Have you heard of the Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli?No? Me neither.But after seeing the current exhibition showcasing her work at the V&A in London, I’m wondering why the hell not? Yes, she was before our time, but so was her contemporary and rival, Coco Chanel. Was Schiaparelli overshadowed by Chanel? Or does history only have…
Read more
Where in the world is Paula? Well, I’ve been spending most of my time in London, especially at the Victoria and Albert Museum – specifically, in the cafe and gift shop. Opened in 1852, the Victoria and Albert Museum was named after the couple who conceived and established it, Queen Victoria and her beloved husband,…
Read more
I think I have Dollywood to thank for my job as a flight attendant. At my interview, thirty-two years ago, they asked: “If you could go anywhere, where would you go?” I said, “Dollywood!” Which surprised my international airline interviewer. Judging by her reaction, I don’t think she’d ever heard that answer. And because I’m…
Read more
Remember how I told you flight attendants get to know cities one bite at a time? Well, make that one pint at a time.A while back, a few of my flying partners went on a pub tour in London. They had such a good time that they bought the book and have continued the tour…
Read more
As previously promised. Last December (where we left off), I decided it was time to break out of my European rut, so I turned my gaze toward the southern hemisphere and warmer weather. I remembered a six-day trip to Auckland early in my career and the lasting impression of its green hills and clear waters….
Read more
Do you remember those complimentary magazines in the seat-back pocket on airplanes? I miss those, don’t you? Several years ago, I read an article about the Bouillons of Paris. Intrigued, I tore out the article, and then never went. That is, until last month when I decided it was time for a Bouillon tour. Every…
Read more
Speaking of Paris, there’s a new exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London called Marie Antoinette Style. Yes, please. Naively, I thought the exhibition would feel like a walk through Marie Antoinette’s closet. In a way, it is. These were the kinds of dresses she would have worn. She’s even credited with some…
Read more
It’s Tuesday, which means we’re hanging out in Paris. Doing what, you may wonder? Well, we’re taking the advice of one of my colleagues and attending a light show in Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb. I’m not the only flight attendant around with great ideas. Not long ago, one of my flying partners was gushing about a…
Read more
What do the French make exceptionally well besides perfume, wine, pastries, butter, cheese, baguette…? Art! Recently, the Louvre Museum had an exhibition dedicated to couture. What took them so long? I can’t think of a more appropriate place to showcase one of France’s most significant contributions to the art world: fashion. Sixty-five couture pieces…
Read more
I’m happy to report that my emergency travel fund is woefully depleted. Remember my advice to keep an emergency travel fund in case you get invited on a fabulous trip somewhere? Well, I got invited on a fabulous trip somewhere. Merida, Mexico! A destination that has been on my shortlist since I saw an HGTV…
Read more