Medical Center in Paris - St. Lazare

It can be difficult to find a nice and modern doctors office in Paris, let alone one that is open 7 days per week, and where you don't need an appointment!

This place is wonderful - centrally located by the St. Lazare train station, and they usually have someone at the front desk who speaks English, if you do not speak French.

You can also find a dentist (with emergency hours, if you suddenly find you need your wisdom teeth removed!) and even aesthetic services like Botox and laser hair removal, along with all the other medical departments you could find in a medical center in the US.

A regular visit costs €23 without insurance. There is a pharmacy right across the street where you may pick up any prescriptions immediately - they are also quite cheap.

 

Centre Medical Saint-Lazare

13 rue de la Pepiniere 75008 Paris

01 58 22 90 00

www.centre-medical-stlazare.com 

Recipe: Lemon & Honey Summer Cocktail

This cocktail is so simple and yet so tasty! It is like an adult version of refreshing lemonade that is always so nice in the summer time.

Ingredients:
1/4 large lemon, in large slices
2 TB honey
1 shot vodka
Pellegrino
Ice

In a lowball glass, add the honey, then squeeze all the juice from the lemon slices, and add the slices as well to the glass. Stir until honey dissolves. Add vodka and stir. Top with Pellegrino, and add a couple of ice cubes if desired.

Variation: Substitute brown sugar for the honey.

Art: Cartier Foundation in Paris

I first visited the Cartier Foundation this summer while working on a luxury consulting project for Cartier. It is a great exhibition space in Paris, serving to promote all kinds of contemporary art, ranging from painting, sculpture, photography to installations and most recently outsider / self-taught international artists.

The modern industrial building is surrounded by plants, including a large garden in the back. I loved the bright orange plastic chairs! They would be great for outdoor seating in a home setting too.

In addition to hosting exhibitions on all different themes related to contemporary art, the foundation also proposes some interesting looking evening events, "Soirees Nomades", that could be a fun activity to check out with friends.

 

Fondation Cartier

261 Boulevard Raspail  

75014 Paris, France

(tel) 01 42 18 56 50

http://fondation.cartier.com

Spa: Thermae Bath Spa is Heaven in England!

The Thermae Spa in Bath, England, must be one of the most relaxing places I have visited! It is a gorgeous facility that still takes advantage of the town's famous natural thermal mineral waters. Not only did I feel so relaxed afterward, but it did wonders for my skin! You can make a day trip by train from London, and spend the day having fun.

We spent the day floating around in the various large pools in the building. On the ground floor is a relaxing pool, where you can also find a strong stream of water that acts as a massage for the shoulders. On the rooftop is a bubbling warm pool, with gorgeous views over the town and green mountains! This was my favorite spot.

On one of the middle floors, you will find aromatherapy steam rooms - go in order of the four circular rooms as indicated by the map at the entrance, cooling off under the "rain" shower in the central space in between. Be aware that the air is very hot and humid inside the rooms, so this experience is not for everyone!

There is no need for a reservation, unless you book one of their special spa packages. A regular 2 hour session in the pools is £26 and 4 hours is £36. Bring a towel, robe and slippers if you want to avoid the cost of renting them from the spa (The cost is not too expensive at about £2 for each item).

 

Thermae Spa

Hot Bath Street  

Bath BA1 1SJ, England

01225 331234

Reservations: 0844 888 0844 (From Overseas +44 1225 33 1234)

www.thermaebathspa.com

Travel: The Charming Waterways of Venice

Venice is such a lovely place. I just loved how the light looked reflecting on all the old and colorful building facades, as they stand over the water. 

It is easy to get around via the Water Taxi (which can also take you out to explore the surrounding islands), and the Vaporetto. You can find gondolas easily as well just by walking around - although these are more expensive, and more for the novelty and fun of the ride.