An Evening in Paris

AN EVENING IN PARIS

Cabaret at Paradis Latin

Memories of Our Europe Tour

By

VIKRAM KARVE

If I tell you that I saw my first cabaret as a Senior Citizen – at the age of 62 – you will laugh at me.

Please laugh and make fun of me – because – it is true.

Dear Reader – nowadays – most people are “Been There – Done That” types.

So – whenever I excitedly tell them about my new experiences – they sardonically comment – I have “BEEN THERE and DONE THAT”.

Sadly – I am one of those rare “Not Been There – Not Done That” types.

I have Been “Nowhere” and Done “Nothing”.

So – for a “naïve” simpleton like me – watching a cabaret was a novel “first-time” experience.

Of course – I am not counting the so-called “cabarets” that I saw during my testosterone-charged days in the 1970’s – where bawdy voluptuous females “danced” in a most raunchy vulgar style – jiggling their mammoth bosoms and gyrating their enormous hips in a most obscene manner.

After watching a genuine cabaret – I realized that those so-called “cabarets” of our “inchoate” days – they were not actual cabarets at all – but gross imitations.

So – Dear Reader – Yes – I can say that I saw my first authentic cabaret last month – on July 25, 2018 to be precise – in Paris – at Paradis Latin.

(The History of Paradis Latin goes back to 1802, when the First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte built the Latin Theater, on the rue des Fossés-Saint-Victor in Paris)

The Paradis Latin Cabaret Show was a most beautiful, artistic and enjoyable cabaret – 90 minutes of enthralling entertainment – marvelous mesmerizing “Can Can” dances with captivating music, dazzling costumes and incredible choreography.

Let me tell me about my delightful experience.

The whole atmosphere sparkles with radiance – a kaleidoscope of colour and vibrant energy – a terrific joie de vivre – an ecstatic exuberance which elevates your spirits and makes you feel enraptured and euphoric.

The magnificent sets, so lavish and colourful, the resplendent costumes and the fabulous artists – everything is so beautiful and glamorous – it keeps you mesmerized throughout the entire show of 90 minutes.

Though the cabaret focusses on dance (French Can Can) – there are thrilling performances by brilliant trapeze acrobats and contortionists – and incredible aerial balancing by a juggling unicyclist – these spectacular acts keep you spellbound.

The highlight of the cabaret is the variety of high-energy “French Can Can” dances, full of passion, performed by a troupe of talented dancers, handsome boys and beautiful girls, some topless, who perform the vigorous dances, comprising swirling the body, high kicks, splits, acrobatics and cartwheels in a most dexterous and passionate manner. The dance performances contain partial nudity – but it is not vulgar or risqué – but aesthetic and alluring.

In its entirety – the Paradis Latin Cabaret is an awesome experience.

For me – it was a most delightful “Evening in Paris”.

We arrived at Paradis Latin before 8 PM – and I was lucky to get an excellent seat at a table right in front – with a ringside view of the stage.

We were served Champagne – and then – there was an excellent dinner with plenty of wine.

The dinner was over by 9:30 PM – and then – we enjoyed the delightful cabaret show – the grand spectacle of captivating music and fascinating dances – in a wonderful, joyous, colourful atmosphere – that kept us spellbound for 90 minutes – till the spectacular grand finale at 11 PM.

For me – it was a most entertaining experience – and unforgettable “Evening in Paris” – which I shall cherish forever.

Before I forget – let me thank our Tour Operator – “Veena World” – for including Paradis Latin Cabaret in the Tour Itinerary. Had I gone on an “independent” tour with my “Better Half” – I wonder whether my “Better Half” would have allowed me to see a cabaret – but here – on a “group tour” – she had no choice but to accompany me – and – I could see that she enjoyed the cabaret immensely.

For obvious reasons – photography is not allowed during the cabaret show – so there are no pictures in this blog post. If you want a glimpse – you can try surfing the Paradis Latin Website and its Social Media Accounts.  

Dear Reader:

When you visit Paris – do spend an evening at Paradis Latin.

The Paradis Latin Cabaret is an Awesome Experience – you can take my word for it. 

