcontinental Treaty. Florida, due largely in part to this fact, has a rich Spanish heritage.

Restoring and Preserving

I had the opportunity to visit Florida about eight years ago. I learned that it is an extremely beautiful state but that its weather can be brutal. Obviously there are hurricanes and other such natural disasters in the state; but even day-to-day, residents of Florida suffer through sometimes intolerable levels of humidity. Weather can greatly affect the integrity of historical buildings and sites, especially when these sites are exposed to the elements for an extended period of time.

The city of West Palm Beach alone has thirty-seven historical sites and about sixteen historical districts. Over the last several years, West Palm Beach residents and officials have begun to fight to restore and preserve these historic locations. This would be an extreme challenge due to the fact that Florida has such extreme weather throughout the year. There are many things that must be known and considered in order to restore and preserve any landmark.

Inspect the building/ location
Research the building/ location
Learn about the previous owners and the history of the building/ location
Determine if the building is part of an historic district or if it has been designated a historical building/ structure.

This will help determine if you need approval to change the appearance of the property in any way.

Once the aforementioned list has been completed, the location is ready for restoration and preservation. One key thing to remember is that the building should be restored back to its previous original purpose and any original features should remain. Also, keep in mind that any structures are a result of the time period they originated from. Preservation is all about protecting and cherishing the heritage and history.

The Necessity

Extreme weather patterns have a way of affecting, mostly negatively, the integrity of old buildings. The humidity alone can contribute to water damage and mildew growth. In order to properly restore historic sites, one must take on the challenge of battling the water damage in West Palm Beach. The reason why this is a necessity is that water damage can have many underlying effects, especially when a location suffers from these damages repeatedly and they are not addressed. Problems such as compromised structural integrity, mildew, stench, and warped appearance are only a few that result from water damage. Restoring and preserving these wonderful historical sites is very difficult, and even more rewarding.

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Before You Go: Prepare Yourself for the Parisian Kitchen

Dzhingarov — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:00:03 +0000

There are many differences between France and the US. When you go you have to be prepared to stand out. It’s pretty difficult to blend in on the street, especially if you don’t know French.

But standing out on the street is nothing compared to the challenges that await you in the kitchen of your rental flat in Paris.

Where Is All My Space?

This is the first obstacle you will face. Kitchens in Paris rental flats are tiny. Really tiny. The space is even proportionally smaller than a kitchen in a similarly-sized apartment in New York. There are complex reasons for this that we’ll get to later.

Counter space is limited. Cabinet space is often crammed in overhead because it’s limited underneath by, yes, a washing machine. Because of the expense the number of pipes and drains was limited to basically the kitchen and the bathroom. The washing machine would have to be in one of these two areas, and, obviously, the kitchen is the better choice. Later it became normal and expected so it’s present in even newer buildings. If you have a dryer, it’s in the kitchen, too.

So be prepared to work in a small space.

Is That Tiny Thing My Refrigerator?

Yes it is. Don’t look around for a separate unit somewhere. You get just one tiny fridge, and that’s it. But don’t worry about it. You can handle it if you make a few simple changes:

Get used to cooking fresh—it’s part of the reason why Europeans tend to be healthier than Americans, and you’ll love it
Get friendly with your local market—it’s part of the Paris experience to drop in on your local market almost daily to pick up ingredients to cook tonight
Store foods differently—Parisians often store fresh herbs on their balconies and cheese on their counters. If it’s used in a reasonable time frame, cheese stores well this way.

Follow these tips and you’ll be surprised at how well you get along with a very small refrigerator.

How Many Grams in a Cup of Comté?

If you are planning on trying to cook American recipes in Paris, you might want to pack your measuring cups. In France and other European countries, many recipes are written in weights rather than in volumes like in the US. If you’re lucky, your kitchen will have a scale. If not, you’ll have to buy one. But don’t expect to find the measuring cups you’re used to. Even if you do find some, they’ll be metric.

Why the Differences?

The home is the physical embodiment of culture. People design physical spaces not just around their utility, but around perceptions of their utility. In France, cooking in the home has traditionally been regarded as an undignified necessity, which is why the kitchen was often designed as a small, separate space that excludes guests.

In the US, people are proud of cooking, part of our general perception that labor is ennobling. Of course, this extends more to the ostentatious preparation of a space in which one could cook but rarely does. The result is that the kitchens are typically made into inviting spaces—think how many parties you’ve been to where you spent a great deal of time in the kitchen.

