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Don’t tell anyone, but one of today’s jobs is to get Carol’s presents wrapped and tagged. The pile of assorted boxes in the ‘home-office’ has grown to the point where I need to get them wrapped and secreted away before it’s too late! It’s not that she’d ever peek, it just keeps everything ‘task-wise’ moving in the right direction.
Another task, weather permitting of course, is topping up the coolant in Carol’s car and the screen wash in both cars. Neither job should take longer than a few minutes, but like many of these insignificant jobs, they’re at least getting ‘ticked off’ thanks to some much needed attention due to the lockdown. Again, weather permitting, I may even fire up the Hoover and give them both a mini valet.
Keeping a tidy car has a back-story. I once worked with an ex-Army Captain who had the most immaculate car boot I’d ever seen. We were heading off to a client meeting and he opened the boot of his car to put our cases in. Inside the boot was; 1 x sleeping bag, tightly rolled. 1 x overnight bag, 1 x pair of shoes. That was it. The boot carpet was ‘eat your dinner off’ clean.
His home office was a similar story. The hall cupboard, aside from hanging his jacket on a hanger, revealed half a dozen neatly polished shoes. His business was completely ‘paperless’ and ran from a laptop that he ‘docked’ at home or at his office. To this day, I’ve never seen such an efficient use of technology. This was circa 2001 too, so well ahead of the curve.
Whilst I’ll never reach the organisational level of the Captain, I do at least do my level best to keep on top of things. Heading out on photographic projects calls for a Captain-like attention to detail. In essence, everything needs a contingency. All the kit needs to be in order, with back-ups and everything with a battery needs to be fully charged. And so, nearly twenty years on, secret mission or not, I ask myself if what I’m doing would pass the ‘tidy boot test’.
So, there we have it. It’s secret mission time. Carol installed in the lounge with her Kindle. Kettle on-check, wrapping paper-check, sellotape-check, gift-tags-check, pen-check, boxes ready for wrapping-check. Hopefully, if it all goes to plan I’ll get the task completed and only you, me and the judge will know about it! Remember, you haven’t seen me right!?
TTFN
What's in Your Geocaching Bag? Basic Essentials...
Contents:
Nikon S50,
Garmin 60Csx,
iPod Nano (Paperless Geocaching: GC details downloaded to "Notes" on iPod) in Umbra Bungee Holder,
Bigfoot Travel Bug,
Moleskine Grid Reporter Notebook,
Swiss Army Knife,
Altoids Gum,
Shortened Bic,
Mini Sharpie,
Pencil,
Camo Duct Tape,
Maglite Converted to push button LED,
Geocaching Lanyard,
Homemade CITO Film Can w/ Grocery Bag,
Waterproof Battery Container 8 AA,
Waterproof Battery Container 8 AA Rechargeable,
Wallet
Cell Phone
Keys
Dakine Digi Camo Small Backpack
Not Pictured: Swag Bag, Mini First Aid Kit, and Carmex or Chapstick.
Check out this adorable 10 yr old girl singing Adele! [Gone viral].
I can see Michelle playing this song on the piano. Just need to take Samantha to singing school and
I need to learn to play the guitar!! I'm too old to learn any new tricks! LOL!
MUST LISTEN: Los Vazquez Sounds - Rolling In The Deep (Adele's song)
We could have had it all
We could have had it all
It all, it all, it all, it all
[ Yeah, we went paperless! hehe! Yay, iPad 2! I'm sooooo freaking broke right now! LOL! ]
Kathy Toth || Toronto Graffiti Archive || Instagram
Hilroy was an institution for anyone who grew up here and used their paper products. It wasn't really killed by digital technologies, rather it was sold, resold and passed along until the products ended up coming from the US and India, like everything else.
www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/how-this-canadian-born...
In July, 1918, a Torontonian named Roy Hill took a gamble.
He borrowed $432 from a life insurance policy and $1500 from his parents – who took out a second mortgage on their home to do it – to start his own business:
He called it the Canadian Pad and Paper Company.
Hill worked 16-hour days out of his Wellington Street office in downtown Toronto. He was the company's manager, salesman, shipper and paper cutter - and did it all using rented equipment.
In the evenings his wife would streetcar to the factory to help package the shipments.
Within two years, the Canadian Pad and Paper Company outgrew its offices and moved to a larger space nearby.
Slowly but surely, Hill's gamble paid off. The business was thriving. Hill's cardboard-covered notebooks could be found in schools everywhere.
Following the purchase of another envelope company in 1958, Roy Hill changed the name of the company to Hilroy Envelopes and Stationary Limited.
The business moved yet again to - appropriately - an elementary school-looking building on Eglington West.
Roy Hill - who remained chairman of the board well into old age - passed away in 1978, leaving behind a Canadian legacy.
Hilroy's primary-coloured exercise books have been a staple in Canadian classrooms for the better part of a century.
And here's the remarkable thing: The brand still produces 14 million of those notebooks a year - making it the largest stationary company in the country.
It takes just 45 seconds to make a Hilroy notebook. But it takes years to build an iconic brand.
It's amazing that a paper company can not only survive, but still thrive in a paperless era.
Caledonia & Castlefield, Toronto : nationalpost.com/news/a-paper-pushers-portrait
C-FKKR
Fairchild SA-226TC Metro II
Carson Air
Built 1979
C/N TC-308
De-registered in Jun 2017, reg is now on a C310. Been here since at least summer 2015 as a ground instructional airframe.
Started life with Gem State Airlines as N106GS, re-named Golden State Airlines, then on to Resort Air, Air Littoral as F-GFIX, Eagle Aviation France as 5Y-CNT. To the US with various leassors ending up with Air Cargo Masters as N91452 and N300GL. Joined Carson in May 2008 and I spotted at YVR on regular bag runs (which now seem to be a thing of the past as banks in particular go more paperless and cheques die a death)..
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN BY HORSE 1 DAY
The rainbow mountain trek – Peru’s incredible natural and artificial wonders provide travelers with unparalleled adventures and unforgettable emotional moments. This hike allows you to experience mountain peaks over 5,000 meters/16,732 feet! You will pass through a deep green valley throughout the journey, with the impressive Ausangate mountain rising in the distance. Depending on your speed and fitness level, the hike to the painted mountains in Peru usually takes about 2 hours. A rainbow mountain day hike is the best way to reach this popular attraction. These beautiful colors are the product of natural minerals. The biggest highlight of the trip to Peru is hiking to see the incredible rainbow walk Peru. Come and join us!
Why choose Kondor Path Team?
Highly recommended on TripAdvisor
Unique, off-the-beaten-track routes
100% run by Kondor Path Tours
Verified sustainability practices
Take your time to take pictures
Handpicked Trips & Activities
Fun, freedom, and flexibility
Make stops at your will
Small groups
The KP team provides a paperless electronic receipt
Recommended guides, knowledgeable & experienced
Rainbow Mountain Trek Overview; full-day by Cusipata road
Is this trip right for me? AT A GLANCE
Llactoq “beginning of the Vinicunca mountain Peru.“
The best itinerary.
DOOR TO DOOR PICK-UP AND RETURN: Hotel in Cusco or other areas near the sacred valley.
Departing time from Cusco: at 7:00 “we can also start at 09:00 to avoid the crowds and visit in the afternoon.”
Travel distance: CUSCO – Cusipata – Llactoq 3 hours.
The painted hills of Vinicunca duration: This hiking takes 70 minutes.
The Starting Point of the Rainbow mountain hike Peru: Llaqtoc 4,900 m/16,076 feet.
Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles – same return mileage.
Elevation of the Rainbow mountain Peru pass: 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet.
Rainbow Mountain day hike difficulty: Challenging!
We return to Cusco between 16:30 and 17:00.
Highlights
Why you will love this experience
Hike to the summit of Cusipata painted hill with a Kondor guide.
Experience a remote and beautiful area of Rainbow mountain Peru in a short time.
Enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of the Andes and the mountain of Ausangate.
Drive through the countryside of Cusco – Peru, far from the beaten path.
AV. Túpac Amaru O-3 Urb. San Borja, Wanchaq Cusco
Tel: +51 84 594 066 (to Peru)
Patricia Delgado:+51 965 439 525 (Spanish)
Kondor Path:+51 991 391 255 (English)
Locate Us on Map
We are Now open 24/7, 365 days a year!
This stapler is one of the items that I use. Less and less by the way because of the drive towards that famous paperless office. I used an off-camera flash, triggered by a wireless radio trigger, at camera right. The stapler was placed in a mini studio
The Nood sofabed can go into a bunch of different configurations. Great for staring contests.
Blog post: www.documentsnap.com/my-paperless-office-workspace/
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN BY HORSE 1 DAY
The rainbow mountain trek – Peru’s incredible natural and artificial wonders provide travelers with unparalleled adventures and unforgettable emotional moments. This hike allows you to experience mountain peaks over 5,000 meters/16,732 feet! You will pass through a deep green valley throughout the journey, with the impressive Ausangate mountain rising in the distance. Depending on your speed and fitness level, the hike to the painted mountains in Peru usually takes about 2 hours. A rainbow mountain day hike is the best way to reach this popular attraction. These beautiful colors are the product of natural minerals. The biggest highlight of the trip to Peru is hiking to see the incredible rainbow walk Peru. Come and join us!
Why choose Kondor Path Team?
Highly recommended on TripAdvisor
Unique, off-the-beaten-track routes
100% run by Kondor Path Tours
Verified sustainability practices
Take your time to take pictures
Handpicked Trips & Activities
Fun, freedom, and flexibility
Make stops at your will
Small groups
The KP team provides a paperless electronic receipt
Recommended guides, knowledgeable & experienced
Rainbow Mountain Trek Overview; full-day by Cusipata road
Is this trip right for me? AT A GLANCE
Llactoq “beginning of the Vinicunca mountain Peru.“
The best itinerary.
DOOR TO DOOR PICK-UP AND RETURN: Hotel in Cusco or other areas near the sacred valley.
Departing time from Cusco: at 7:00 “we can also start at 09:00 to avoid the crowds and visit in the afternoon.”
Travel distance: CUSCO – Cusipata – Llactoq 3 hours.
The painted hills of Vinicunca duration: This hiking takes 70 minutes.
The Starting Point of the Rainbow mountain hike Peru: Llaqtoc 4,900 m/16,076 feet.
Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles – same return mileage.
Elevation of the Rainbow mountain Peru pass: 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet.
Rainbow Mountain day hike difficulty: Challenging!
We return to Cusco between 16:30 and 17:00.
Highlights
Why you will love this experience
Hike to the summit of Cusipata painted hill with a Kondor guide.
Experience a remote and beautiful area of Rainbow mountain Peru in a short time.
Enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of the Andes and the mountain of Ausangate.
Drive through the countryside of Cusco – Peru, far from the beaten path.
AV. Túpac Amaru O-3 Urb. San Borja, Wanchaq Cusco
Tel: +51 84 594 066 (to Peru)
Patricia Delgado:+51 965 439 525 (Spanish)
Kondor Path:+51 991 391 255 (English)
Locate Us on Map
We are Now open 24/7, 365 days a year!
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN BY HORSE 1 DAY
The rainbow mountain trek – Peru’s incredible natural and artificial wonders provide travelers with unparalleled adventures and unforgettable emotional moments. This hike allows you to experience mountain peaks over 5,000 meters/16,732 feet! You will pass through a deep green valley throughout the journey, with the impressive Ausangate mountain rising in the distance. Depending on your speed and fitness level, the hike to the painted mountains in Peru usually takes about 2 hours. A rainbow mountain day hike is the best way to reach this popular attraction. These beautiful colors are the product of natural minerals. The biggest highlight of the trip to Peru is hiking to see the incredible rainbow walk Peru. Come and join us!
Why choose Kondor Path Team?
Highly recommended on TripAdvisor
Unique, off-the-beaten-track routes
100% run by Kondor Path Tours
Verified sustainability practices
Take your time to take pictures
Handpicked Trips & Activities
Fun, freedom, and flexibility
Make stops at your will
Small groups
The KP team provides a paperless electronic receipt
Recommended guides, knowledgeable & experienced
Rainbow Mountain Trek Overview; full-day by Cusipata road
Is this trip right for me? AT A GLANCE
Llactoq “beginning of the Vinicunca mountain Peru.“
The best itinerary.
DOOR TO DOOR PICK-UP AND RETURN: Hotel in Cusco or other areas near the sacred valley.
Departing time from Cusco: at 7:00 “we can also start at 09:00 to avoid the crowds and visit in the afternoon.”
Travel distance: CUSCO – Cusipata – Llactoq 3 hours.
The painted hills of Vinicunca duration: This hiking takes 70 minutes.
The Starting Point of the Rainbow mountain hike Peru: Llaqtoc 4,900 m/16,076 feet.
Distance: 7 km/ 4.3 miles – same return mileage.
Elevation of the Rainbow mountain Peru pass: 5,100 meters / 16,732 feet.
Rainbow Mountain day hike difficulty: Challenging!
We return to Cusco between 16:30 and 17:00.
Highlights
Why you will love this experience
Hike to the summit of Cusipata painted hill with a Kondor guide.
Experience a remote and beautiful area of Rainbow mountain Peru in a short time.
Enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of the Andes and the mountain of Ausangate.
Drive through the countryside of Cusco – Peru, far from the beaten path.
AV. Túpac Amaru O-3 Urb. San Borja, Wanchaq Cusco
Tel: +51 84 594 066 (to Peru)
Patricia Delgado:+51 965 439 525 (Spanish)
Kondor Path:+51 991 391 255 (English)
Locate Us on Map
We are Now open 24/7, 365 days a year!
At a time when it seems that everyone has a smartphone, it's good to see there is still a market for news on paper.
There is something about having the paper in-hand, and the pictures real big. Because of this, I don't see things going paperless news anytime soon.
I was intrigued by this moment in time because of how the body language of this man makes a nice documentary portrait.
Kathy Toth || Toronto Graffiti Archive || Instagram
Hilroy was an institution for anyone who grew up here and used their paper products, binder paper, notebooks, folders, etc. It wasn't really killed by digital technologies, rather it was sold, resold and passed along until the products ended up coming from the US and India, like everything else.
www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/how-this-canadian-born...
In July, 1918, a Torontonian named Roy Hill took a gamble.
He borrowed $432 from a life insurance policy and $1500 from his parents – who took out a second mortgage on their home to do it – to start his own business:
He called it the Canadian Pad and Paper Company.
Hill worked 16-hour days out of his Wellington Street office in downtown Toronto. He was the company's manager, salesman, shipper and paper cutter - and did it all using rented equipment.
In the evenings his wife would streetcar to the factory to help package the shipments.
Within two years, the Canadian Pad and Paper Company outgrew its offices and moved to a larger space nearby.
Slowly but surely, Hill's gamble paid off. Business was thriving. Hill's cardboard-covered notebooks could be found in schools everywhere.