VIKRAM KARVE

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How to be Happy – Inspirational Wisdom

HOW TO BE HAPPY
INSPIRATIONAL WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
By
VIKRAM KARVE

I have always been inspired by the teachings and writings of Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902).

I first learned about Swami Vivekananda – sometime in the 1960’s – when I was a small boy – and my father had taken us to visit Belur Math near Kolkata (then called Calcutta). 

At Belur Math – I acquired a tiny pocket book called “Thus Spake Vivekananda”.

Whenever the chips were down – or I felt dejected – I referred to the inspiring gems of wisdom – distilled from the complete works of Swami Vivekananda – for instant motivation and strength.

On the occasion of his birth anniversary – let me tell you about my favourite saying of Swami Vivekananda – which inspired me – and which I try to implement in my day-to-day living. 

AN INSPIRATIONAL GEM OF WISDOM FROM SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
Here is an inspirational gem of wisdom, a phrase, from the sayings of Swami Vivekananda:

 

“Anything that makes you weak physically, intellectually, and spiritually – reject as poison”

 

I feel that the word “weak” is all-encompassing.

The term “weak” embraces anything that creates in you a stressful situation.

Thus – “weakness” includes all negative emotions – and negative feelings like anger, irritation, fury, worry, anxiety, frustration, despondency, depression, demoralization etc – in a nutshell – any emotion that causes you unhappiness.

These negative emotions disturb your inner tranquility and equanimity – they drain you emotionally and intellectually – and make you feel “weak” – just like physical weakness. 

UNHAPPINESS IS WEAKNESS

Unhappiness is a negative emotion which drains you emotionally, mentally and physically.

Hence – Unhappiness is Weakness.

Unhappiness is “Poison for the soul.

Conversely – Happiness” is Strength.

Happiness is “Tonic” for the soul.

Now – Dear Reader – how do you “reject as poison” – the “weakness” of unhappiness...?

The first step is to identify your “Unhappiness Creators”. 

IDENTIFY YOUR UNHAPPINESS CREATORS

Now sit down in a quiet tranquil place – close your eyes – introspect – and try to think of all the things that make you feel negative, unhappy and stressed out. 

Yes – think of all the things and people that create negative emotions within you. 

Reflect and introspect on all your “unhappiness-creators” and unhappy situations. 

These unhappiness creators can be anything – tangible and intangible – things, activities, persons etc.

“Unhappiness Creators” include:

1. Toxic individuals and incompatible persons – who irritate, annoy and hassle you.

 

2. Foods and Beverages – which do not suit you – and which are physically detrimental to your health and well-being.

 

3. Activities – social and personal – which may initially appear pleasurable – but which actually drain you out.

 

4. Technology and Gadgets – like your cell-phone – which disturb your peace of mind.

5. Strained Relationships – which are a source of unhappiness and cause you stress and anger.

6. Any activity – or a thing – that causes a guilty conscience within you

7. Disagreeable Persons and Unpleasant Activities – which are a stimulus for negative emotions – like anger, worry, fear, etc – and create negative vibes within you.

Dear Reader – Please close your eyes – introspect – and think about all aspects of your life – your work life – your home life – your social life.

Think about all the persons, activities and things that generate negative vibes, create stress and unhappiness in you – all the things that make you feel “weak”. 

Then – follow Swami Vivekananda's advice: 

Anything that makes you weak – physically, intellectually, and spiritually – reject as poison 

Yes – you can do it in actual life.

Just “reject” all these “poisonous” things and people – by avoiding them as far as possible.

Make an exhaustive list of all your “unhappiness creators” – all the things and people that make you “weak” - and try to reject them as “poison”.  

 

At first – you may be a bit skeptical about this approach.

But – when you start implementing this “mantra” in your day-to-day life – you will be surprised by the extent to which it is in your own control to prevent unhappiness.

SAY “NO” TO UNHAPPINESS CREATORS and “WELCOME” HAPPINESS CREATORS

While – on the one hand:

You “reject” the things that make you “weak” and unhappy

simultaneously – on the other hand:

You must “reinforce” the things that make you feel “strong” and happy

Say “NO” to UNHAPPINESS CREATORS

Say “YES” to HAPPINESS CREATORS  

Yes – if unhappiness is “weakness” – then happiness is “strength”.

