Not your typical boutique – that’s what I concluded.

Walking into “El Indio Feliz” is like taking a plane straight into Latin America... The cashier was literally dancing with the clients, the owner was singing along to the exotic songs playing in the background, and no joke, there’s this dog (probably half dead) camouflaged amongst the objects for sale… not your standard gift shop right?

Non-the less, I think it’s a great concept. The owners basically travel (A LOT) and then bring back objects (A LOT). Most articles are from South America but some are from Africa and a few from Asia. Honestly, it’s a great source of inspiration.

So if you happen to be looking for super original presents and you don’t mind a little samba included in the price, then make your way to…

à 69 rue de la Roquette, Paris 75011

Every year, as from early November, “Les Galeries Lafayette” celebrates the arrival of Christmas and New Year. Along the infinite walkway down this street, an enchanting display of animated dolls and beautiful gowns is visible for all passers-by.

The large windows are usually used to promote brands or products but at this time of year, everything is converted into a mini wonderland!

In Paris, it’s become a tradition for all families to come and visit the beautiful windows of the store. Just seeing children’s innocent faces in awe in front of mechanic moving objects is entertaining enough.

But there’s a small let-down … if you actually want to be able to see anything – it’s better to avoid the suffocating crowd. Just make sure you come super early… or at lunch-time. Also, if you have a some time to spare (and money) you should definitely go have a drink inside the building. Check out their huge christmas tree! Super original - it's upside-down.

-->  40, boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris

Today I had a nice surprise! This morning, to not wake up my flat-mates, I sneaked out to go for a morning walk. Guess what? Right in front of my doorsteps was a huge garage sale!

I love these kind of improvised markets. This one is specified in all antique objects and vintage clothing pieces.  (Side note for the girls: tons of fur coats and 50 euro Burberry trenches! Legit!)

Personally I’m much more fascinated by all the strange stuff from exotic places -statues, jewels, compasses and creepy hamster heads from Burma. You can even find pinned butterflies or stuffed tarantulas – if that’s your kind of thing…

For the vintage lovers, there’s everything from a to z. Toy cars, record players and even tableware. Oh and artists sell their art too!

It’s only up for a couple of days so if you’re in town head down to “Boulevard Arago” and enjoy the hunt for good bargains!

Ok - so it’s not the typical visit… But it was just too curious not to show you guys.

Today I came across a little Asian lady who holds a tiny little shop up my street… nothing strange right? Wrong.

“Photo- Ciné” is a “store” (if you can even call it that?) full of cameras from head to toe. LITERALLY. 

Inside, the old lady sits on a rusty stool, all day, right in front of the entrance (the only space left), making it absolutely impossible to actually enter the shop. Behind her, a mountain of cameras, accessories and gadgets, is threatening to tip over at any moment…

People actually buy stuff here though. At least for all those interested in photography, or selling old material, this peculiar place is definitely one to see. For low prices and good deals, you'r guaranteed to find what you'r looking for - that is, if you manage to find it in this mess.

à 72 Avenue des Gobelins, 75013 Paris

Because I was afraid to offend anyone, I hesitated a while before posting this entry. After a moment of reflection, I finally decided that this place was too special to ignore…

So yes, it’s a cemetery.

Walking through this graveyard feels more like walking through a vast city, with streets, buildings and…the dead. Literally though – they’ve had to create districts (like the ones we have in Paris) to divide up the area and avoid getting lost in this maze of tombstones. It’s quite sinister but at the same time, has a charm beyond words.

Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Balzac and Molière are just a few of the famous figures that lay buried under ground. Some graves are just so impressive, that you can easily mistake them for amazing art sculptures. Of course some ancient graves are left overgrown -  so old that even their mourners have joined them 6 feet under…

Really a beautiful stroll – well, only if you don’t believe in ghosts.

--> « Cimetière du Père-Lachaise "

6 Rue du Repos , 75020 Paris