Following the purchase of another envelope company in 1958, Roy Hill changed the name of the company to Hilroy Envelopes and Stationary Limited.
The business moved yet again to - appropriately - an elementary school-looking building on Eglington West.
Roy Hill - who remained chairman of the board well into old age - passed away in 1978, leaving behind a Canadian legacy.
Hilroy's primary-coloured exercise books have been a staple in Canadian classrooms for the better part of a century.
And here's the remarkable thing: The brand still produces 14 million of those notebooks a year - making it the largest stationary company in the country.
It takes just 45 seconds to make a Hilroy notebook. But it takes years to build an iconic brand.
It's amazing that a paper company can not only survive, but still thrive in a paperless era.
Caledonia & Castlefield, Toronto : nationalpost.com/news/a-paper-pushers-portrait
© yohanes.budiyanto, 2014
PRELUDE
The 1st of August, 2014 was such an historic day as the world finally welcomed the birth of the first in line to the Parisian throne after a painstaking and extraordinary "labor" process that took four years in creation, and almost a decade in the making. I was not talking about a French rival to baby George, but instead a newborn that has sent shivers down the spines of Paris' oldest and current Kings and Grand Dames from the day it was conceived. Yes, I was referring to The Peninsula Paris, the youngest sister to the legendary Peninsula Hong Kong (circa 1928).
Ever since the project was announced to the public four years ago, it has been on my top list of the most eagerly awaited hotel openings of the decade. So when the hotel announced 1st of August as an opening date back in March, I immediately issued my First Class return tickets to the City of Light, risking the usual opening delay. A man of his word, Peninsula Paris finally opened as scheduled.
HISTORY
The Peninsula brand needs no introduction, as it is synonymous with quality, technology, innovation, craftsmanship and sophistication, -much like a slogan for French top brands and their savoir faire. Despite having only 10 current properties worldwide in its portfolio (Paris is its tenth), each Peninsula hotel is a market leader in each respective cities, and consistently tops the chart in many bonafide travel publications and reigns supreme as the world's best, especially elder sisters in Hong Kong and Bangkok. The Peninsula model is different from other rival hotel groups, which usually expand aggressively through both franchise and managed models worldwide. Instead, the Peninsula focuses on acquiring majority to sole ownership on all its properties to ensure control on quality (Hong Kong, New York, Chicago and Tokyo are 100% owned; Bangkok, Beijing and Manila are over 75%; Shanghai is 50%, while Beverly Hills and Paris are the only two with only 20% ownership).
The history of the Peninsula Paris could be traced back to a modest villa aptly called Hotel Basilevski on the plot of land at 19 Avenue Kleber back in 1864, -named after its Russian diplomat owner, Alexander Petrovich Basilevski, which caught the attention of hotelier Leonard Tauber for his prospective hotel project. The Versailles-styled property was partly a museum housing Basilevski's vast and impressive collection of 19th century medieval and Renaissance art, which eventually was acquired by Alexander III, -a Russian Tsar, at the sums of six millions francs. These collections were later transported to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and formed the base collection for the newly established Department of Medieval and Renaissance Art. After Basilevski sold the villa and moved to a more palatial residence at Avenue du Trocadero, the property was then acquired and rebranded the Palais de Castille as the residence of the exiled Queen Isabella II of Spain in 1868, who seeked refuge and continued to live there until 1904. Upon her death, the property was later demolished in 1906 to make way for the Majestic hotel, which finally opened in 1908 with much satisfaction of Leonard Tauber, who has eyed the premise from the very beginning.
The Majestic Hotel was exquisitely designed in the Beaux-Art style as a grand hotel by prominent architect of that time, Armand Sibien. Together with The Ritz (circa 1898), the two became the most preferred places to stay and entertain in Paris of the time. The Majestic has attracted the well-heeled crowd, and hosted many high profile events, most notably for a particular dinner hosted by rich British couple Sydney and Violet Schiff on 18 May 1922 as the after party of Igor Stravinsky's 'Le Renard' ballet premiere, and the hotel becomes an instant legend. The guests list were impressive: Igor Stravinsky himself, Pablo Picasso, Sergei Diaghilev, and two of the 20th century most legendary writers: James Joyce and Marcel Proust, who met for the first and only time before Proust's death six months later. Since then, the Majestic continued to draw high profile guests, including George Gershwin on 25 March 1928, where he composed "An American in Paris" during the stay.
If the walls could talk, the Majestic has plenty of stories to tell. It was once converted into a hospital during the infamy in 1914, and the British took residency at the hotel during the Paris Peace Conference back in 1919. The hotel was then acquired by the French State in 1936 as the offices of the Ministry of Defence; and later had a stint as the German Military High Command in France between October 1940 to July 1944 during the World War II. Post war, it then became the temporary home for UNESCO from 16 September 1946 until 1958. More than a decade after, the Paris Peace talks was opened by Henry Kissinger in one of its spectacular Ballrooms in 1969 with the Northern Vietnamese. Four years later, the Paris Peace Accord was finally signed at the oak paneled-room next to the Ballroom on 27 January 1973, which ended the Vietnam War. This triumphant event has also led to another victorious event when Henry Kissinger won the Nobel Peace Prize that same year.
The hotel continued to serve as the International Conference Center of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs until it was up for sale by the government in 2008 as part of the cost cutting program to the Qatari Diar, -which later transferred its ownership to Katara Hospitality, for a staggering USD 460 million. An excess of USD 600 million was further spent on the massive rebuilding and refurbishment not only to restore the hotel to its former glory, but also to transform it into a Peninsula with the highest standard.
The epic restoration work was led by prominent French architect, Richard Martinet, who has also previously work with the restoration of Prince Roland Bonaparte's former mansion into the Shangri-La Paris and also the Four Seasons George V; and involved teams of France's leading craftsmen; heritage designers and organisations; stonemasons from historic monument specialist; master glass crafters; crystal manufacturer; wood, moulding and gilder restoration experts, -many of whom are third generation, and have carried out high profile projects such as the Palace of Versailles, Louvre Museum, the dome of Les Invalides, the Grand and Petit Palais, and even the flame of the Statue of Liberty in New York. The result is truly breathtaking, and it was certainly money well spent to revive and recreate one of the nation's most treasured landmark. One of my favorite places within the hotel is the Main Lobby at Avenue des Portugais where the grand hall is adorned with a spectacular chandelier installation comprising 800 pieces of glass leaves inspired by the plane trees along Avenue Kleber. The work of Spain's most influential artist since Gaudi, Xavier Corbero, could also be found nearby in the form of a beautiful sculpture called Moon River.
Katara Hospitality owns 80% of The Peninsula Paris, and already has a spectacular portfolio ownership consisting some of the world's finest hotels, including The Raffles Singapore, Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris, Ritz-Carlton Doha, Schweizerhof Bern, and most recently, 5 of the InterContinental Hotel's European flagships, including Amstel in Amsterdam, Carlton in Cannes, De la Ville in Rome, Madrid and Frankfurt. It is interesting to note that Adrian Zecha, founder of the extraordinary Amanresorts chain is a member of the Board of Directors at Katara since September 2011, lending his immense hospitality expertise to the group.
At over USD 1 billion cost, the Pen Paris project is easily the most expensive to ever being built, considering it has only 200 rooms over 6 storeys. As a comparison, the cost of building the 101 storey, 494m high Shanghai World Financial Center (where the Park Hyatt Shanghai resides) is USD 1.2 billion; whereas Burj Khalifa, the current tallest building on earth at 163 storey and 828m, costed a 'modest' USD 1.5 billion to build. The numbers are truly mind boggling, and The Peninsula Paris is truly an extraordinary project. It might took the Majestic Hotel two years to build; but it took four years just to restore and reincarnate it into a Peninsula.
HOTEL OPENING
On a pleasant afternoon of 1 August 2014, the hotel finally opened its door to a crowd of distinguished guests, international journalists, first hotel guests and local crowds who partake to witness the inauguration and rebirth of a Parisian legend and grande dame (Many A-list celebrities and even Head of State flocked to the hotel to witness its sheer beauty). It was an historic day not just for Paris, but also for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group as it marks their arrival in Europe with its first ever Peninsula, while the second is already on the pipeline with the future opening of The Peninsula London, located just behind The Lanesborough at Knightsbridge.
The eagerly-awaited opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of Katara Hospitality, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani; CEO of Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited (HSH), Clement Kwok; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Laurent Fabius; General Manager of the Peninsula Paris, Nicolas Béliard; and the event kicked off with an opening speech by the famous French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad, Madame Fleur Pellerin, who clearly stole the show with her public persona. A ribbon cutting and spectacular lion dance show concluded the event, which drew quite a spectacle on Avenue des Portugais as it brought a unique display of Asian heritage to the heart of cosmopolitan Paris.
LOCATION
The Peninsula Paris stands majestically at the tree-lined Avenue Kléber, just off the Arc de Triomphe. Personally, this is an ideal location in Paris as it is a stone's throw away from all the happenings at the Champs-Élysées, but is set away from its hustle and bustle, which is constantly a tourist trap day and night. Once you walk pass the leafy Avenue Kléber, the atmosphere is very different: peaceful and safe. The Kléber Metro station is just a few steps away from the hotel, providing guests a convenient access to further parts of town.
Champs-Élysées is the center of Parisian universe, and it is just a short and pleasant stroll away from the hotel, where some of the city's most legendary commercial and cultural institutions reside. For a start, Drugstore Publicis at the corner by the roundabout has been a legendary hang-out since the 1960s, and is my ultimate favourite place in town. The Post Modern edifice by architect Michele Saee (renovated in 2004) houses almost everything: a Cinema; side walk Brasserie & Steak House; Newsagency; Bookshop (you can find Travel publications and even the Michelin Guide); upscale Gift shop and Beauty corner (even Acqua di Parma is on sale here); Pharmacy (whose pharmacist thankfully speaks English and gladly advises you on your symptoms); upscale deli (stocking pretty much everything from Foie gras burger on the counter, to fine wines & cigar cellar; to Pierre Herme & Pierre Marcolini chocolates; Dalloyau bakery; Marriage Freres tea; and even the Petrossian Caviar!). Best of all, it features a 2 Michelin star L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Etoile on its basement; and the store is even opened on Sunday until 2am. It is a one stop shopping, eating and entertainment, showcasing the best of France.
Further down the road, Maison Louis Vuitton stands majestically on its own entire 7 storey building, which was opened in 2005 as one of the biggest flagship stores in the world, covering a total area of 1,800m2. Designed by Eric Carlson and Peter Marino, the entire store is an architectural marvel and the temple of luxury, elegance and sophistication. This is one of the very few stores to open in Sunday as the French Labour Unions prohibits commercial stores to open on Sunday, unless if it involves cultural, recreational and sporting aspect. Initially, Maison LV was ordered by the court to close on Sunday, but LVMH finally wins an appeal in 2007 on the grounds of cultural experience; and the store has continued to draw endless queue on Sunday.
A block away from Maison LV is the legendary Parisian Tea Room of Ladurée, which was founded in 1862 by Louis Ernest Ladurée on its original store at 16 Rue Royal as a bakery. The Champs-Élysées store was opened in 1997 and has since attracted an endless queue of tourists and locals who wish to savour its legendary Macarons and pastries. The Ladurée phenomenon and popularity could only be rivaled by fellow Frenchmen Pierre Hermé, who has also attracted a cult of loyal fans worldwide. It may not have a flagship store at Champs-Élysées, but one could easily stop by Drugstore Publicis for a quick purchase to ease the craving.
For those looking for upscale boutiques, Avenue Montaigne located just nearby on a perpendicular, and features the flagship presence of the world's finest luxury fashion labels: Armani, Bottega Veneta, Valention, Prada, Dior, Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Fendi and Salvatore Ferragamo to name a few. For the ultimate in shopping extravaganza, head down to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré where all money will (hopefully) be well spent.
Champs-Élysées is the most famous and expensive boulevard in the world, yet it has everything for everyone; and myriad of crowds flocking its grand boulevards for a pleasant stroll. It has no shortage of luxury stores, but it also offers mainstream stores for the general public, from Levi's to Zara and Lacoste; to McDonalds and Starbucks; and FNAC store (French answer to HMV).
In terms of fine dining experience, the areas around Champs-Élysées has plenty to offer. I have mentioned about the 2 Michelin L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Etoile at the Drugstore Publicis, which was excellent. Robuchon never disappoints as it consistently serves amazing French cuisine amidst its signature red and black interior everywhere I visited, including Tokyo (3 Michelin), Hong Kong (3 Michelin), Paris (2 Michelin) and Taipei.
During my stay, I also managed to sample the finest cuisine from the kitchens of two, 3-Michelin Paris institutions: Pierre Gagnaire at Rue Balzac, just off Champs-Élysées; and Epicure at Le Bristol by Chef Eric Frechon on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which was undoubtedly the best and most memorable dining experiences I have ever had in Paris to date. It is certainly the gastronomic highlight of this trip.
Other 3 Michelin establishment, such as Ledoyen is also located nearby at an 18th century pavilion by the Gardens of Champs-Élysées by newly appointed famous French Chef Yannick Alléno, who previously also resided at the Le Meurice with 3 Michelin, until Alain Ducasse took over last year during the Plaza Athénée closure for expansion.
August is a time of misery for international visitors to Paris as most fine dining restaurants are closed for the summer holiday. When choices are limited, foodies could rely on Epicure and Robuchon, which are opened all year round; and also the 2 Michelin star Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V. Although its food could not compete with Robuchon, Epicure and Gagnaire, guests could still enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
ROOMS:
On my visit to Paris last year, I was not too impressed with my stay at the Four Seasons George V, as everything seemed to be pretty basic: the room design; the in-room tech and amenities; and even the much lauded service. It simply does not justify the hefty price tag. The only thing stood out there were the ostentatious designer floral display at the lobby, which reportedly absorbed a six digit figure budget annually. When I saw them at the first time, this was what came to mind: guests are paying for these excessive flowers, whether you like it or not.
Fortunately, the Peninsula Paris skips all this expensive gimmick, and instead spends a fortune for guests to enjoy: advance room technology; a host of complimentary essential amenities, including internet access, non-alcoholic minibar, and even long distance phone calls. In fact, every single items inside the room has been well thought and designed for guest's ultimate comfort.
Ever since The Peninsula Bangkok opened in 1998 to much success, the group has used it as a template for its signature rooms for future sister hotels, which consists of an open plan, ultra-wide spacious room equivalent to a 2 bays suite, with 5-fixtures bathroom, and a separate Dressing Room, which soon becomes a Peninsula signature.
The Peninsula Tokyo followed this template when it opened in 2007 to rave reviews; and it was soon adopted as a model for Peninsula Shanghai, which later opened in 2009 as the flagship property in Mainland China. This layout is also being applied at The Peninsula Paris, albeit for its Suites categories, i.e. Junior Suite, which measure at an astonishing 50 - 60m2. The entry level Superior and Deluxe Rooms lack the signature layout with smaller size at 35 - 45m2, but they are already spacious for a Parisian standard; and each is equipped with Peninsula's signature technology.