 

So – simultaneously – reflect and contemplate.

Make a list of things and persons that give you strength and joy – and make you happy and productive.

In your “Happiness Creators” list – include all the things and people that create “positive feelings” in you. 

Then – try to devote maximum time and energy towards doing these positive things – and interacting with these morale-boosting people – that give you strength – and make you feel good and happy.  

MANTRA FOR HAPPINESS (and UNHAPPINESS) - IN A NUTSHELL

 

To put it in a nutshell :– 

If you want to be happy:

1. Try your best to generate happiness vibes by doing things which make you “strong” and happy 

2. Try to reduce or even eliminate negative unhappiness vibes by “rejecting” things which make you “weak” and unhappy. 

But – if you want to be unhappy – just do the opposite: 

Keep wallowing in “negative vibes” by encouraging your “unhappiness creators” and avoiding your happiness creators.

HOW TO CREATE HAPPINESS or UNHAPPINESS

Whenever I feel unhappy – I realize that it is because I have allowed myself to be overwhelmed by my “unhappiness creators”.

And – the moment I envelop myself with my “happiness creators” – I start feeling happy.

Remember this saying of Swami Vivekananda:

Anything that makes you “weak” – physically, intellectually, and spiritually – reject as poison 

Conversely – I say: 

Anything that makes you feel “strong” – imbibe as nectar

Implementing this inspiring gem of wisdom from Swami Vivekananda in your life is breathtaking in its simplicity. 

Try it – experiment – discover your “happiness creators” and “unhappiness creators”.

Start making your two lists: 

1. Your “happiness creators” list 

2. Your “unhappiness creators” list 

And then – you know what to do.

This works for me – and I am sure it will work for you. 

I do feel stressed out and unhappy at times – but I know why – and I know what to do. 

So – I try my best to make my “unhappiness creators” disappear – and I overwhelm myself with “happiness creators”.

Wish you a stress-free life filled with happiness.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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Disclaimer:

All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

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Updated, Abridged and Revised version of my article written more than 25 years ago and Posted by me Vikram Karve at 9/26/2009 03:50:00 PM in this blog at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2009/09/stress-management-made-simple.html  and http://creative.sulekha.com/wisdom-from-swami-vivekananda_561671_blog  and   http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/01/inspirational-wisdom-from-swami.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/01/inspirational-tonic-from-swami.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2017/01/inspirational-teachings-of-swami.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2018/01/inspirational-tonic-from-swami.html and  https://karve.wordpress.com/2017/01/12/inspirational-wisdom-from-swami-vivekananda/ etc

Travel Trivia – Can Neighbours have Contrasting Cultures and Attitudes...?

Travel Trivia 

Contrasting Cultures and Attitudes  

Observations from our recent Europe (Austria Switzerland Paris) Tour

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Last month – in July 2018 – we visited three countries in Europe – Austria, Switzerland and France (Paris).

It was a 12 day group tour (with a serendipitous unscheduled one day stopover at Istanbul, Turkey – due to our delayed Paris–Istanbul Flight – which resulted in our missing our connecting flight to Mumbai – and this gave us a whole day to see the sights in Istanbul and relish Turkish Delight and Baklava.

We left for out tour from Mumbai and flew to Vienna via Istanbul.

The Europe tour started off from Vienna (Austria).

After Vienna – we visited Salzburg (Austria) – Innsbruck (Austria) – Vaduz (Liechtenstein) – Lucerne (Switzerland) – Endelberg (Switzerland) – Bern (Switzerland) – Geneva (Switzerland) – and – we saw many interesting places enroute like Mondsee (Sound of Music) – Wattens (Swarovski) – Rhine Falls (Zurich) – Interlaken – the magnificent snowclad mountains/glaciers at Mount Titlis and Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe) in the SwissAlps– cruises on Swiss Lakes etc.

Finally – we had 3 days in Paris (France) – where the Europe tour terminated – and we flew back home to India (Mumbai) via Istanbul.