In Paris, if you want to avoid offense, don’t barge into your host’s kitchen or offer to help preparation or clean-up, even if you can fit.

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The Best That Europe Has to Offer

Dzhingarov — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 07:00:10 +0000

If you are planning a visit to Europe in the coming months and you’ve never been before, you will no doubt be getting rather excited about your first experience of this wonderful continent. The region is diverse, historic and utterly fascinating, so you are in for an unforgettable odyssey. For those who have yet to experience the best the Europeans have to offer, here’s a quick guide to some of the finest aspects of it.

The best golf

There will be many purists who point to the east coast of Scotland when discussing the finest golf courses, but there are plenty more who feel the unpredictable weather conditions can detract from the enjoyment. For a great many experts, Portugal is regarded as the ultimate golfing location. The courses are undulating, spectacular and utterly beautiful, and the sun and blue skies are ready to welcome you throughout most of the year.

The best welcome

A number of European countries, especially those with a stake in the tourist industry, are proud to boast of the friendliness of the locals, but the Republic of Ireland has the strongest claim of all. This wonderful nation is home to a vast number of bars and clubs that are rightly known for the warmth of their welcomes, and there are many tourists who have visited for a short break and made lifelong friends in the process.

The best food Spain, Italy and Germany all have their own distinctive cuisines featuring a number of tempting dishes, but surely no country in Europe – or in the whole world – can match what France has. From the tiniest villages to the centre of Paris itself, a meal is regarded as something that’s almost sacred, and as such every ingredient has to be perfect. The true taste of France should be savoured by every traveller.

The best sightseeing

Trafalgar Square in London, England. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

City break holidays are understandably popular in Europe, and the most impressive destination is surely London. The majestic capital of the UK offers a fascinating blend of ancient and modern, and it’s often the case that a short holiday leaves nowhere near enough time to see everything. If you plan to visit, be sure to include the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and the London Eye on your itinerary.

The best beach The countries of southern Europe entertain millions of tourists every year, each of them attracted by the wonderful climate and the impressive beaches. Although it’s difficult to single out just one, there is a consensus among many that Oludeniz in Turkey is perhaps the finest. The stunning turquoise waters of this wonderful resort, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet, provide the perfect backdrop to an afternoon of sunbathing.

Author:David Showell -Follow him on Google+.

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Winter Orangeries

Dzhingarov — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 15:08:57 +0000

With the recent heavy snowfall and the promises of continued cold weather you might not be thinking that this is the time to be buying an orangery or a conservatory, but you could be very wrong. Perhaps you should be leaning more toward an orangery than a conservatory if you are looking to extend your home, orangeries are less glass and more stone or wood building like an actual extension, so they become a part of your home easier and they can be much easier to insulate, so you don’t have to worry about the cold weather at all.

Besides the fact it will make your room larger without you needing to sacrifice any of your warmth or comfort you may be wondering whether you actually should be purchasing an orangery at this time of year; let’s say you get it and the snow continues – the snow is beautiful and white and makes your entire garden look like something in a dream. It would be nice to ensure those sorts of surroundings without having to wrap up in several of your warmest and fuzziest jackets and throwing yourself out into the wind; it just isn’t as enjoyable. However in a cosy glass room that allows you to immerse yourself in the surroundings without any of the bad points included, name one reason not to buy it.

Getting an orangery in winter (particularly later winter or earlier spring) means that you have several months to use the room how you want, decorate it and make it feel like yours before the summer hits. You basically give yourself a good few months to prepare your nice summer room where you will no doubt be looking to enjoy the summer views and the appearance of your garden in full bloom. With a set of table and chairs this could be the most peaceful and comfortable feeling dining room you’ve ever had the chance to eat in. It also makes a perfect breakfast room, given that the time of the sun rising this time of year matches the approximate time of the majority of couples and families getting up and eating breakfast.

With the use of UPVC and double glazing your fears about heat loss are truly misguided, the fact of the matter is that your orangery could end up becoming the most heat efficient room of your house, turn it into a study or a TV room and you might find yourself spending a lot of time there, saving you on the cost of heating the rest of the house. It makes a fantastic study in the winter, with the snowfall providing a peaceful backdrop on your activities and presenting a much more relaxed feel. In fact it is shown that those who spend time in a conservatory or orangery every day are less stressed and calm down faster, which could have a great impact on your work.

As if further reasons to install an orangery this winter were needed it will also add to the value of your home, should you ever decide to rent or sell your home. You could think of it as an investment, albeit a very enjoyable one.

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