Technology is indeed at the core of the Peninsula DNA, and no expense is spared in creating the world's most advance in-room technology. When other hotels try to cut costs and budgets on in-room technology with lame excuses, the Peninsula actually spends a fortune to innovate and set a new benchmark. In fact, it is probably the only hotel group to have its own Technology laboratory at a secret location deep inside Aberdeen, Hong Kong, where in-room tech is being developed and tested. It was here where innovative devices, such as the outside temperature indicator; my favourite Spa Button by the bathtub; or even the portable nail dryer for the ladies are invented. The Peninsula took the world by storm when it introduced the Samsung Galaxy tablet device at the Peninsula Hong Kong in 2012, which is programmed in 11 languages and virtually controls the entire room, including the lights, temperature, curtains, TV, radio, valet calls and Do Not Disturb sign. It even features touch screen Room Service Menu, hotel information, city guide, and a function to request room service and housekeeping items, thus creating an entirely paperless environment.
All these technological marvel are also being replicated at the Peninsula Paris, together with other 'standard' features, such as Nespresso Coffee Machine; flat-screen 3D LED television; LED touch screen wall panels; an iPod/iPad docking station; memory card reader; 4-in1 fax/scanner/printer/photocopier machine; DVD player; complimentary in-house HD movies; complimentary internet access and long distance calls through the VOIP platform. Even the room's exterior Parisian-styled canopy is electronically operated. All these technological offerings is so extremely complex, that it resulted in 2.5 km worth of cabling in each room alone.
Bathroom at the Junior Suite also features Peninsula's signature layout: a stand alone bathtub as the focal point, flanked by twin vanities and separate shower and WC compartments amidst acres of white marble. Probably the first in Paris, it features a Japanese Toilet complete with basic control panel, and a manual handheld bidet sprayer.
When all these add up to the stay, it actually brings a very good value to the otherwise high room rates. Better yet, the non-alcoholic Minibar is also complimentary, which is a first for a Peninsula hotel. The Four Seasons George V may choose to keep looking back to its antiquity past and annihilate most technological offerings to its most basic form, but the Pen always looks forward to the future and brings the utter convenience, all at your finger tip. The Peninsula rooms are undoubtedly the best designed, best equipped and most high-tech in the entire universe.
ROOM TO BOOK:
The 50 - 60m2 Junior Suite facing leafy Avenue Kléber is the best room type to book as it is an open-plan suite with Peninsula's signature bathroom and dressing room; and the ones located on the Premiere étage (first floor) have high ceilings and small balcony overlooking Kleber Terrace's iconic glass canopy. Personally, rooms facing the back street at Rue La Pérouse are the least preferred, but its top level rooms inside the Mansart Roof on level 5 have juliet windows that allow glimpse of the tip of Eiffel Tower despite being smaller in size due to its attic configuration. Superior Rooms also lack the signature Peninsula 5 fixtures bathroom configuration, so for the ultimate bathing experience, make sure to book at least from the Deluxe category.
If money is no object, book one of the five piece-de-resistance suites with their own private rooftop terrace and gardens on the top floor, which allow 360 degree panoramic views of Paris. Otherwise, the mid-tier Deluxe Suite is already a great choice with corner location, multiple windows and 85m2 of pure luxury.
DINING:
Looking back at the hotel's illustrious past, the Peninsula offers some of the most unique and memorable dining experiences in Paris, steep in history.
The area that once housed Igor Stravinksy's after party where James Joyce met Marcel Proust for the first time is now the hotel's Cantonese Restaurant, aptly called LiLi; and is led by Chef Chi Keung Tang, formerly of Peninsula Tokyo's One Michelin starred Hei Fung Terrace. Lili was actually modeled after Peninsula Shanghai's Yi Long Court, but the design here blends Chinese elements with Art Nouveau style that flourished in the late 1920s. It also boasts a world first: a spectacular 3x3.3m fiber optic installation at the entrance of the restaurant, depicting the imaginary portrait of LiLi herself. The Cantonese menu was surprisingly rather simple and basic, and features a selection of popular dim sum dishes. The best and most memorable Chinese restaurants I have ever experienced are actually those who masterfully fuse Chinese tradition with French ingredients: Jin Sha at the Four Seasons Hangzhou at Westlake; 2 Michelin Tin Lung Heen at Level 102 of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong; Jiang at Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou by Chef Fei; and Ya Ge at Mandarin Oriental Taipei. Ironically, the world's only 3 Michelin star Chinese restaurant, Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons Hong Kong failed to impress me.
The former Ballroom area where Henry Kissinger started the Paris Peace talks with the Vietnamese has now been transformed as The Lobby, which is a signature of every Peninsula hotels where the afternoon tea ritual takes place daily. The spectacular room with intricate details and crystal chandeliers has been meticulously restored, and is an ideal place to meet, see and be seen. Breakfast is served daily here, and guests could choose to have it either inside or outside at the adjoining al fresco La Terrasse Kléber, which connects all the F&B outlets on the ground floor, including Lili. Guests could choose from a Chinese set breakfast, which includes dim sum, fried vermicelli, and porridge with beef slices; or the Parisian set, which includes gourmet items such as Egg Benedict with generous slices of Jamon Iberico on top. The afternoon tea ritual is expected to be very popular as renowned Chef Pattissier Julien Alvarez, -who claimed the World Pastry Champion in 2009; and also the Spanish World Chocolate Master in 2007 at the tender age of 23, is at the helm; and the venue quickly booked out from the opening day.
Next to the Lobby is a small, intimate bar covered in exquisite oak panelling where Henry Kissinger signed the Paris Peace Accord back in 1973 that ended the Vietnam War. Kissinger politely declined the offer to have the Bar named after him, and instead it is simply called Le Bar Kléber.
On the top floor of the hotel lies the signature restaurant L'Oiseau Blanc, which is named after the French biplane that disappeared in 1927 in an attempt to make the first non-stop transatlantic flight between Paris and New York. A 75% replica of the plane has even been installed outside the main entrance of the restaurant with the Eiffel Tower on its background. The restaurant is divided into 3 distinct areas: a spectacular glass enclosed main dining room; a large outdoor terrace that runs the entire length of the hotel's roof; and an adjoining lively bar, all with breathtaking uninterrupted views of Paris' most identifiable landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur at the highest point of the city at Montmartre.
L'Oiseau Blanc is led by Chef Sidney Redel, a former protégé of Pierre Gagnaire, and serves contemporary French cuisine focussing on 'terroir' menu of locally sourced seasonal ingredients from the region. During my stay, tomato was the seasonal ingredients, and Chef Redel created four courses incorporating tomato, even on dessert. While the food was of high quality, personally the menu still needs fine tuning, considering the sort of clientele the Pen is aiming for: the ultra rich (Chinese), who usually seek top establishments with luxury ingredients, such as caviar, black truffle, foie gras, blue lobster, Jamon Iberico, Wagyu beef, Kurobuta pork and Challans chicken.
LEISURE:
The Peninsula Paris features one of the best health and recreational facilities in the city, housed within the basement of the hotel, and covers an expansive area of 1,800m2. For a comparison, rival Mandarin Oriental Spa covers a total area of only 900m2 over two floors. The Peninsula Spa is undoubtedly one of the nicest urban spa that I have been to, it easily beats the Spa at the Four Seasons George V. The pool is also one of the city's largest at 22m long, -compared to both the Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental at 15m; the George V at only 9m, which is more like a bigger jacuzzi. The only two other pools better than the Peninsula is the one designed by Phillippe Starck at the Le Royal Monceau at 28m; and the spectacular grand pool at the Ritz.
There is the usual 24 hours gym within two fitness spaces equipped with Technogym machines and free weights; and the locker rooms features steam, sauna, and experience shower room. There is a total of 8 treatment rooms within the Spa area, and the highlight is certainly the Relaxation Room, which is equipped with amazing day beds with specially placed deep cushions. The best part? the beds are electronically operated, much like a first class seat on a plane.
X-FACTOR:
The Peninsula signature technology; The Spa Button in the bathroom; VOIP technology for complimentary long distance calls; The top suites (Historic, Katara and Peninsula Suites); Xavier Corbero's Moon River sculpture at the Lobby; Lili; The Lobby and Bar where Henry Kissinger signed Paris Peace Accord; L'Oiseau Blanc Restaurant; The 1,800m2 Peninsula Spa; and the 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II.
SERVICE:
There are a total of 600 staffs for just 200 rooms, so the service level is expected to be high; but it is perhaps unfair to judge the service during the opening weeks when all staffs were not at their best due to the intense preparation leading to the opening event. Furthermore, teething problems are expected for a newly opened hotel as great hotels are not born overnight, but takes a good few years of refinement.
Nonetheless, I was actually quite impressed with the level of service during the whole stay, as the majority of the staffs showed great attitude and much enthusiasm, which is a testament of great intense training. As one of the first guests arriving on the opening day, check-in was truly delightful and memorable as a battalion of staffs of different ranks welcomed and wished the most pleasant stay. The mood could not have been more festive as moments later, the hotel was finally inaugurated.
I was also particularly impressed with the service at both LiLi and The Lobby where staffs performed at an exceptional level like a veteran. There are two distinct qualities that made a lot of difference during the stay: humility and friendliness, which is quite a challenge to find, not only in Paris and the entire Europe, but even in Asian cities, such as Hong Kong. It is like finding needles in a haystack. A genuine smile seems to be a rare commodity these days, so I was happy to see plenty of smiles at the Peninsula Paris during the stay, from the signature Peninsula Pageboys to waiters, Maître d, receptionists and even to Managers and Directors. In fact, there were more smiles in Paris than Hong Kong.
When I woken up too early for breakfast one day, the restaurant was just about to open; and there were hardly anyone. I realized that even the birds were probably still asleep, but I was extremely delighted to see how fresh looking and energetic the staffs were at the dining room. There was a lot of genuine smile that warmed the rather chilly morning; and it was a great start to the day. One of the staffs I met during the stay even candidly explained how they were happy just to be at work, and it does not feel like working at all, which was clearly shown in their passion and enthusiasm.
That said, the Shangri-La Paris by far is still my top pick for best service as it is more personalized and refined due to its more intimate scale. The Shangri-La Paris experience is also unique as guests are welcomed to a sit down registration by the historic lounge off the Lobby upon arrival, and choice of drinks are offered, before being escorted to the room for in-room check-in. Guests also receive a Pre-Arrival Form in advance, so the hotel could anticipate and best accommodate their needs. During the stay, I was also addressed by my last name everywhere within the hotel, so it was highly personalized. I did receive similar treatment at The Peninsula Paris, -albeit in a lesser extent due to its size; and even the housekeeping greeted me by my last name. Every requests, from room service to mineral water were all handled efficiently at a timely manner. At times, service could be rather slow at the restaurants (well, it happens almost everywhere in Paris), but this is part of the Parisian lifestyle where nothing is hurried; and bringing bills/checks upfront is considered rude. I did request the food servings to be expedited during a lunch at LiLi on the last day due to the time constraint; and the staffs managed to succeed the task not only ahead of the time limit, but also it never felt hurried all along. Everything ran as smooth as silk.
VERDICT:
It was a personal satisfaction to witness the history in the making during the opening day on 1 August 2014, as the Peninsula Paris is my most eagerly awaited hotel opening of the decade. It was also historic, as it was a first in my travel to dedicate a trip solely for a particular hotel in a particular city (in this case Paris, some 11,578km away from home), without staying at other fine hotels. It was money well spent, and a trip worth taking as it was an amazing stay; and certainly a lifetime experience.
The Peninsula Paris could not have arrived at a better time, as two of the most established Parisian grande dames (Ritz and de Crillon) are still closed for a complete renovation, and will only be revealed in 2015; so there is plenty of time to adapt, grow and hone its skills. But with such pedigree, quality and illustrious history, the Pen really has nothing to be worried about. The Four Seasons George V seems to have a cult of highly obsessed fans (esp. travel agents) worldwide, but personally (and objectively), it is no match to the Peninsula. Based on physical product alone, the Pen wins in every aspect as everything has been meticulously designed with the focus on guest comfort and convenience. In terms of technology, the Pen literally has no rival anywhere on the planet, except from the obvious sibling rivalry.
The only thing that the Pen still needs to work on is its signature restaurants as all its rival hotels have at least 2 Michelin star restaurants (L'abeille at the Shangri-La; Sur Mesure at the Mandarin Oriental; and 3 Michelin at Epicure, Le Bristol; Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V and Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice). L'Oiseau Blanc design is truly breathtaking and would certainly be the most popular gastronomic destination in Paris, but at the moment, the food still needs some works.
There were the expected teething problems and some inconsistencies with the service; but with years of refinement, The Peninsula Paris will no doubt ascend the throne. Personally, the Shangri-La Paris is currently the real competitor, together with the upcoming Ritz and de Crillon when they open next year, especially when Rosewood has taken over Crillon management and Karl Lagerfeld is working on its top suites. The two, however, may still need to revisit the drawing boards and put more effort on the guestrooms if they ever want to compete; because at the moment, The Peninsula Paris is simply unrivaled.
