MW Aime Paris: Partie Duex

Bonjour!

Partie duex to my previous post! 

Seventh stop: Arc de Triomphe

This is MASSIVE, much larger than I thought, especially as I saw it from the distance when we were at Place de la Concorde. This is basically in memorial of the soldiers during the World Wars. There is a tomb underneath which is famously known as The Unknown Soldier.

Eighth stop: Trocadéro/Eiffel Tower

This was the place I was most excited to visit, simply because it has the BEST view of the Eiffel Tower! I mean check out the photo! You get the entire tower view from this place. If you walk down the stairs of the Palace de Chaillot you will come across Jardins du Trocadéro, which is pretty amazing in itself. If you cross the street and walk across Pont d'Iéna you will be right underneath the Eiffel Tower. Here you can go to the second floor, or for the more adventurous - the top. Mama Mango, fainthearted,  opted out and didn`t want me to go up, either - so I missed out on the amazing views! But, I`m 100% sure the view would have been epic.

TIP: If you want to get a full shot of the Eiffel Tower then take the bus/metro to Trocadéro and follow the signs for 'Tour Eiffel' - I promise you it will take your breath away!

Jardins de Trocadéro behind me. The building behind me is the Palace de Chaillot. In this building, they adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948! 

Mama Mango enjoying the view before crossing Pont d'Iéna to get to the Left Bank where the Eiffel Tower resides.

Ninth stop: Eiffel Tower/Champ de Mers 

No introduction is obviously needed for the Eiffel Tower, but little trivia, when France was occupied by the Germans in 1940, the cable for the elevator was cut so Adolf Hitler had to walk RIGHT to the top - hah!

The Buddy Bears are currently in Paris where they have 140 pooh bears representing the countries that the UN recognise and they signify the peaceful coexistence of the countries...*awkward*

Find out more here.

At the foot of the Champ de Mers, you`ll find the 'Wall for Peace' which was inspired by the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem. It explains the Arabic and Hebrew writing of peace all around the monument. There`s a massive split view on the Wailing Wall of Jerusalem, where both Muslims and Jews hold it very high. For Muslims, it holds the foundation of the Aqsa Masjid and the Dome of Rock, but also it was the gate in which we believe our beloved Prophet (sws) came to Jerusalem from Mecca on a Buraq. Jews, it is one of their last remaining portions of the Temple of Solomon. The Jews want to reconstruct the Temple of Solomon, but in order to do so it would mean destroying the masjids - hence the massive split view on the Wall.

The view as I was approaching the Eiffel Tower.

The Buddy Bears all with their arms up ready for a hug.

Me with the Buddy Bears which show the love/coexistence between all the religions...

Tramp alert, clearly.

Wall for Peace

Magical view after Maghrib!

Tenth stop: Notre Dame

Everyone has heard of this cathedral, because of the book by Victor Hugo - Hunchback of Notre Dame! I was a little excited to see this! It oozed Gothic architecture with the gargoyle sculptures along the top of the cathedral. It was pretty cool to see, if I`m honest.

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So, that was my trip to Paris! We saw PLENTY of culture and history in those two days, and we absolutely adored it. I would most definitely recommend to go to Paris if you haven`t been - I can`t believe I waited so long to explore this city?! 

Have you been? Where else would you recommend to go? Any tips? Share below!

If you are going any time soon, and want specific details etc, please do email me at mangowhirl@gmail.com and I`ll share everything (limited) I know to you! :)

Hope you enjoyed the photos/history lesson, as much as I did typing it up.

Hope everyone has had a lovely Eid weekend.

xo

MW Aime Paris: Partie Un

Bonjour mes amis :)

Here is a photo diary of my trip to Paris, as promised! 

(click on photos to enlarge)

The day started off early, Mama Mango and I left the house at 5.15am! *yawn* We had to make it into St Pancras International for 7.30am, and because I`m meticulous and paranoid - I took into consideration the possibility of leaves on the track and delaying the train from our side of England! But, alhamdulilah we got there in good time! 

TIP: I would recommend going by Eurostar into Paris, as the journey is swift and on-time! The duration of the journey was approximately 2 hrs and 23 minutes. Not bad, eh? Mama Mango timed how long it took us to cross the Euro Tunnel - 19 mins! Is that all it takes to get us across the English Channel?! Insane! Takes my brother longer to roll out of bed in the morning! You can always catch amazing discount fares from the Eurostar website! If you`re super lucky, you can get a return for £37.50!! Keep an eye out on their website. Also, Groupon sometimes have pretty cool offers, which include Eurostar AND hotel!

