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

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
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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)

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A GUEST IN YOUR OWN HOME ?

Do You Want to become a “Guest” in your own “Home” ?

Whenever I see news on the European Migrant Crisis – I feel that Europe is a most magnanimous place – and Europeans are the most compassionate people.

No other country would warmly welcome illegal migrants, refugees and asylum seekers as European Nations are doing.

Because of this generosity of European people – refugees prefer to take the hazardous journey by land and sea all the way to Europe – rather than seek temporary refuge in their neighbouring countries.

Normally – displaced persons will take shelter in close proximity in a neighbouring country so that they can return back to their homes once the crisis is over.

But – in the present European Refugee Crisis – refugees from different continents are travelling long distances to reach Western Europe.

The main reason why these refugees are going all the way to Europe (rather than neighbouring countries) is because most of these refugees have no intention of returning back to their own countries once the conflict is over.

For obvious economic reasons – these refugees want to permanently settle down in Europe.

However – it must be remembered that allowing unabated immigration has ramifications – both in the short term – and more so in the long term. 

Surprisingly – Europe does not seem to be concerned about the demographic, social, cultural and security ramifications of encouraging illegal immigration owing to which refugees are being attracted towards Europe.

The magnanimous hospitality extended by Europe to illegal immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees me of this famous teaching story I had posted a few years ago in my blog.

DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A GUEST IN YOUR OWN HOME ?

A Fable and Musings on “Hospitality”

By

VIKRAM KARVE

When I was a small boy – someone told me a fable.

It was an apocryphal teaching story of an Arab and his Camel.

I remember this insightful fable even today.

Whenever I feel overly magnanimous  generous and benevolent – I tell myself this story – and I try to apply the “moral of the story” in my life whenever the need arises.

Are you a magnanimous, benevolent and hospitable person?

Then – you too need to read the story of the Arab and his Camel.

THE STORY OF “THE ARAB AND HIS CAMEL”

It was a cold winter night.

An Arab was resting in his tent.

He had tied his Camel outside.

Suddenly his camel peeped inside the tent.

“What is it?” the Arab asked.

“Master – it is very cold outside. Please allow me to put my head inside your tent,” the Camel said.

The kind master took pity on the poor animal – and he agreed to the camel’s request.

“Okay – put your head inside the tent,” the Arab said to his camel.

The camel put his head inside the tent.

A little later, the camel asked his master: “Master – my neck feels very cold. Please let me put my neck inside your tent as well.”

Once again – the magnanimous master allowed the camel to do so.

A few minutes later – the camel asked if he could put his forelegs inside the tent.

Once again – the compassionate master agreed.

Then – the camel wanted to put his chest inside the tent – to which the master agreed – and taking advantage of his master’s kind nature – the camel kept asking to put his back and then his hump inside the tent.

The Arab agreed to all this.

This went on and on.

The camel asked – and his compassionate master – the kind Arab – agreed to the camel’s requests.

Soon – the entire camel was completely inside the tent.

But now – the tent was too small for both the master and the camel.

They both struggled to remain inside the overcrowded tent.

There was a scuffle – and the much stronger and bigger camel pushed his master out of the tent.

Now the Camel slept comfortably in the warm tent – while his Master shivered outside in the freezing cold.

Yes – the Arab – the Master – was pushed out of his own tent by his Camel. 

MORAL OF THE STORY

You should be careful before you extend your hospitality – lest your guests take undue advantage of your magnanimity and generosity.

This fable teaches us lessons at both the macro and micro levels.

MACRO LEVEL MORAL – The Problem of REFUGEES, MIGRANTS and SETTLERS

Let us see a “macro level paradigm” ramification.

Suppose there is a war ravaged or strife torn country – where there is so much violence that the life of citizens is in danger.

As a humanitarian gesture – a benevolent neighbouring country may open its borders to allow refugees to come in and live in safety.

Some other countries may also allow immigration of foreigners as a gesture of goodwill.

In other cases – illegal immigrants may enter another country and settle down there.

The “host” country may be charitable to allow them to stay on – and they may not deport them back to their original country. 

Many “magnanimous” countries have such “guests”.

Gradually – the number of these “guests” becomes substantial enough to cause demographic change.

Now – like the “Camel” in the story – the “guests” may soon “throw out” the “host” from his own “tent”.

Even if they don’t evict the “host” out of his own “tent” – these “guests” may make life uncomfortable for the “host” in his own “tent” – just like the Camel did to the benevolent and hospitable Arab during the fable – before finally pushing him out of the tent.

Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants – legal and illegal – may take undue advantage of their host country – and these alien immigrants may start dominating the original inhabitants – and – sometimes – like the camel in the story – these immigrants may even succeed in evicting the original inhabitants from their homeland. 

History shows many such examples which have happened all over the world where illegal immigrants have started dominating and imposing their will on the original inhabitants.

MICRO LEVEL MORAL – “Guests” who overstay their welcome

At a micro level – this can happen in your own home.

I have seen so many “guests” who overstay their welcome – and so many guests who take undue advantage of the magnanimity of their “hosts”.

Let me narrate a few apocryphal examples.

THE BENEVOLENT HOUSE OWNER AND THE UNGRATEFUL TENANT

I have seen a case where a benevolent large-hearted person rented out his new locked-up house to a friend who was in dire need of accommodation.

The owner, an army officer, was in a transferable job – and he served all over India – while his friend stayed as a tenant in his house.

Many years later – when the house owner retired from the army – and he wanted to settle in his own house – the ungrateful tenant refused to vacate the house – and the hapless owner had to live on rent in another house.

CUCKOO – STEALING AFFECTIONS – THE MARRIAGE BREAKER “GUEST”

I have heard a story – maybe apocryphal – about a guest stealing the affections of her host’s husband.

A compassionate caring kind-hearted woman invited a cousin sister to live with her in her home in the city – since her newly arrived cousin sister was finding it difficult to find a suitable accommodation in the city where she had found her first job.

The scheming cousin sister responded by seducing and stealing the woman’s husband.

Finally – the wily cousin sister settled down with the woman’s husband – and the hapless kind-hearted woman was turned out of her own house.

Yes – like in the Arab and Camel story – the woman was turned out of her own house (and marriage) by her “guest” – her own cousin sister to whom she had been so magnanimous and hospitable.

LESSON TO BE LEARNT

This fable has a lesson to all of us that you must not be too magnanimous, benevolent and over-generous in extending your hospitality.

Be careful – otherwise there is a danger that you may become a “guest” in your own “home”.

Before you extend your hospitality to anyone – remember the story of the Arab and the Camel.

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 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. 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)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

This article was first written by me Vikram Karve 10 years ago in 2005 and posted online by me a number of times earlier in my blogs including at urls: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/03/hospitality.html  and  http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/10/are-you-magnanimous-benevolent-and.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/07/are-you-good-host-musings-on-hospitality.html  etc