UPDATE 2016:
*I have always been very spot-on with my predictions. After only two years since its opening, The Peninsula Paris has been awarded the much coveted Palace status. In fact, it is the only hotel in Paris to receive such distinction in 2016. Congratulations, it is very much deserving*
PERSONAL RATING:
1. Room: 100
2. Bathroom: 100
3. Bed: 100
4. Service: 90
5. In-room Tech: 100
6. In-room Amenities: 100
7. Architecture & Design: 100
8. Food: 80
9. View: 80
10. Pool: 95
11. Wellness: 95
12. Location: 95
13. Value: 100
Overall: 95.00
Compare with other Parisian hotels (all with Palace status) that I have stayed previously:
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, PARIS: 95.00
PARK HYATT PARIS-VENDOME: 90.00
My #1 ALL TIME FAVORITE HOTEL
LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG: 95.38
THE PENINSULA, PARIS
19, Avenue Kléber, Paris
Awarded Palace Status in 2016
General Manager: Nicolas Béliard
Hotel Manager: Vincent Pimont
Executive Chef: Jean-Edern Hurstel
Head Chef (Lili): Chi Keung Tang
Head Chef (L'oiseau Blanc): Sidney Redel
Head Chef (The Lobby): Laurent Poitevin
Chef Patissier: Julien Alvarez
Architect (original Majestic Hotel, circa 1908): Armand Sibien
Architect (renovation & restoration, 2010-2014): Richard Martinet
Interior Designer: Henry Leung of Chhada Siembieda & Associates
Landscape Designer: D. Paysage
Art Curator: Sabrina Fung
Art Restorer: Cinzia Pasquali
Artist (Courtyard installation): Ben Jakober & Yannick Vu
Crystal work: Baccarat
Designer (Lili fiber optic installation): Clementine Chambon & Francoise Mamert
Designer (Chinaware): Catherine Bergen
Gilder Specialist & Restorer: Ateliers Gohard
Glass Crafter (Lobby Installation): Lasvit Glass Studio
Master Glass Crafters: Duchemin
Master Sculptor (Lobby): Xavier Corbero
Metalwork: Remy Garnier
Plaster & Moulding Expert: Stuc et Staff
Silverware: Christofle
Silk & Trimmings: Declercq Passementiers
Wood Restoration Expert: Atelier Fancelli
Hotel Opening Date: 01 August 2014
Notable owners: Katara Hospitality; Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group (HSH)
Total Rooms & Suites: 200 (including 35m2 Superior, 45m2 Deluxe, 50m2 Grand Deluxe, 55m2 Premier and 60m2 Grand Premier Rooms)
Total Suites: 34 Suites (including 70m2 Superior, 85m2 Deluxe and 100m2 Premier
Top Suites: Historic Suite, Katara Suite, and The Peninsula Suite
Bathroom Amenities: Oscar de la Renta
Restaurants: The Lobby (All day dining & Afternoon tea), LiLi (Cantonese), L'Oiseau Blanc (French), La Terrasse Kléber
Bars and Lounges: Le Bar Kléber; Kléber Lounge; Cigar Lounge; and L'Oiseau Blanc Bar
Meeting & Banquets: Salon de l'Étoile for up to 100 guests, and 3 smaller Function Rooms
Health & Leisure: 24 hours gym & 1,800m2 Peninsula Spa with 22m indoor swimming pool and jacuzzis; Steam & Sauna, Relaxation Room, and 8 treatment rooms
Transport: chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Extended Wheel Base Phantom; a 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II; 2 MINI Cooper S Clubman; and a fleet of 10 BMW 7 Series
Complimentary facilities: Non-alcoholic Minibar; Wired and Wireless Internet; VOIP long distance calls; HD Movies; Daily fruit Basket; International Newspaper; Chauffeured MINI Cooper S Clubman for Suites guests; and Chauffeured Rolls Royce for top Suites
paris.peninsula.com
© yohanes.budiyanto, 2014
PRELUDE
The 1st of August, 2014 was such an historic day as the world finally welcomed the birth of the first in line to the Parisian throne after a painstaking and extraordinary "labor" process that took four years in creation, and almost a decade in the making. I was not talking about a French rival to baby George, but instead a newborn that has sent shivers down the spines of Paris' oldest and current Kings and Grand Dames from the day it was conceived. Yes, I was referring to The Peninsula Paris, the youngest sister to the legendary Peninsula Hong Kong (circa 1928).
Ever since the project was announced to the public four years ago, it has been on my top list of the most eagerly awaited hotel openings of the decade. So when the hotel announced 1st of August as an opening date back in March, I immediately issued my First Class return tickets to the City of Light, risking the usual opening delay. A man of his word, Peninsula Paris finally opened as scheduled.
HISTORY
The Peninsula brand needs no introduction, as it is synonymous with quality, technology, innovation, craftsmanship and sophistication, -much like a slogan for French top brands and their savoir faire. Despite having only 10 current properties worldwide in its portfolio (Paris is its tenth), each Peninsula hotel is a market leader in each respective cities, and consistently tops the chart in many bonafide travel publications and reigns supreme as the world's best, especially elder sisters in Hong Kong and Bangkok. The Peninsula model is different from other rival hotel groups, which usually expand aggressively through both franchise and managed models worldwide. Instead, the Peninsula focuses on acquiring majority to sole ownership on all its properties to ensure control on quality (Hong Kong, New York, Chicago and Tokyo are 100% owned; Bangkok, Beijing and Manila are over 75%; Shanghai is 50%, while Beverly Hills and Paris are the only two with only 20% ownership).
The history of the Peninsula Paris could be traced back to a modest villa aptly called Hotel Basilevski on the plot of land at 19 Avenue Kleber back in 1864, -named after its Russian diplomat owner, Alexander Petrovich Basilevski, which caught the attention of hotelier Leonard Tauber for his prospective hotel project. The Versailles-styled property was partly a museum housing Basilevski's vast and impressive collection of 19th century medieval and Renaissance art, which eventually was acquired by Alexander III, -a Russian Tsar, at the sums of six millions francs. These collections were later transported to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and formed the base collection for the newly established Department of Medieval and Renaissance Art. After Basilevski sold the villa and moved to a more palatial residence at Avenue du Trocadero, the property was then acquired and rebranded the Palais de Castille as the residence of the exiled Queen Isabella II of Spain in 1868, who seeked refuge and continued to live there until 1904. Upon her death, the property was later demolished in 1906 to make way for the Majestic hotel, which finally opened in 1908 with much satisfaction of Leonard Tauber, who has eyed the premise from the very beginning.
The Majestic Hotel was exquisitely designed in the Beaux-Art style as a grand hotel by prominent architect of that time, Armand Sibien. Together with The Ritz (circa 1898), the two became the most preferred places to stay and entertain in Paris of the time. The Majestic has attracted the well-heeled crowd, and hosted many high profile events, most notably for a particular dinner hosted by rich British couple Sydney and Violet Schiff on 18 May 1922 as the after party of Igor Stravinsky's 'Le Renard' ballet premiere, and the hotel becomes an instant legend. The guests list were impressive: Igor Stravinsky himself, Pablo Picasso, Sergei Diaghilev, and two of the 20th century most legendary writers: James Joyce and Marcel Proust, who met for the first and only time before Proust's death six months later. Since then, the Majestic continued to draw high profile guests, including George Gershwin on 25 March 1928, where he composed "An American in Paris" during the stay.
If the walls could talk, the Majestic has plenty of stories to tell. It was once converted into a hospital during the infamy in 1914, and the British took residency at the hotel during the Paris Peace Conference back in 1919. The hotel was then acquired by the French State in 1936 as the offices of the Ministry of Defence; and later had a stint as the German Military High Command in France between October 1940 to July 1944 during the World War II. Post war, it then became the temporary home for UNESCO from 16 September 1946 until 1958. More than a decade after, the Paris Peace talks was opened by Henry Kissinger in one of its spectacular Ballrooms in 1969 with the Northern Vietnamese. Four years later, the Paris Peace Accord was finally signed at the oak paneled-room next to the Ballroom on 27 January 1973, which ended the Vietnam War. This triumphant event has also led to another victorious event when Henry Kissinger won the Nobel Peace Prize that same year.
The hotel continued to serve as the International Conference Center of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs until it was up for sale by the government in 2008 as part of the cost cutting program to the Qatari Diar, -which later transferred its ownership to Katara Hospitality, for a staggering USD 460 million. An excess of USD 600 million was further spent on the massive rebuilding and refurbishment not only to restore the hotel to its former glory, but also to transform it into a Peninsula with the highest standard.
The epic restoration work was led by prominent French architect, Richard Martinet, who has also previously work with the restoration of Prince Roland Bonaparte's former mansion into the Shangri-La Paris and also the Four Seasons George V; and involved teams of France's leading craftsmen; heritage designers and organisations; stonemasons from historic monument specialist; master glass crafters; crystal manufacturer; wood, moulding and gilder restoration experts, -many of whom are third generation, and have carried out high profile projects such as the Palace of Versailles, Louvre Museum, the dome of Les Invalides, the Grand and Petit Palais, and even the flame of the Statue of Liberty in New York. The result is truly breathtaking, and it was certainly money well spent to revive and recreate one of the nation's most treasured landmark. One of my favorite places within the hotel is the Main Lobby at Avenue des Portugais where the grand hall is adorned with a spectacular chandelier installation comprising 800 pieces of glass leaves inspired by the plane trees along Avenue Kleber. The work of Spain's most influential artist since Gaudi, Xavier Corbero, could also be found nearby in the form of a beautiful sculpture called Moon River.
Katara Hospitality owns 80% of The Peninsula Paris, and already has a spectacular portfolio ownership consisting some of the world's finest hotels, including The Raffles Singapore, Le Royal Monceau-Raffles Paris, Ritz-Carlton Doha, Schweizerhof Bern, and most recently, 5 of the InterContinental Hotel's European flagships, including Amstel in Amsterdam, Carlton in Cannes, De la Ville in Rome, Madrid and Frankfurt. It is interesting to note that Adrian Zecha, founder of the extraordinary Amanresorts chain is a member of the Board of Directors at Katara since September 2011, lending his immense hospitality expertise to the group.
At over USD 1 billion cost, the Pen Paris project is easily the most expensive to ever being built, considering it has only 200 rooms over 6 storeys. As a comparison, the cost of building the 101 storey, 494m high Shanghai World Financial Center (where the Park Hyatt Shanghai resides) is USD 1.2 billion; whereas Burj Khalifa, the current tallest building on earth at 163 storey and 828m, costed a 'modest' USD 1.5 billion to build. The numbers are truly mind boggling, and The Peninsula Paris is truly an extraordinary project. It might took the Majestic Hotel two years to build; but it took four years just to restore and reincarnate it into a Peninsula.
HOTEL OPENING
On a pleasant afternoon of 1 August 2014, the hotel finally opened its door to a crowd of distinguished guests, international journalists, first hotel guests and local crowds who partake to witness the inauguration and rebirth of a Parisian legend and grande dame (Many A-list celebrities and even Head of State flocked to the hotel to witness its sheer beauty). It was an historic day not just for Paris, but also for the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group as it marks their arrival in Europe with its first ever Peninsula, while the second is already on the pipeline with the future opening of The Peninsula London, located just behind The Lanesborough at Knightsbridge.
The eagerly-awaited opening ceremony was attended by the Chairman of Katara Hospitality, His Excellency Sheikh Nawaf Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al-Thani; CEO of Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited (HSH), Clement Kwok; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Laurent Fabius; General Manager of the Peninsula Paris, Nicolas Béliard; and the event kicked off with an opening speech by the famous French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad, Madame Fleur Pellerin, who clearly stole the show with her public persona. A ribbon cutting and spectacular lion dance show concluded the event, which drew quite a spectacle on Avenue des Portugais as it brought a unique display of Asian heritage to the heart of cosmopolitan Paris.
LOCATION
The Peninsula Paris stands majestically at the tree-lined Avenue Kléber, just off the Arc de Triomphe. Personally, this is an ideal location in Paris as it is a stone's throw away from all the happenings at the Champs-Élysées, but is set away from its hustle and bustle, which is constantly a tourist trap day and night. Once you walk pass the leafy Avenue Kléber, the atmosphere is very different: peaceful and safe. The Kléber Metro station is just a few steps away from the hotel, providing guests a convenient access to further parts of town.
Champs-Élysées is the center of Parisian universe, and it is just a short and pleasant stroll away from the hotel, where some of the city's most legendary commercial and cultural institutions reside. For a start, Drugstore Publicis at the corner by the roundabout has been a legendary hang-out since the 1960s, and is my ultimate favourite place in town. The Post Modern edifice by architect Michele Saee (renovated in 2004) houses almost everything: a Cinema; side walk Brasserie & Steak House; Newsagency; Bookshop (you can find Travel publications and even the Michelin Guide); upscale Gift shop and Beauty corner (even Acqua di Parma is on sale here); Pharmacy (whose pharmacist thankfully speaks English and gladly advises you on your symptoms); upscale deli (stocking pretty much everything from Foie gras burger on the counter, to fine wines & cigar cellar; to Pierre Herme & Pierre Marcolini chocolates; Dalloyau bakery; Marriage Freres tea; and even the Petrossian Caviar!). Best of all, it features a 2 Michelin star L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Etoile on its basement; and the store is even opened on Sunday until 2am. It is a one stop shopping, eating and entertainment, showcasing the best of France.
Further down the road, Maison Louis Vuitton stands majestically on its own entire 7 storey building, which was opened in 2005 as one of the biggest flagship stores in the world, covering a total area of 1,800m2. Designed by Eric Carlson and Peter Marino, the entire store is an architectural marvel and the temple of luxury, elegance and sophistication. This is one of the very few stores to open in Sunday as the French Labour Unions prohibits commercial stores to open on Sunday, unless if it involves cultural, recreational and sporting aspect. Initially, Maison LV was ordered by the court to close on Sunday, but LVMH finally wins an appeal in 2007 on the grounds of cultural experience; and the store has continued to draw endless queue on Sunday.
A block away from Maison LV is the legendary Parisian Tea Room of Ladurée, which was founded in 1862 by Louis Ernest Ladurée on its original store at 16 Rue Royal as a bakery. The Champs-Élysées store was opened in 1997 and has since attracted an endless queue of tourists and locals who wish to savour its legendary Macarons and pastries. The Ladurée phenomenon and popularity could only be rivaled by fellow Frenchmen Pierre Hermé, who has also attracted a cult of loyal fans worldwide. It may not have a flagship store at Champs-Élysées, but one could easily stop by Drugstore Publicis for a quick purchase to ease the craving.
For those looking for upscale boutiques, Avenue Montaigne located just nearby on a perpendicular, and features the flagship presence of the world's finest luxury fashion labels: Armani, Bottega Veneta, Valention, Prada, Dior, Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Fendi and Salvatore Ferragamo to name a few. For the ultimate in shopping extravaganza, head down to Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré where all money will (hopefully) be well spent.
Champs-Élysées is the most famous and expensive boulevard in the world, yet it has everything for everyone; and myriad of crowds flocking its grand boulevards for a pleasant stroll. It has no shortage of luxury stores, but it also offers mainstream stores for the general public, from Levi's to Zara and Lacoste; to McDonalds and Starbucks; and FNAC store (French answer to HMV).
In terms of fine dining experience, the areas around Champs-Élysées has plenty to offer. I have mentioned about the 2 Michelin L'atelier de Joel Robuchon Etoile at the Drugstore Publicis, which was excellent. Robuchon never disappoints as it consistently serves amazing French cuisine amidst its signature red and black interior everywhere I visited, including Tokyo (3 Michelin), Hong Kong (3 Michelin), Paris (2 Michelin) and Taipei.
During my stay, I also managed to sample the finest cuisine from the kitchens of two, 3-Michelin Paris institutions: Pierre Gagnaire at Rue Balzac, just off Champs-Élysées; and Epicure at Le Bristol by Chef Eric Frechon on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, which was undoubtedly the best and most memorable dining experiences I have ever had in Paris to date. It is certainly the gastronomic highlight of this trip.
Other 3 Michelin establishment, such as Ledoyen is also located nearby at an 18th century pavilion by the Gardens of Champs-Élysées by newly appointed famous French Chef Yannick Alléno, who previously also resided at the Le Meurice with 3 Michelin, until Alain Ducasse took over last year during the Plaza Athénée closure for expansion.