Upon arrival, we had to buy metro tickets. As we were in Paris for two days, I purchased the unlimited travel within zones 1-3 (this is the usual touristy attraction locations, if you want to go to Disney Land, then you will need to purchase a zones 1-5 ticket). 

TIP: These 2 day tickets are great, but the only downfall is you didn`t really see much of Paris from the subway. If I was to go again, I would make sure I travel more on the bus/open top tour bus so I can capture more of Paris. Further, finding the Metro station is ridiculously difficult! It isn`t at all like the London Underground system - not clearly signed at all! So, we ended up walking around in circles looking for it - better off jumping on the bus. With the unlimited tickets, you can get on the bus, as well. You can also buy 1 day, 5 day tickets if you`re spending less/more time in Paris. 

Once we dropped our suitcases off and freshened up, we headed straight out to make the most of the day. 

First stop: Pont Neuf

This used to be the central point of Paris in the 18th century, from which you can get an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower on a clear day. The first ever stone laid down for this bridge was by King Henry III of France. It crosses the River Seine, so from this bridge we walked downstream, walking alongside the river.

Second stop: Pont des Arts

This is the famous Lover's Bridge where couples write their names onto a padlock, lock it onto the bridge and throw the keys into the River Seine as a gesture of their love. To me, its pretty romantic, as I am a sucker for all things cute and lovely. But, Mama Mango? Not so impressed - haha.

TIP: Go here with your partner, do the tradition of padlocking your love onto the Lovers Bridge and walk away with a smile on your face - don`t go with your mum (lol)

Third stop: Louvre Museum

As we carried on walking downstream the River Seine, on the right we had the Louvre Museum.

This place is obviously famous for holding the Mona Lisa, and being in The Da Vinci Code - which was pretty cool. You can see photos of me in front of the Louvre here. We didn`t opt to go in, because it would have been a waste of time with Mama Mango who has no interest in art.

Mama Mango in the shot! 

Fourth stop: Jardin des Tuileries 

This is a pretty garden in Paris, which Mama Mango adored (she`s a green thumb). There is so much history to this Garden, where it was originally designed to model native Florence. It was later used by Napoleon for military parades in the 19th century. Seriously, if you read up on this Garden alone, you will be amazed by how much went on here. Its so surreal that I stood in the area where so much happened. (I`m bit of a geek like that. Don`t judge me.)

They had these green chairs dotted all over the Garden, which is great as it gave mum a chance to rest her legs whilst I got to wander and take photos. 

Fifth stop: Place de la Concorde

Once you leave the Garden from the other side you come across Place de la Concorde. This is the largest public square in Paris. The prominent feature of this square is the Luxor Obelisk. This was one of the obelisks given by the Egyptians back in the 19th century, the other one was returned back to Egypt. But, how amazing is it, that this exact obelisk used to be outside the Luxor Temple in Egypt? As it was so difficult to transport these in the 19th century, the bottom panel reveals how it was transported to France from Egypt.

Also, this obelisk replaced the location of the guillotine from the French Revolution! Can you believe that this is where people were guillotined? Including King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette of France! Its so weird to think that this is where blood dripped onto the bricked square, people shouting and crying, so many rash decisions made, rats squandering through peoples feet - so much commotion happened once upon a time here. *shivers*

Also in the square you will find the two fountains that symbolise the fountains of Paris, both very pretty. In The Devil Wears Prada, this is the fountain where Andrea throws her mobile phone into!

Sixth stop: La Madeleine

We came across this by chance, as we got lost looking for the Metro. 

This temple was built to glory Napoleon's army. 

I wouldn`t intentionally come again to this place, unless I wanted some macarons!

The next set of photos from the trip will be in the next post! 

Hope you`re enjoying it so far! :)

xo

MW's Pin(e)ing for Paris OOTD

Bonjour Whirlers,

Ça va?

I went to Paris and had a magical time!! I took PLENTY of photos which I shall share later this week, but here is an outfit I wore on the trip:

HUNTER GREEN:

Massive this fall. Absolutely adore this shade! I want to buy so many items this colour! Wearing it with black makes it look that much more gorgeous, in my opinion!

This is me in front of the Louvre Museum. 