In Austria and Switzerland – we saw a number of “tourist attractions” – and – at each place – the local tourist guides would glorify the rich heritage of their nation, eulogize their national culture, extol their national history and laud their achievements.

Hearing the Austrian/Swiss tour guides lavishly praise of all aspects of their country – it was evident that they were immensely proud of their nation and their people.

However – the moment we entered France – we were in for a surprise.

The tour guide warned us:

“Paris is full of thieves and criminals. You may get “mugged” or robbed – if you are not careful. Guard your belongings properly. Avoid going out of your hotel at night. And – even in daytime – don’t carry anything visible – no purses or anything in your pockets. There are thieves and pickpockets everywhere…”

We were told to carry our passport and money/cards in a pouch and tuck in the pouch inside our shirts so that it was not visible.

We were warned that if we lost our passports – it would be a troublesome hassle to get new travel documents and we would be offloaded from the tour.

We were advised to lock our valuables in the safe in our hotel rooms – and to carry only the “hidden” pouch with passport/money/cards – and not to carry any bags with us.  

The tourist guide narrated some sordid instances of tourists getting “mugged” and losing their passports, money and valuables in Paris due to “snatching” and pickpocketing.

He impressed upon us that Paris was a dangerous place.

He then made some disparaging comments about “immigrants” – who – according to him – had spoilt the culture and vitiated the safety in his country.

Our coach driver (who was driving us for nearly 10 days since the first day in Vienna) also said that we should take care of our luggage and not leave any belongings in the bus.

He narrated an incident in Paris where a thief had jumped into the bus (the moment he opened the doors for passengers) – and – the thief decamped with a bag.

(In Austria and Switzerland – the same bus driver would tell us to leave our bags and belongings in the bus – and he assured us they were perfectly safe)

The bus driver too made some disparaging comments about Parisians – especially their terrible traffic sense.

At Eiffel Tower (and other tourist attractions) we saw notices warning of “pickpockets” (“Beware of Pickpocketing”) – and we did observe some “unsavoury” looking men hanging around the entrances of various tourist places trying to hawk “curios” (our guide had warned us to avoid these “shady” hawkers as they were likely to cheat us or snatch our bags/money).

All this was quite surprising – since in Austria and Switzerland – we had roamed around freely on the streets – even late at night – and it was considered perfectly safe to do so.

Unlike in France – in Austria and Switzerland – the tour guide (and local guides) had never warned us to be “careful” (from thieves and pickpockets) – and – we were encouraged to venture out of our hotels and see the cities and do shopping – whereas – in Paris – we were advised not to leave the hotel – and not to walk around the streets – especially at night.

Is Paris (France) really so unsafe as compared to other European countries like Austria, Switzerland etc…?

Were the tour guides exaggerating the “dangers” of Paris…?

Why were they “running down” their own country/city…?

Maybe – the tour guides were speaking from experience – because they did not want a “mishap” to happen to the tourists under their care.  

It may not be fair to generalize – but – we observed that in Paris (France) – that – things were quite disorganized and inefficient – and people tended to be rude and unaccommodating towards tourists – as compared to Austria and Switzerland – where things ran like clockwork – and people were courteous and helpful.

There was a huge difference in the way the local tourist guides conducted tours of various attractions.

The tourist guides in Austria were most meticulous and efficient as they conducted the tours and explained all aspects of the historical places with great dignity and passion.

Their sincerity and pride in their national heritage was clearly palpable.  

In contrast – the tourist guides in Paris were perfunctory and they seemed to be in a hurry to finish off the tour.

They had an air of arrogance too – and it seemed that they take tourists for granted.

Maybe – Parisians feel that their “tourist attractions” are so famous – that tourists will come in any case – hence the “couldn’t care less” attitude.

This contrast in attitudes was quite surprising to us.

We wondered how the cultures of neighbouring countries could be so different…? 

Dear Reader: 

During your Travels – have you noticed such contrasts too...? 

VIKRAM KARVE
Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
1. This story is a fictional spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
2. This story is a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story is a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:
No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.
Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)