August is a time of misery for international visitors to Paris as most fine dining restaurants are closed for the summer holiday. When choices are limited, foodies could rely on Epicure and Robuchon, which are opened all year round; and also the 2 Michelin star Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V. Although its food could not compete with Robuchon, Epicure and Gagnaire, guests could still enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
ROOMS:
On my visit to Paris last year, I was not too impressed with my stay at the Four Seasons George V, as everything seemed to be pretty basic: the room design; the in-room tech and amenities; and even the much lauded service. It simply does not justify the hefty price tag. The only thing stood out there were the ostentatious designer floral display at the lobby, which reportedly absorbed a six digit figure budget annually. When I saw them at the first time, this was what came to mind: guests are paying for these excessive flowers, whether you like it or not.
Fortunately, the Peninsula Paris skips all this expensive gimmick, and instead spends a fortune for guests to enjoy: advance room technology; a host of complimentary essential amenities, including internet access, non-alcoholic minibar, and even long distance phone calls. In fact, every single items inside the room has been well thought and designed for guest's ultimate comfort.
Ever since The Peninsula Bangkok opened in 1998 to much success, the group has used it as a template for its signature rooms for future sister hotels, which consists of an open plan, ultra-wide spacious room equivalent to a 2 bays suite, with 5-fixtures bathroom, and a separate Dressing Room, which soon becomes a Peninsula signature.
The Peninsula Tokyo followed this template when it opened in 2007 to rave reviews; and it was soon adopted as a model for Peninsula Shanghai, which later opened in 2009 as the flagship property in Mainland China. This layout is also being applied at The Peninsula Paris, albeit for its Suites categories, i.e. Junior Suite, which measure at an astonishing 50 - 60m2. The entry level Superior and Deluxe Rooms lack the signature layout with smaller size at 35 - 45m2, but they are already spacious for a Parisian standard; and each is equipped with Peninsula's signature technology.
Technology is indeed at the core of the Peninsula DNA, and no expense is spared in creating the world's most advance in-room technology. When other hotels try to cut costs and budgets on in-room technology with lame excuses, the Peninsula actually spends a fortune to innovate and set a new benchmark. In fact, it is probably the only hotel group to have its own Technology laboratory at a secret location deep inside Aberdeen, Hong Kong, where in-room tech is being developed and tested. It was here where innovative devices, such as the outside temperature indicator; my favourite Spa Button by the bathtub; or even the portable nail dryer for the ladies are invented. The Peninsula took the world by storm when it introduced the Samsung Galaxy tablet device at the Peninsula Hong Kong in 2012, which is programmed in 11 languages and virtually controls the entire room, including the lights, temperature, curtains, TV, radio, valet calls and Do Not Disturb sign. It even features touch screen Room Service Menu, hotel information, city guide, and a function to request room service and housekeeping items, thus creating an entirely paperless environment.
All these technological marvel are also being replicated at the Peninsula Paris, together with other 'standard' features, such as Nespresso Coffee Machine; flat-screen 3D LED television; LED touch screen wall panels; an iPod/iPad docking station; memory card reader; 4-in1 fax/scanner/printer/photocopier machine; DVD player; complimentary in-house HD movies; complimentary internet access and long distance calls through the VOIP platform. Even the room's exterior Parisian-styled canopy is electronically operated. All these technological offerings is so extremely complex, that it resulted in 2.5 km worth of cabling in each room alone.
Bathroom at the Junior Suite also features Peninsula's signature layout: a stand alone bathtub as the focal point, flanked by twin vanities and separate shower and WC compartments amidst acres of white marble. Probably the first in Paris, it features a Japanese Toilet complete with basic control panel, and a manual handheld bidet sprayer.
When all these add up to the stay, it actually brings a very good value to the otherwise high room rates. Better yet, the non-alcoholic Minibar is also complimentary, which is a first for a Peninsula hotel. The Four Seasons George V may choose to keep looking back to its antiquity past and annihilate most technological offerings to its most basic form, but the Pen always looks forward to the future and brings the utter convenience, all at your finger tip. The Peninsula rooms are undoubtedly the best designed, best equipped and most high-tech in the entire universe.
ROOM TO BOOK:
The 50 - 60m2 Junior Suite facing leafy Avenue Kléber is the best room type to book as it is an open-plan suite with Peninsula's signature bathroom and dressing room; and the ones located on the Premiere étage (first floor) have high ceilings and small balcony overlooking Kleber Terrace's iconic glass canopy. Personally, rooms facing the back street at Rue La Pérouse are the least preferred, but its top level rooms inside the Mansart Roof on level 5 have juliet windows that allow glimpse of the tip of Eiffel Tower despite being smaller in size due to its attic configuration. Superior Rooms also lack the signature Peninsula 5 fixtures bathroom configuration, so for the ultimate bathing experience, make sure to book at least from the Deluxe category.
If money is no object, book one of the five piece-de-resistance suites with their own private rooftop terrace and gardens on the top floor, which allow 360 degree panoramic views of Paris. Otherwise, the mid-tier Deluxe Suite is already a great choice with corner location, multiple windows and 85m2 of pure luxury.
DINING:
Looking back at the hotel's illustrious past, the Peninsula offers some of the most unique and memorable dining experiences in Paris, steep in history.
The area that once housed Igor Stravinksy's after party where James Joyce met Marcel Proust for the first time is now the hotel's Cantonese Restaurant, aptly called LiLi; and is led by Chef Chi Keung Tang, formerly of Peninsula Tokyo's One Michelin starred Hei Fung Terrace. Lili was actually modeled after Peninsula Shanghai's Yi Long Court, but the design here blends Chinese elements with Art Nouveau style that flourished in the late 1920s. It also boasts a world first: a spectacular 3x3.3m fiber optic installation at the entrance of the restaurant, depicting the imaginary portrait of LiLi herself. The Cantonese menu was surprisingly rather simple and basic, and features a selection of popular dim sum dishes. The best and most memorable Chinese restaurants I have ever experienced are actually those who masterfully fuse Chinese tradition with French ingredients: Jin Sha at the Four Seasons Hangzhou at Westlake; 2 Michelin Tin Lung Heen at Level 102 of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong; Jiang at Mandarin Oriental Guangzhou by Chef Fei; and Ya Ge at Mandarin Oriental Taipei. Ironically, the world's only 3 Michelin star Chinese restaurant, Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons Hong Kong failed to impress me.
The former Ballroom area where Henry Kissinger started the Paris Peace talks with the Vietnamese has now been transformed as The Lobby, which is a signature of every Peninsula hotels where the afternoon tea ritual takes place daily. The spectacular room with intricate details and crystal chandeliers has been meticulously restored, and is an ideal place to meet, see and be seen. Breakfast is served daily here, and guests could choose to have it either inside or outside at the adjoining al fresco La Terrasse Kléber, which connects all the F&B outlets on the ground floor, including Lili. Guests could choose from a Chinese set breakfast, which includes dim sum, fried vermicelli, and porridge with beef slices; or the Parisian set, which includes gourmet items such as Egg Benedict with generous slices of Jamon Iberico on top. The afternoon tea ritual is expected to be very popular as renowned Chef Pattissier Julien Alvarez, -who claimed the World Pastry Champion in 2009; and also the Spanish World Chocolate Master in 2007 at the tender age of 23, is at the helm; and the venue quickly booked out from the opening day.
Next to the Lobby is a small, intimate bar covered in exquisite oak panelling where Henry Kissinger signed the Paris Peace Accord back in 1973 that ended the Vietnam War. Kissinger politely declined the offer to have the Bar named after him, and instead it is simply called Le Bar Kléber.
On the top floor of the hotel lies the signature restaurant L'Oiseau Blanc, which is named after the French biplane that disappeared in 1927 in an attempt to make the first non-stop transatlantic flight between Paris and New York. A 75% replica of the plane has even been installed outside the main entrance of the restaurant with the Eiffel Tower on its background. The restaurant is divided into 3 distinct areas: a spectacular glass enclosed main dining room; a large outdoor terrace that runs the entire length of the hotel's roof; and an adjoining lively bar, all with breathtaking uninterrupted views of Paris' most identifiable landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Cœur at the highest point of the city at Montmartre.
L'Oiseau Blanc is led by Chef Sidney Redel, a former protégé of Pierre Gagnaire, and serves contemporary French cuisine focussing on 'terroir' menu of locally sourced seasonal ingredients from the region. During my stay, tomato was the seasonal ingredients, and Chef Redel created four courses incorporating tomato, even on dessert. While the food was of high quality, personally the menu still needs fine tuning, considering the sort of clientele the Pen is aiming for: the ultra rich (Chinese), who usually seek top establishments with luxury ingredients, such as caviar, black truffle, foie gras, blue lobster, Jamon Iberico, Wagyu beef, Kurobuta pork and Challans chicken.
LEISURE:
The Peninsula Paris features one of the best health and recreational facilities in the city, housed within the basement of the hotel, and covers an expansive area of 1,800m2. For a comparison, rival Mandarin Oriental Spa covers a total area of only 900m2 over two floors. The Peninsula Spa is undoubtedly one of the nicest urban spa that I have been to, it easily beats the Spa at the Four Seasons George V. The pool is also one of the city's largest at 22m long, -compared to both the Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental at 15m; the George V at only 9m, which is more like a bigger jacuzzi. The only two other pools better than the Peninsula is the one designed by Phillippe Starck at the Le Royal Monceau at 28m; and the spectacular grand pool at the Ritz.
There is the usual 24 hours gym within two fitness spaces equipped with Technogym machines and free weights; and the locker rooms features steam, sauna, and experience shower room. There is a total of 8 treatment rooms within the Spa area, and the highlight is certainly the Relaxation Room, which is equipped with amazing day beds with specially placed deep cushions. The best part? the beds are electronically operated, much like a first class seat on a plane.
X-FACTOR:
The Peninsula signature technology; The Spa Button in the bathroom; VOIP technology for complimentary long distance calls; The top suites (Historic, Katara and Peninsula Suites); Xavier Corbero's Moon River sculpture at the Lobby; Lili; The Lobby and Bar where Henry Kissinger signed Paris Peace Accord; L'Oiseau Blanc Restaurant; The 1,800m2 Peninsula Spa; and the 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II.
SERVICE:
There are a total of 600 staffs for just 200 rooms, so the service level is expected to be high; but it is perhaps unfair to judge the service during the opening weeks when all staffs were not at their best due to the intense preparation leading to the opening event. Furthermore, teething problems are expected for a newly opened hotel as great hotels are not born overnight, but takes a good few years of refinement.
Nonetheless, I was actually quite impressed with the level of service during the whole stay, as the majority of the staffs showed great attitude and much enthusiasm, which is a testament of great intense training. As one of the first guests arriving on the opening day, check-in was truly delightful and memorable as a battalion of staffs of different ranks welcomed and wished the most pleasant stay. The mood could not have been more festive as moments later, the hotel was finally inaugurated.
I was also particularly impressed with the service at both LiLi and The Lobby where staffs performed at an exceptional level like a veteran. There are two distinct qualities that made a lot of difference during the stay: humility and friendliness, which is quite a challenge to find, not only in Paris and the entire Europe, but even in Asian cities, such as Hong Kong. It is like finding needles in a haystack. A genuine smile seems to be a rare commodity these days, so I was happy to see plenty of smiles at the Peninsula Paris during the stay, from the signature Peninsula Pageboys to waiters, Maître d, receptionists and even to Managers and Directors. In fact, there were more smiles in Paris than Hong Kong.
When I woken up too early for breakfast one day, the restaurant was just about to open; and there were hardly anyone. I realized that even the birds were probably still asleep, but I was extremely delighted to see how fresh looking and energetic the staffs were at the dining room. There was a lot of genuine smile that warmed the rather chilly morning; and it was a great start to the day. One of the staffs I met during the stay even candidly explained how they were happy just to be at work, and it does not feel like working at all, which was clearly shown in their passion and enthusiasm.
That said, the Shangri-La Paris by far is still my top pick for best service as it is more personalized and refined due to its more intimate scale. The Shangri-La Paris experience is also unique as guests are welcomed to a sit down registration by the historic lounge off the Lobby upon arrival, and choice of drinks are offered, before being escorted to the room for in-room check-in. Guests also receive a Pre-Arrival Form in advance, so the hotel could anticipate and best accommodate their needs. During the stay, I was also addressed by my last name everywhere within the hotel, so it was highly personalized. I did receive similar treatment at The Peninsula Paris, -albeit in a lesser extent due to its size; and even the housekeeping greeted me by my last name. Every requests, from room service to mineral water were all handled efficiently at a timely manner. At times, service could be rather slow at the restaurants (well, it happens almost everywhere in Paris), but this is part of the Parisian lifestyle where nothing is hurried; and bringing bills/checks upfront is considered rude. I did request the food servings to be expedited during a lunch at LiLi on the last day due to the time constraint; and the staffs managed to succeed the task not only ahead of the time limit, but also it never felt hurried all along. Everything ran as smooth as silk.
VERDICT:
It was a personal satisfaction to witness the history in the making during the opening day on 1 August 2014, as the Peninsula Paris is my most eagerly awaited hotel opening of the decade. It was also historic, as it was a first in my travel to dedicate a trip solely for a particular hotel in a particular city (in this case Paris, some 11,578km away from home), without staying at other fine hotels. It was money well spent, and a trip worth taking as it was an amazing stay; and certainly a lifetime experience.
The Peninsula Paris could not have arrived at a better time, as two of the most established Parisian grande dames (Ritz and de Crillon) are still closed for a complete renovation, and will only be revealed in 2015; so there is plenty of time to adapt, grow and hone its skills. But with such pedigree, quality and illustrious history, the Pen really has nothing to be worried about. The Four Seasons George V seems to have a cult of highly obsessed fans (esp. travel agents) worldwide, but personally (and objectively), it is no match to the Peninsula. Based on physical product alone, the Pen wins in every aspect as everything has been meticulously designed with the focus on guest comfort and convenience. In terms of technology, the Pen literally has no rival anywhere on the planet, except from the obvious sibling rivalry.
The only thing that the Pen still needs to work on is its signature restaurants as all its rival hotels have at least 2 Michelin star restaurants (L'abeille at the Shangri-La; Sur Mesure at the Mandarin Oriental; and 3 Michelin at Epicure, Le Bristol; Le Cinq at the Four Seasons George V and Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice). L'Oiseau Blanc design is truly breathtaking and would certainly be the most popular gastronomic destination in Paris, but at the moment, the food still needs some works.
There were the expected teething problems and some inconsistencies with the service; but with years of refinement, The Peninsula Paris will no doubt ascend the throne. Personally, the Shangri-La Paris is currently the real competitor, together with the upcoming Ritz and de Crillon when they open next year, especially when Rosewood has taken over Crillon management and Karl Lagerfeld is working on its top suites. The two, however, may still need to revisit the drawing boards and put more effort on the guestrooms if they ever want to compete; because at the moment, The Peninsula Paris is simply unrivaled.