Blouse: Forever 21

Waiscoat: H&M

Skirt: H&M

Hijab: eBay

Bag: Zara

Boots: New Look

Accessories: Street Princess/H&M

What do you think about hunter green? So fall, right?

xo

MW's Monochrome Madness OOTD

Whirlers,

Hope everyone is well. I recently went to a Walima and I finally had a chance to grab some shots of my outfit before running to the car, so I thought I`d share with you:

(click on photos to enlarge)

Sari: Damini's

Hijab: eBay

Shoes: French Connection

Jewellery: Bees

I like to keep my sari's really simple, so its comfortable to run around in at weddings, etc. I`m not a fan of excessively embroidered borders, etc. I know I will be a nightmare when I`m choosing my wedding outfits - hah. 

What do you think of my outfit? Too simple for an Asian wedding?

xo

P.S. Are you following me on Facebook?

P.S.1. Are you following me on this?

MW's Wedding Shots

Hey Whirlers,

I love taking wedding photos as you are probably aware, so I thought I`d share some photos I took of my best friend's brothers wedding!

It was pretty exciting for me as it was the first time I was using my new lense. So, I really enjoyed experimenting with it.

Check them out:

(click on photos to enlarge)

What do you think? Isn`t my Bhabi STUNNING?! MASHA`ALLAH!

If you want me to take photos for you, let me know ;)

xo

MW`s Coral City Lights OOTD

Hello Whirlers :)

I`m a tourist at heart. I love exploring London, especially at night time when the view is amazing. I HAD to take photos and share with you! I went to More Place in London Bridge. I love coming here, its so beautiful. There are restaurants along the river, so you can have dinner with a spectacular view. 

Come rain or shine, I will always look for a photo opportunity:

(click on photo to enlarge)

Blazer: Forever 21

Shirt: H&M

Maxi Skirt: H&M

Hijab: Zara

Bag: Zara

Boots: New Look

I absolutely adore Forever 21 blazers. The fit is really good and reasonably priced! I recommend everyone to buy a blazer from Forever 21!! This coral one is current season and really brightens up a dull outfit, which I love.

But, tell me the view is amazing. Because. It. Is. AMAZING.

Haha - tell me your favourite view in London?

xo

P.S. Are you following me on Facebook?

MW goes for Afternoon Tea with her Belles

Whirlers! 

Kem cho? 

In the spirit of Chocolate Week, myself and the belles headed to Hilton Hotel, Park Lane for Chocoholic Afternoon Tea. It was a wonderful day out filled with chocolate, tea and giggles. 

Check out the photos:

(click on photos to enlarge)

Aalia beautifully modelling the menu:

Ain`t no party until there`s a frootiwhirl combo photo:

Aww the fab four!!

Aalia being anti-social- tsk:

Just to let you know, Aalia was sitting directly opposite me, hence why I have so many photos of her. I wasn`t stalking her! Next two photos are the photos we captured of each other, taking a photo of the other hah:

See how mean she is to me?? Look at the look of disgust on my face hah:

I ordered some fresh mint tea:

Frootiwhirl tea time:

The yummy sandwiches:

Photo of us all:

The yummy chocolate desserts we got:

Aalia ruining my photo:

And, then I ruin hers haha:

Would I go here again? 

Probably not - the food was really good, so this was not an issue. 

In fact, the menu choice was really good and they catered to our dietary needs very well. It was the servicing itself that I felt disappointed in. It took such a long time to get a waiters attention and there were 5+ on the restaurant floor. It seemed they were more interested in setting up tables than ensuring their current customers were happy. 

Oh, they also automatically added 12.5% gratuity to the bill! I hate this so much!! I genuinely don`t understand what gives ANYBODY the right to ASSUME they deserve EXTRA money for their servicing? The gratuity came to £22 - it was £29.50 per head. That is almost an entire seating cost - ridiculous. You guys must think I`m so stingy with my money because this isn`t the first time I`ve complained about this, but I`d been a waitress for 10 years and I worked hard for my tips. If I was tipped then I was happy that I did my job well and the customer left satisfied. None of this '12.5% Gratuity'! I could go on and on about this, but I might save that for another post. 

The restaurant itself was nice, the ambience was calming - especially with the dark wooden features and soft green interior. 

How about you guys, have you been for Afternoon Tea lately? Where would you recommend to go?

xo

P.S. Do make sure you follow/read the other bloggers...blog:

chocoholic-hijabi
frootibeauty
hommesdefemmes
hijabiwithstyle
makeupatoz

P.S. 1. You can see what I wore on the day here.