UPDATE 2016:
*I have always been very spot-on with my predictions. After only two years since its opening, The Peninsula Paris has been awarded the much coveted Palace status. In fact, it is the only hotel in Paris to receive such distinction in 2016. Congratulations, it is very much deserving*
PERSONAL RATING:
1. Room: 100
2. Bathroom: 100
3. Bed: 100
4. Service: 90
5. In-room Tech: 100
6. In-room Amenities: 100
7. Architecture & Design: 100
8. Food: 80
9. View: 80
10. Pool: 95
11. Wellness: 95
12. Location: 95
13. Value: 100
Overall: 95.00
Compare with other Parisian hotels (all with Palace status) that I have stayed previously:
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, PARIS: 95.00
PARK HYATT PARIS-VENDOME: 90.00
My #1 ALL TIME FAVORITE HOTEL
LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG: 95.38
THE PENINSULA, PARIS
19, Avenue Kléber, Paris
Awarded Palace Status in 2016
General Manager: Nicolas Béliard
Hotel Manager: Vincent Pimont
Executive Chef: Jean-Edern Hurstel
Head Chef (Lili): Chi Keung Tang
Head Chef (L'oiseau Blanc): Sidney Redel
Head Chef (The Lobby): Laurent Poitevin
Chef Patissier: Julien Alvarez
Architect (original Majestic Hotel, circa 1908): Armand Sibien
Architect (renovation & restoration, 2010-2014): Richard Martinet
Interior Designer: Henry Leung of Chhada Siembieda & Associates
Landscape Designer: D. Paysage
Art Curator: Sabrina Fung
Art Restorer: Cinzia Pasquali
Artist (Courtyard installation): Ben Jakober & Yannick Vu
Crystal work: Baccarat
Designer (Lili fiber optic installation): Clementine Chambon & Francoise Mamert
Designer (Chinaware): Catherine Bergen
Gilder Specialist & Restorer: Ateliers Gohard
Glass Crafter (Lobby Installation): Lasvit Glass Studio
Master Glass Crafters: Duchemin
Master Sculptor (Lobby): Xavier Corbero
Metalwork: Remy Garnier
Plaster & Moulding Expert: Stuc et Staff
Silverware: Christofle
Silk & Trimmings: Declercq Passementiers
Wood Restoration Expert: Atelier Fancelli
Hotel Opening Date: 01 August 2014
Notable owners: Katara Hospitality; Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Group (HSH)
Total Rooms & Suites: 200 (including 35m2 Superior, 45m2 Deluxe, 50m2 Grand Deluxe, 55m2 Premier and 60m2 Grand Premier Rooms)
Total Suites: 34 Suites (including 70m2 Superior, 85m2 Deluxe and 100m2 Premier
Top Suites: Historic Suite, Katara Suite, and The Peninsula Suite
Bathroom Amenities: Oscar de la Renta
Restaurants: The Lobby (All day dining & Afternoon tea), LiLi (Cantonese), L'Oiseau Blanc (French), La Terrasse Kléber
Bars and Lounges: Le Bar Kléber; Kléber Lounge; Cigar Lounge; and L'Oiseau Blanc Bar
Meeting & Banquets: Salon de l'Étoile for up to 100 guests, and 3 smaller Function Rooms
Health & Leisure: 24 hours gym & 1,800m2 Peninsula Spa with 22m indoor swimming pool and jacuzzis; Steam & Sauna, Relaxation Room, and 8 treatment rooms
Transport: chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce Extended Wheel Base Phantom; a 1934 Rolls Royce Phantom II; 2 MINI Cooper S Clubman; and a fleet of 10 BMW 7 Series
Complimentary facilities: Non-alcoholic Minibar; Wired and Wireless Internet; VOIP long distance calls; HD Movies; Daily fruit Basket; International Newspaper; Chauffeured MINI Cooper S Clubman for Suites guests; and Chauffeured Rolls Royce for top Suites
paris.peninsula.com
WEEK 7 – Horn Lake OfficeMax Closing, Set 3
The front left – evidently the paper department – of the Horn Lake OfficeMax was completely barren by
Halloween 2014.
(c) 2015 Retail Retell
These places are public so these photos are too, but just as I tell where they came from, I'd appreciate if you'd say who :)
KOPI MANIS = biji-biji KOPI + kayu MANIS
--
NO sugar, NO creamer, NO water...
Filterless, Paperless....
Not contain additional chemical substances for preservatives, artificial flavors & dyes.
This bank book comes from an era long before Internet banking and the so called paperless office. It is leather bound, stitched and on high quality paper which hasn't yellowed in the seventy years or so since it was issued by the Westminster Bank.
All the entries are carefully handwritten in pen - not biro! On the left hand page are debits and on the right, the credits.
On each new pair of pages, the amounts are carried over and then at the end of each year the balance has been calculated.
All the entries would have been copied into ledgers at the bank where the same process would have been gone through - time consuming but I have no doubt thorough and accurate.
Gents — You expertly utilized your Apple iPod and your Frontier Airlines Mobile App to move through your departure airport paperless and pretty much contact-free. You again demonstrated your expert travel skills by using your handy Apple iPod and your MLife Mobile App to by-pass the NY-NY Hotel registration counter to move directly and contact-free into your hotel guest room. You received your hotel room assignment before you even touched down at McCarran International Airport. So now, you will use your Apple iPod from here on until your checkout seven days from now as your digital room key — So Keep Your Apple 🍎 iPod fully charged! 😷😉
Sept 30th 2022 Andrew H. McCain Arena, Acadia University Wolfville..
final : Moncton Blue Eagles 2 vs Acadia Axemen 1
* FYI Update * Acadia Axeman hockey at Andrew H. McCain Arena has gone paperless this year ? Official program leaflets are no longer being handed out to patrons ?
* FYI Update * someone noticed and they now have some paper copies that have been printed off a nearby printer.. ty
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Some relevant news clippings,,
January 11-22, 2023 - CBC doesn't seem to broadcast Men's Hockey leagues like the AHL, the ECHL, or Men's USports University hockey ? And Canada just won both Golds at the recent 2023 international University Hockey FISU tournament. But the Gold medal final games, in fact the whole tournament, was not shown on the CBC ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/52640201721/in/datepos...
Halifax, Canada Jan 2023 - This time around the IIHF Men's World Juniors hockey tournament is being held in Canada. No games were shown on CBC, and many Canadians were unable to watch Canada's finest male Junior hockey players incl Connor Badard play in their home Country and win the Gold for Canada ?
However, although CBC ignored and did not televise any of the IIHF Men's junior hockey games played, they were sure to make daily news reports and give a lot of air time focusing on an alleged past scandal that had involved a previous Men's IIHF Junior hockey team ? cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/media-centre/official-broadcaster-...
New Women's Pro Hockey PWHL - CBC giving full support, full coverage, and will be backing the girls with massive air time, TV ads, coast to coast live broadcasts, player bios and a game each week complete with hosting and game analysis,, "CBC/Radio-Canada is the official broadcaster of the Professional Women's Hockey League"
However, CBC shows a different attitude when it comes to supporting or televising many pro sporting events played by male athletes such as the Grey Cup, FIFA, Copa America international Men's soccer football and the Men's World Juniors, and so a huge Canadian fan base is not able to watch Canada's star male pro athletes like Acadia Axemen footballer Bailey Feltmate in the Grey Cup, or Nova Scotia's Jacob Shaffelburg in the Copa international Men's soccer tournament or Connor Badard in the IIHF World Men's Juniors hockey tournament ?
cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/media-centre/official-broadcaster-... cbc.radio-canada.ca/en/media-centre/official-broadcaster-...
CBC doesn't seem to support Men's soccer or Men's CFL pro football ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/52512969092/in/album-7...
Jun 11, 2024 - Women's Pro soccer, the Halifax Tides, - CBC giving full media support and coverage to the brand new start-up Women's Pro soccer league. CBC will broadcast eight regular-season matches. A "Game of the Week" will co-stream simultaneously on CBC Gem and NSL.ca,
www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/cbc-radio-canada-broadcast-agree...
Thanks to CBC, fans will now be able to follow female Acadia University athletes like Mya Harnish, who has now turned Pro . www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54482565652/in/photost...
This year Canadian Taxpayers will pay out $1.5 billion dollars to subsidize the CBC ?
site-cbc.radio-canada.ca/documents/impact-and-accountabil...
Breathtaking salaries for CBC/Radio-Canada’s corporate management ? President and CEO Catherine Tait had a base salary range of $390,300 to $459,100 in 2019 ? That's more than the P.M. makes ? tnc.news/2022/01/26/cbc-salaries-include-125-senior-direc...
Huge bonuses for CBC brass in 2022,
nationalpost.com/news/canada/cbc-employees-paid-16-millio...
Aug 12, 2024 - CBC has paid out $18.4 million in bonuses after staff layoffs ? The bonuses went to nearly 1,200 employees ? $3.3 million went to 45 executives ?
www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbc-bonuses-catherine-tait-1.729...
Apr 04, 2025 - Mark Carney pledges a $150M boost to 'underfunded' CBC ? And,, the new Liberal government will make CBC funding statutory ? Last year CBC received an all time record 1.5 billion in taxpayer funding and their CEO Catherine Tait, made more than the Prime Minister ?
www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mark-carney-cbc-funding-1.7501902
June 28,2021, O Canada at the Stanley Cup Finals ? CBC plays an unsettling and unflattering version of the Canadian National Anthem on the World stage ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/51829474529/in/album-7...
July 1, 2021 - the Prime Minister of Canada will not be celebrating Canada Day this year claiming that for some Canada Day is not a day to celebrate." Wha-a-a-a-t -t-t ????? Did I hear that right ??? www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-day-political-reaction-1....
February 20th 2023 Jully " I Sung it My Way" Black makes headlines when she changes the lyrics and sings a politicized and personalized ' our home on native land' version of the Canadian National anthem at the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah ?
www.iheartradio.ca/news/jully-black-sings-o-canada-with-s...
video replay of CBC's unflattering version of O Canada ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/51829474529
Jully " I Sung it My Way" Black sings her personalized and politicized 'our home on native land' version of the Canadian National anthem in a performance at Toronto university graduation.. Black was asked to perform her new way of singing the national anthem to reflect the core values of the law program at Toronto Metropolitan University www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jully-black-tmu-law-school...
Calgary Stampede O Canada - The original version "in all thy Sons command" National anthem sung at the 2023 Calgary Stampede, www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53044391089
Dec 16th 2023 - O Canada sung in Punjabi at the NHL Jets hockey game in Winnipeg,,,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKifMtbbyJg
Nov 4th, 2021 - Pascale St-Onge is appointed to Trudeau's Cabinet. She is the first out lesbian to become a federal Minister and also the first as Minister of Sport,
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pascale-st-onge-making-history-as...
July 2023 - Katherine Henderson is appointed to take over and thereby become the first female CEO and President of Hockey Canada ,
www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/katherine-henderson-hockey-canad...
No more hockey fights: This league plans to ban them dailyhive.com/vancouver/hockey-fights-ban-qmjhl
Skate Canada Dec 13, 2022 - Canada is about to revolutionize male/female gender rules in Sport ? Canadian gender trail blazers led by President Karen Butcher push to change Pairs Ice dancing competition rules from the standard longtime male female separate gender rule ?
theprovince.com/sports/other-sports/skate-canada-redefine...
Federal audit finds Hockey Canada did not use public funds for legal settlements .
discoverhumboldIcom/articles/federal-audit-finds-hockey-...
NHL moves away from Pride jerseys - advocates are disappointed, www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nhl-special-jersey-announcement-re...
Nov 20th, Grey Cup 2022 - Many Canadian households in Canada were unable to watch the Toronto Argos win the 2022 Grey Cup game by a score of 24 to 23 because CBC/Radio-Canada and Bell media owned CTV do not schedule nor televise this historic Canadian event for broadcast ? CBC's programming has instead scheduled an unknown variety show that is being held in the USA ?
www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/52512969092/in/photost...
CBC quits Twitter when Twitter calls them, "a government-funded media" ?
www.cbc.ca/news/world/cbc-twitter-government-funded-media...
Apr 27th 2023 , Bill C-11 - A controversial bill to regulate online streaming becomes law. Bill C-11, which will force streaming platforms to contribute to funding Canadian content. Critics say the bill is too ambiguous, many issues unresolved.
www.cbc.ca/news/politics/c11-online-streaming-1.6824314
Nov 11th, 2023 - The Liberal Government has ordered the Canadian Military not to use or recite any Christian prayers like the Lord's Prayer at this years Remembrance Day ceremonies ?
www.msn.com/en-ca/news/world/gunter-we-will-always-pray-f...
The Grey Cup Nov 19th 2023, Hamilton Canada - Why aren't CTV or CBC broadcasting the 2023 Grey Cup game for Canadians to enjoy on Grey Cup Sunday ?
www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53338415225
Dec 2023 - Merry Christmas, and a ho ho ho ? CBC plays Scrooge at Xmas time as it looks at executive bonus compensation while laying off 10 per cent of its workforce right at Xmas time ? www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbc-cuts-layoffs-exec-bonuses-1....
CBC President and CEO Catherine Tait faces angry MPs over refusal to rule out bonuses amid looming layoffs' www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuGG8quYBb4
Have a very Merry Christmas Canada ? The Canadian Human Rights Commission ( fully funded by the federal Liberal Government) declares that the celebration of Christmas is evidence of Canada’s colonialist religious intolerance. www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmuDidYTiY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmuDidYTiY
Dec 31 2023 - Question.. Is CBC now viewing New Years Eve as a public holiday and tradition that has become inappropriate to celebrate in Canada ? Happy New Year Canadians from your taxpayer owned billion dollar funded CBC ? For the first time ever in memory, CBC will not broadcast the traditional New Years Eve Party, stage show or countdown ? CBC says they can't afford it ? www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/other/cbc-to-skip-new-yea...
Bill C-18: An Act respecting online communications platforms that make news content available to persons in Canada www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/pl/charter-charte/c18_1.html
Bell media, is a proud Canadian Company ? It's Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas Nevada USA. Prior to the big game CTV has been flooding North American airways with ads to promote their full coverage of the upcoming American Superbowl and they will then broadcast 10 straight hours of uninterrupted prime time live T.V. coverage of this prime American sporting event on Superbowl Sunday 2024 ? However, on the other hand, back home in their home country of Canada, they don't broadcast anything at all, nothing (zero) blanco, zilch, silencio, not even 1 minute of CTV coverage of their own 2024 Canadian Grey Cup game for their fellow Canadians to enjoy ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53523500175/in/datepos...
Feb 2024 - Halifax Nova Scotia,
Bell media and CTV have deafened and blindfolded many East Coast residents after eliminating many critical hours of local and community news programming in the Atlantic region ?
Recent Bell Canada Corporate decisions have now left many Maritimers in a vulnerable position ? East Coast Provinces appear to be the target of severe local live Newstime cancellations and these cut-backs have left many Maritimers without their daily Noon news hour updates that are broadcast everyday all week long ? ATV viewers will now be forced to tune into the other station (CBC) where CBC tends to run mostly world international news along with their select choice of the National News, along with lengthy live news conferences that are put on by the PM and other liberal party members ?
Aside from terminating the popular weekday ATV Noon hour news show, CTV has also downsized in half the very popular and iconic , 'ATV live at five' 5 P.M. local community news program, (prompting long time popular host Jason Baxter to seek early retirement) ? Adding to the devistating loss of this much needed news reporting that is traditionally broadcast every week, Bell will also now terminate all weekend Saturday and Sunday local news reporting currently running on ATV ? The cancellation and elimination of so much allotted local news airtime that is normally given to Atlantic Canadians surely threatens the safety and security of residents especially now that there will be a 24 hour local news blackout for 2 full days each and every weekend and even for as much as 3 consecutive days every holiday long weekend ? And so it seems that arch rival CBC has taken over prime time live local news reporting in the Maritimes and Bell Canada is blaming the Liberal Government's new Bill C-18 for them having to slash so many prime time hours of local and Provincial news coverage in the Maritimes ?
broadcastdialogue.com/most-noon-local-ctv-newscasts-cance...
broadcastdialogue.com/most-noon-local-ctv-newscasts-cance...
Halifax, Feb 1st 2024 - Bell Canada Media blames Liberal Government's new Bill C-18 for having to slash many hours of critical local and Provincial news coverage in the Maritimes ?
broadcastdialogue.com/most-noon-local-ctv-newscasts-cance...
the Junos 2024, Halifax, Mar 24th - CBC and the new Heritage Minister seem to be more interested in their own personal politics than they are in music ? itsthe4thquarter.blogspot.com/2024/03/junos-2024-halifax-...
Angry Canadian - Canadian juno awards ? where ?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNieEg-_d1k
Is this a CBC Stanley Cup cruel joke ? June 2nd, 2024 Edmonton ? Fans are upset after CBC had broadcast the first 5 games of the Men's NHL Dallas vs Oilers series, and then, without warning and for no logical reason, CBC blacked out the critical and most important climactic final game that saw Edmonton win and gain entry into the Stanley Cup finals ? It remains unclear why CBC would do this ? Was it arrogance, or was it to be mean spirited, or was it a gender bias issue due to this being Men's pro hockey, or was it maybe a lesson given out to remind Canadians just who is running this Countries main media and who controls the programming ? v=iW0yzPhwC4s" rel="noreferrer nofollow">www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW0yzPhwC4s
The Koncerned Kentvillian asks, "What kind of a Country would show sad and upsetting images of itself when playing their National Anthem on the World stage in front of an international audience ?" www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/44424045874/
July 5th, 2024 Jacob Shaffelburg (Pt Williams Nova Scotia) Men's soccer - Unfortunately, CBC doesn't seem to support or sponsor Men's soccer and will not be broadcasting the Men's Copa soccer tournament ? However, you can still enjoy soccer on CBC as they will be giving support and full coverage to the Women's National team and to the new start-up Women's pro soccer league ? www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/cbc-radio-canada-broadcast-agree... ? -
www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53839077022/in/photost...;
June 29th, 2024 - Bailey Feltmate (Acadia U, Wolfville N.S.). - CBC doesn't seem to support Men's football anymore and so most Canadians won't be able to watch graduating male university athletes like Bailey perform in the pros ? However, fans are able to watch many graduating university female athletes perform as CBC will provide full cross Canada media support and live coverage of the new start-up Women's pro soccer league, the new Women's pro hockey league, and upcoming Women's pro basketball league ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53855066488/in/datepos...
In a groundbreaking move and for the first time ever, CBC is introducing and now including gambling in its media coverage of the Olympic games ?
2024 Paris Olympics - It appears that CBC has partnered with one particular online Casino company and BetRivers is running sports betting ads during the televising of Olympic sporting events ? Is the inclusion of a Casino and Sports betting parlor that runs gambling ads during the Olympic events appropriate to the high principles and moral standards exemplified by our youth in the Olympic Games ?
The CBC sport darlings Canadian women's soccer team has been caught cheating at the Paris 2024 Olympics ? The CBC has seemed unusually silent on this story ? heavy.com/sports/olympics/canada-soccer-bev-priestman-dro...
2024 Paris Olympics - CBC's full game coverage of the Olympics seems to favor the female athletes while male athletes received only limited coverage and short clips from their events ?
www.cbc.ca/mediacentre/program/olympic-games-paris-2024
Jul 25, 2024 Paris Olympics - CBC airs entire Women's Olympic soccer games, Women's beach-ball games, Women's rugby games, Women's basketball games water polo and more ? Watch CBC for live full game coverage from St-Etienne, France heavy.com/sports/olympics/canada-soccer-bev-priestman-dro...
Grey Cup Nov 17th 2024 - Everyone else is here, but where's the CBC ?
Once again this year CBC will distance itself from a very identifiable and nation uniting Canadian sports extravaganza and will not cover or live broadcast the historic Grey Cup game to Canadians ? However they will be covering a relatively unknown Women's tennis sports event named after Battle of the Sexes winner and Women in sports advocate Billie Jean King being held at this time overseas in Spain ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54147303159/in/album-7...
October 27, 2024 - Demand for CBC President and CEO Catherine Tait to refund the Canadian taxpayers . Why should a civil servant who works for Trudeau make more than the Prime Minister she works for ?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-z1ZNza5Fk
Aug 22 2024, Minister of hypocrisy, I mean, Minister of Health Mark Holland says, "All the stuff that's clearly designed to target youth — it's over," ?
the fans are confused ? After Connor McDavid and other NHL Superstar heroes played starring roles in glamorous new betMGM ads to promote gambling on their websites, numerous complaints were filed. And so they eased up on the image of a Sports hero who encourages and participates in gambling although the McDavid image itself was not to be disconnected from the gambling vice or from the lucrative gambling industry ? A new corrected version will now show Connor as an ambassador for safe and responsible gambling whenever you gamble ? But isn't it still gambling ? see news article, "Connor McDavid's latest gambling ad with Bet MGM sparks outrage among his fans,"
www.sportskeeda.com/us/nhl/news-disgusted-started-gamblin...
Bell Let's Talk ! Feb 4th 2025 - U Ottawa Scotty accuses Bell Canada of hypocrisy,, www.youtube.com/shorts/31f3sZndK6w
www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/51844732131/in/album-7...
* News Flash * Grey Cup 2024, BC Place Vancouver - Does Bell read the FLICKR comments ? Bell has made a stunning about face ? and it's good news.. After decades of Canadian pro football exclusion CTV will for the first time in a long time actually broadcast this years' playoffs and the Grey Cup game to Canadians. Many more games are now scheduled for the 2025 season, www.cfl.ca/2024/09/06/fall-is-in-the-air-the-cfl-on-ctv-i...
March 30th Vancouver B.C. Michael Bublé plugs his own outside personal business products while hosting CBC's 2925 Juno Awards ? Is it appropriate for the CBC to allow the salaried MC to also advertise his own outside personal business ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54607761592/in/album-7...
2025 Calgary Stampede, CBC distances itself from the Calgary Stampede this year, and will not broadcast any events including the Parade ? You'll have to subscribe to a specialty channel if you are interested in this famous Canadian event ? calstampede.com/calgary-stampede-2025-how-to-watch-date-t...
July 13th 2025 - Men's Pro Rodeo and chuckwagon fans are ignored ? CBC Sports programming ignores and does not include this years fifty thousand dollar finals of the world famous Calgary Stampede, see Sunday's CBC Sports programming,, calstampede.com/shows/calgary-stampede-broadcast-schedule/
Jul 13, 2025 - Men's World Cup soccer is not broadcast on CBC ? FIFA Club World Cup Jun 15, 2025 – Jul 13, 2025 - Chelsea beats PSG 3-0 to win 2025 Club World Cup . Coldplay and Trump and 81,000 attend the final,, but is not televised ? CBC does broadcast an unknown Women's softball tournament ?
apnews.com/live/psg-chelsea-club-world-cup-updates
2025 Toronto Blue Jays - CBC doesn't seem to broadcast Men's baseball ? www.consumersearch.com/fitness-sports/plan-viewing-blue-j...
Dec 3rd 2025, University of Victoria B.C. - Young minds being blocked ? No more freedom of speach or free thinking allowed in Canadian Universities ? Asking questions that might challenge the status quo or oferring your own opinion is not allowed in a B.C. University and can get the Police called in to arrest you and cart you off to jail ? www.youtube.com/watch?v=u53G5WBpVmc
A Key Message = Free Palestine
The West Bank and Gaza Strip have been under an illegal Israeli military rule since they were occupied in the 1967 war, and today are referred to as the “Palestinian Occupied Territories”. East Jerusalem was also annexed illegally by Israel in 1967. For 60 years the Palestinians have been denied the right to self-determination and statehood.
(Updated 5th January 2009)
The Israeli 'War on Gaza' that began on the 27th of December 2008 is a war against humanity, the killing of innocent men, woman and children can never be justified.
The use of F16 airstrikes and field artillary weapons that fire high explosive shells including 'white fosforos' munitions (classed as a chemical weapon and currently banned under the Geneva convention) at civilian targets is barbaric, Israels 'War on Gaza' is not only a disproportionate use of force but shows the vindictiveness of the Israeli people who whole heartedly support their governments 'war of terror' against the civilian population of Gaza as a 'collective'. This war by Israel is an act of villainy were collateral damage in the form of 'loss of innocent life' is deemed unimportant, this statement is backed up by the choice of high powered munitions currently being used in civilian areas by the Israeli armed forces. The difference in weapons systems is reflected in the casualty figures from each side which shows that the word 'precision guided' munitions is a 'loosely based term, as bombs do not discriminate in densely populated areas. The international and Arab communities long silence regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a disgrace as is the defunct UNSC's inane rhetoric, the Gazan population as a 'collective' have been suffering under an Israeli seige for the last 18 months confined in the "worlds largest open air prison, Gaza", during this time the Israeli government have denied Gazans the most basic human rights, this treatment would be considered de-humanizing and criminal by any western government and considered to be a total violation of the human rights act, this statement can be backed up by the overwhelming number of United Nations resolutions against the Israeli government for their 'dire' ongoing treatment of the Palestinian people, although supported by a majority of UNSC members not one resolution has been passed out of 44 put forward since 1972 as 'all' were vetoed by Israels arms dealer and financier, the United States.
Israel is the American government's puppet in the Middle East as are the British government in Europe along with many other countries throughout the different continents of the world "were ever American interests may lie", Israel is a prime example as it is funded financially by the American government and therefore indirectly by the American taxpayer to the tune of 'Billions of dollars' each year, every penny of which is designated for military defence purposes i.e (Weapons), which leads onto the double standards applied by the United States regarding their irrational 'War on Terror' when they began to classify certain populations around the world as 'terrorist organisations' whilst supporting and arming various factions and groups themselves through 'back door' politics and "paperless" financing, these groups who were then deemed freeedom fighters when doing 'Americas bidding' are now viewed as terrorists?, America has often been involved in regime change in countries that were seen to be unco-operative or not pro-western, some examples of these double standards include Afghanistan were most of the weapons being used against the coalition forces today are ones that America supplied to the Muhdjadin and other localised factions to fight the Russians, Saddam Hussein in Iraq was also supported and equiped by the American government and more closer to home the IRA who had been carrying out many bombings across mainland Britain suddenly decided after 25 years to take the political road to peace and discontinue their armed struggle which coincidentally is when George 'despot' Bush launched his world de-stabilizing 'War on Terror' crusade after 9/11, why did the IRA stop when 9/11 happened?, they stopped because the long-time 'political goodwill' given to the IRA by the American government, and the financial support given through fund raising by certain elements of the American public to pay for arms to kill British people had dried up in an instant, so you could say that, 'on that one day in history the American support for the IRA cause well and truly ended'.
The point i am making is that the version of events put forward by western politicians who just toe the line because they are afraid to tread on Americas 'economically powerful toes' should be verified before being believed, this includes the sanitised "off the cuff" version of the Gaza conflict and the demonisation of all things Arab reported by western media organisations ("who can only guess what the Israeli military are doing in Gaza as they have all been denied access, why?"). Therefore western media reports are not always as fair and balanced as one is led to believe and in general due to cultural differences and a lack of understanding these sources of information do not give a fair account of the Palistinian people and their struggle for self determination and statehood.
(Updated 7th January 2009)
The following disproportionate use of force that resulted in the killing of innocent civilians in contradiction to (article 33, 4th ed, Geneva Convention) was comitted on the 6th January 2009 by Israel in the Gaza Strip and goes some way to substantiate a number of previous statements above regarding the international communities complicity in the tragic events 'being allowed' to unfold in Gaza, it also confirms Israels willingness to blatently breach international law on a day to day basis through it's total disregard for the lives of innocent civilians in Gaza.
The Israeli military on the 6th January 2009 launched airstrikes on three .U.N. run schools which were designated 'safe havens' for Palistinian 'non combatant' civilians, one of the schools UN-run al-Fakhora school in Jabalya refugee camp was hit by 3 mortar rounds fired from an Israeli IDFposition killing 43 and injuring 55, all the victims were innocent men woman and children. Christopher Gunness of the .U.N. Relief and Works Agency, responsible for the school, said the agency is "99.9 percent certain there were no militants or military activity in its school". The Israeli military were well aware of the .U.N. schools position as they had been given it's GPS co-ordinates by .U.N. Officials at the school, the building had a large .U.N. Flag flying and the instalation is clearly marked .U.N., also the Israeli liason Officer to the .U.N. in Gaza had been informed of civilians sheltering in the school. Israel's claim that militants were operating outside the .U.N. school is unestablished and the third variation on their claim of a "return of fire" defence in wartime?. My point is even if this was the case the Israeli military has still knowingly breached international law under the Geneva Convention (article 33), how can firing high explosive shells within 'close' proximity of a group of (known) innocent civilians in order to hit a 'non-confirmed' target be justified? It is clearly a disproportionate use of force and under international law it is considered to be a 'war crime', there is a case to answer and if proven guilty Israel should be held to account at the Haig.
CONCLUSION
The logic behind the Israeli governments treatment of the Palestinians in Gaza during the siege and throughout this conflict is illogical, no one in their right mind could believe that inprisoning a population, punishing them as a 'collective', controlling their freedom of movement, denying them their basic human rights, laying siege to their home territory over a long period (18 mths), denying them their 'God' given right as any population has to self determination, killing their innocent men, woman and children with no regard for human life and with such barbarity, laying waste to their towns and cities, starving them, cuttting off their basic utilities and breaking down their social and enviromental infrastructures through psychological and forceful means in a vein attempt to make the population turn-in on their own democratically elected government is nonsensical. None of the above can be considered as measures to encourage moderate Palestinians to talk peace?, this Israeli conflict has not only put back the chance of any peace and co-operation between the Palestinians and Israelis in the near future it has also increased the prospect of more de-stabilization not only in the Middle East region but throughout the world. I find it very difficult to understand how a devout society like Israel with its 'own' history of persecution under a Nazi regime can so easily reconcile its barbaric persecution of innocent people with such ease of conscience?.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Quote;
"Terrorism" is what we call the violence of the weak, and we condemn it; "war" is what we call the violence of the strong, and we glorify it".
By Sydney J. Harris
____________________________________________________________________________
Quote;
"Guerrilla warfare is used by the side which is supported by a majority but which possesses a much smaller number of arms for use in defense against oppression."
By 'Che Guevara' (Guerrilla Warfare, 1960)
____________________________________________________________________________
Paperless LCD writing tablet - "Boogie Board".
とくに明確な利用目的は無いのですが、、、
ブギーボードを購入してみました。
感圧式の電子ペーパーといいましょうか。
メモならiPhoneの手書きメモアプリで十分なのですが、
なんか不思議な魅力を感じてしまいまして・・・買っちゃいました。
書いて消すダケ、なので用途は限られます。
これで数ページをメモリしておけるのであれば、ビジネスにも使えるのですが。
Using evernote as a virtual filing cabinet, this Scansnap scanner enables a paperless, clutterless workspace.
Out from the desk below slides a drawer with a printer, stapler, tape, and paper clips. And of course, there is a staple remover for preparing paper to be scanned. Paperless is the goal whenever possible.
@dailyshoot #ds416: "Make an interesting photograph of something mundane and ordinary today".
Far away from the paperless office
SOOC
The Haas assembly floor now uses electronic work instructions running in custom applications on Apple iPads to ensure that every product is built to exacting standards, and every process is completely documented and traceable.
Haas began implementing electronic work instructions on the assembly floor in January 2012, as a first step toward becoming a “paperless” factory. Since then, the company has reduced its paper consumption from 13.5 million pages per year to 3.6 million pages per year – a decrease of nearly 75%. The Assembly Department alone, one of the most paper intensive departments, has reduced monthly paper consumption from 645,250 pages to 40,000 pages – a decrease of nearly 94%! Currently, there are more than 400 iPads deployed throughout the Haas factory, with more planned as other departments come online.
My assignments were coming to an end so the free time gave me a chance to have a go at one of the surreal photographs I'd been seeing for a while but hadn't had a chance to try.
Although they look relatively simple, they take a while to prepare!
This was my last planner - embellished with post office bar code labels (I was bored waiting in that looong line so I started it there and finished at home). Then I just drew some fun shapes with highlighters.
I've since gone paperless (something I thought would be impossible after YEARS of carrying around a paper planner). Check out www.cozi.com for an amazing online calendar with great features!
NOVEMBER 2008 UPDATE: I've gone back to a paper planner (sorry, trees)! While Cozi was a great PC tool (I still use it), it just can't compare to penciling in an appt on the spot or prioritizing daily tasks at a long red light. In order to stay on top of things I MUST have something in my hands at any given moment, and until I can afford a solar-powered gadget that weighs less than one pound, I'll have to stick to my paper planner!
DECEMBER 2008 UPDATE: I got a Blackberry during the "transition" from online to paper and since I couldn't get used to paper again, I'm using my Blackberry and it's working amazingly well!
...Just goes to show that you have to find the best method for YOU and sometimes it takes a little time and some trial & error to finally find the best one!
MARCH 2009 UPDATE: Still using my Blackberry calendar (along with Cozi for so the family stays informed & on the same page). LOVING MY BLACKBERRY!!!
Ralph pushed me to do "something mechanical, a machine or mechanism". Here is a lens cap being taken apart for cleaning.
One of the worst things for putting dirt on your lens is the lens cap. I was worried about immersing it in water to clean it until I found out how to take it apart.
It's really quite simple. It's 3 bits of plastic and two springs. Using a straightened paper clip ( not sure what to use when we go paperless!), carefully lift the plastic arm on both sides of the sliding piece and it will pull right out. Do it carefully so as not to lose the spring. Now the bits can be cleaned in soapy water using a soft brush if needed for the really dirty bits. Once dry it just pushes back together.
Hello,
Attached below please see pictures of the current Health & Welfare Group's
space at the ESC.
The Health & Welfare group currently consists of 5 offices with 9 work
stations. 2 of the workstations have minimal space as you will see in the
pictures.
Room 1
The pictures below labeled "remote" office currently houses our
Administrator, Associate staff, temporary staff, the team printer, team
scanner and one of our tax documents cabinet. We will always need a 5
drawer file cabinet for tax documents, but not the 2 we have now.
-
Room 2
The pictures labeled "2 person office" currently houses our Specialists
staff and a file cabinet. We don't expect to need this cabinet a year
from now.
We do not expect to need the Bank of Cabinets pictured below a year from
now. We will need the 2 "Remote" cabinets but they should be within our
space.
Room 3
Currently occupied by Manager 1 and at times temporary staff, and storage.
Room 4
Currently occupied by Team Lead Manager 2.
Room 5
The fifth room is occupied by the IT Manager 2 and is almost the exact
same as the "team lead office" except without the 5 drawer file cabinet.
What works and doesn't work
Members of the team and our equipment is required by law to be behind
locked doors.
We have gone as paperless as much as we can, and expect to archive the
documents in the 6 five drawer file cabinets pictured above by the end of
this Fiscal Year. The entire team could easily work from home as long as
we have access to the firm's systems.
In discussing the current work space with the team, the number one
complaint is how spread out we are. 4 of the 5 offices are on the same
wall but 2 are on one side of a hallway and 2 are on the other side. The
5th office is on the other side of the floor, not terribly far in distance
but does not promote communication.
After discussing with the team and getting everyone's ideas the space
would work better if...
We had 2 rooms, next to each other. 1 room would be shared by the Admin
staff, Specialists, Associate and house our printer, scanner and 2 five
drawer file cabinets on wheels. We would need 6 work stations in 1 of the
rooms. This could be reduced to 4 or 5 work stations depending on work
from home allowed. The second room would be shared by the 3 managers and
house our fax machine and would require 2 work stations. This could be
reduced to 1 workstations depending on the work from home allowed.
Ideally each room would have....
l desks on wheels with interchangeable desk sizes, storage and privacy
panels
l lockers (so the desks can be shared if Partner Affairs leadership
decides staff could work from home part of the week)
l one work station with a desk that allows a person to stand and work
l a combination opaque/clear glass wall to comply with the line of site
law and for natural light
l focused lighting
l docking stations
l desktop monitors
l a combination white board/bulletin board
l sufficient electrical outlets and data ports
Gents — You expertly utilized your Apple iPod and your Frontier Airlines Mobile App to move through your departure airport paperless and pretty much contact-free. You again demonstrated your expert travel skills by using your handy Apple iPod and your MLife Mobile App to by-pass the NY-NY Hotel registration counter to move directly and contact-free into your hotel guest room. You received your hotel room assignment before you even touched down at McCarran International Airport. So now, you will use your Apple iPod from here on until your checkout seven days from now as your digital room key — So Keep Your Apple 🍎 iPod fully charged! 😷😉
I've done a little illustrated interview for Paperless Post. You can see it here, and feel sorry for my studio mate:
blog.paperlesspost.com/post/74764706549/blanca-gomez-a-sp...
Kathy Toth || Toronto Graffiti Archive || Instagram
Hilroy was an institution for anyone who grew up here and used their paper products, binder paper, notebooks, folders, etc. It wasn't really killed by digital technologies, rather it was sold, resold and passed along until the products ended up coming from the US and India, like everything else.
www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/how-this-canadian-born...
In July, 1918, a Torontonian named Roy Hill took a gamble.
He borrowed $432 from a life insurance policy and $1500 from his parents – who took out a second mortgage on their home to do it – to start his own business:
He called it the Canadian Pad and Paper Company.
Hill worked 16-hour days out of his Wellington Street office in downtown Toronto. He was the company's manager, salesman, shipper and paper cutter - and did it all using rented equipment.
In the evenings his wife would streetcar to the factory to help package the shipments.
Within two years, the Canadian Pad and Paper Company outgrew its offices and moved to a larger space nearby.
Slowly but surely, Hill's gamble paid off. Business was thriving. Hill's cardboard-covered notebooks could be found in schools everywhere.
Following the purchase of another envelope company in 1958, Roy Hill changed the name of the company to Hilroy Envelopes and Stationary Limited.
The business moved yet again to - appropriately - an elementary school-looking building on Eglington West.
Roy Hill - who remained chairman of the board well into old age - passed away in 1978, leaving behind a Canadian legacy.
Hilroy's primary-coloured exercise books have been a staple in Canadian classrooms for the better part of a century.
And here's the remarkable thing: The brand still produces 14 million of those notebooks a year - making it the largest stationary company in the country.
It takes just 45 seconds to make a Hilroy notebook. But it takes years to build an iconic brand.
It's amazing that a paper company can not only survive, but still thrive in a paperless era.
Caledonia & Castlefield, Toronto : nationalpost.com/news/a-paper-pushers-portrait
Various Artists
Wednesday 6 November, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
George Orwell
168 Perth Road
Dundee, DD1 4JS
Join us for a curated evening of Artist short films from around the globe. Based on this year’s festival theme REACT; NEoN has selected a series of films covering topics such as gender, environment and immigration.
Featuring work by BOM Fellow Emily Mulenga and other artists Georgie Roxby Smith, Jenny odell, Elaine Hoey, Chloé Galibert-Laîné, Shelley Lake, John Butler, Kevin B Lee, shawné michaelain holloway, Jennifer Chan, Shelly Lake and Greg Bath.
Full screening notes:
Max Almy, Perfect leader, (1983), 4 mins. 15 secs.
A satire of the political television spot, Perfect Leader shows that ideology is the product and power is the payoff. The process of political image making and the marketing of a candidate is revealed, as an omnipotent computer manufactures the perfect candidate, offering up three political types: Mr. Nice Guy, an evangelist, and an Orwellian Big Brother. Behind the candidates, symbols of political promises quickly degenerate into icons of oppression and nuclear war.
Greg Barth, Epic Fail, (2017), 5 mins. 32 secs.
Epic Fail is an avant-garde essay that questions what happens when political discourse fails to connect with voters, and truth is impacted by fake news. Based on the political events that shook 2016, the film imagines a reality that is both forged and blurred depending on how we perceive it; using existential currents inspired by Jean Paul Sartre’s Nausea.
The result is a surreal political satire that revolves around a vote for world peace that has dramatic consequences.
John Butler, Xerox’s Paradox, (2018), 2 mins.
A new workwear collection for the age of intelligent supertasking. Xerox’s fear of a paperless office led to the GUI, which, in turn, led to an explosion in the amount of printed matter. Xerox’s Paradox is about technology’s broken promises. The more we automate, the harder we must work.
Jennifer Chan, *A Total Jizzfest*, (2012), 3 mins. 22 secs.
A sample of the richest, sexiest men in computer and internet history.
Chloé Galibert-Laîné, My Crush was a Superstar, (2017), 12 mins. 30 secs.
This desktop documentary follows an ISIS fighter through a trail of messages, videos and postings to uncover his existence in both social media and reality. Part of Bottled Songs, a series of video letters investigating desire, power and terrorism in online and social media. The videos, recorded from the researchers’ desktops, depict and interrogate their subjects’ compulsive engagement in the production of everyday myths and fictions about themselves and others.
Elaine Hoey, Animated Positions, (2019), 9 mins. 47 secs.
This work draws reference from 19th century European nationalist paintings and explores the role of art in the portrayal of jingoistic patriotic ideals that have become culturally symbolic in the formation of the nation state. This piece re-animates the war like stances and positions of bodies found within these paintings, using character animation taken from the video game Call of Duty. The work challenges notions of nostalgia for the nation state, creating a contemporary critique of the underlying violence that underpins much of todays nationalistic ideologies.
Shawné Michaelain Holloway, GEAR-REVIEW(1)__BEGINNERS-VEST.MP4, (2016), 1 min. 55 secs.
GEAR-REVIEW(1)__BEGINNERS-VEST.MP4 is a response to internet’s “Gear Review” video genre. Using a video sourced from Youtube’s preparedness community alongside a video of the artist performing live for her leather community, this work asks questions about the ways we get to know, use, and care for our objects. Whether them for war, for sex, or both, we’re obsessed with function and feature, forcing fetish into the realm of the domestic and accessible.
Shelley Lake, Polly Gone, (1988), 3 min. 9 secs.
A day in the life of a robot.
Kevin B. Lee, The Spokesman, (2018), 12 mins. 30 secs.
The Spokesman investigates the online traces of John Cantlie, a British news reporter who was kidnapped in 2012 and later appeared in several Islamic State propaganda videos. Responding to Cantlie’s videos, Kevin analyzes Cantlie’s British accent and professional composure, constructed over many years of media appearances. Part of Bottled Songs, a series of video letters investigating desire, power and terrorism in online and social media. The videos, recorded from the researchers’ desktops, depict and interrogate their subjects’ compulsive engagement in the production of everyday myths and fictions about themselves and others.
Emily Mulenga, Now that we know the world is ending soon…what are you gonna wear?, (2019), 4 mins. 5 secs
Religious imagery and symbols of capitalist excess intertwine under the ever-watchful eye of CCTV cameras. Loneliness occurs even in the most crowded, noisy and colourful of rooms. Fractured identities span the online and offline worlds. Late-stage capitalism has left us with a disconnect from others and from a spiritual centre, and consumerism purports to fill the void; but never truly satisfies. There’s a condition of perpetual information overload in an oversaturated, neon, dystopian cityscape. There’s also a rabbit.
Jenny Odell, Polly Returns, (2017), 3 mins. 2 secs.
Polly Returns is based on Shelley Lake’s 1988 computer animation, Polly Gone, which features an isolated female robot doing everyday tasks inside a futuristic dome house. In my version, the robot has returned in 2017. The soundtrack is inspired by the original from Polly Gone, which itself was based on the soundtrack from The Day the Earth Stood Still.
Georgie Roxby Smith, Lara Croft Domestic Goddess I & II, (2013), 2 mins. 14 secs.
Georgie Roxby Smith’s hacked Lara Croft Tomb Raider video game shows the familiar icon for violent femme fatale bad-assery in the throes of orgasmic housekeeping, a scene that could be read as neo-Friedan, with her “domestic goddess” subject trapped between the banally physical and the extraordinarily virtual. The value judgments are unclear, the equation destabilized, as Croft joyfully irons shirts with a bow and arrow slung over her back, letting out cries that are undiscernibly battle grunts or orgiastic moans.
Photography Kathryn Rattray