Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Macarrons in New York!

Cross posted on Pinay New Yorker

 I was walking down 74th Street towards Lexington to get my ride back to the office.  I took my time since I had already taken the morning off and it was just after 11AM.  I figured I had enough time to grab lunch, bring it to work, and then settle down.

This part of the Upper East side is pretty posh.  It was a mildly cold day, the sun was out — a perfect day to take a stroll.  If only my right arm wasn’t bothering me — I would’ve brought my camera and snapped away again.  So I entered one fancy deli which showed their own cheese selection on one side, gourmet goodies like jams and exotic sardines and capers, fancy salads and a variety of lasagnas and quiches.  There was a chiller full of ready made sandwiches that showed turkey with brie, egg salad with dijon mustard — I just couldn’t make up my mind.  I walked out past the line for the cashier and stepped back onto 74th.  Turning right on Lexington, I scoured the horizon for a deli and found several choices, but before I could make up my mind, I saw the bus stop.  I decided to make my way there while mulling about the choices and I saw a comely window with Patisserie painted on it.  It was a bistro type facade with French doors (what else?!) — and I thought I’d be adventurous and walk in.


I was greeted by coffee tables full of people having a late breakfast, and to the left was a dessert display that was just candy for the eyes!  There was a variety of sandwiches, too, and I settled for a Croque Monsieur with Bechamel sauce — the French version of your ham and cheese sandwich with a twist — and I picked out two pastries to go with it.  I picked out a coffee eclair and a second pastry I failed to get the complete name of, but which I attempted to pronounce in French, and with success at that according to the manager behind the counter.

As the gentleman was trying to put together my order, I casually asked him if they made macarrons and lo and behold, he signalled to the other side of the dining room where they were, next to the gourmet chocolate chiller.  Macarrons in New York courtesy of Chef Francois Payard.  I asked to have 6 pieces placed in my bag, and as I walked over to choose the flavors, a tray full of the goodies was there for the taking to taste!  I sampled the coffee and passion fruit, (yes, I was greedy!  LOL).  Payard is a distinguished name in its field here in New York, and they definitely measured up to my beloved Laduree.  I remember way back in March of last year when I first wrote about the macarons of Laduree, a fellow pinoy from LA wrote me about his favorite patisseries here in New York and how he had such a sweet tooth — and that Payard was a favorite stop of his, but alas, no macarons..!  I immediately e-mailed Manny this morning (even before I could draft a blog post) to let him know that Payard now had macarons.

The texture and flavor was fantastic — your teeth literally sunk into the cream filling between the soft cookies, and I couldn’t wait to tell Alan I discovered macarrons in New York.. I left the patisserie telling the lady who put my macarrons in a small box that I’m very happy to have made this discovery — like a young girl walking into American Girl Place, for sure!  And the best thing about it was that it was cheaper than Ladurees — Euro to dollar that is.. with Payard’s selling at $1.60 (but soon to go up to $1.70 in a few days, I heard) — compared to Laduree’s which costs over One Euro each, and I know the last time we bought it came to something like over $2.00 a piece.  (Bizu’s comes to just over a $1.00 but that’s Manila..)

We are already planning to have dinner at Payard’s and in their mediterranean restaurant in midtown called IN TENT where the Executie Pastry chef is Fellow Pinoy Eric Estrella.  Meanwhile, I’m planning another stopover there when I pick up my visa in two weeks time.  

Posted by PINAY NEW YORKER at 02:35:26 | Permalink | No Comments »

Un voyage au consulat français (A trip to the French Consulate)

Before anyone starts believing I’ve suddenly picked up more than just elementary French, the title above was translated for me by Google Language Tools.

I went over my documents last night and arranged them neatly, one set clipped inside my passport, and a second on the ready — just in case.  I woke up this morning not having to rush because my online appointment didn’trequire me to go there until 10:15 AM.  The Consulate was emphatic that one must try to arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before the appointed time because they have no waiting area (meaning you wait outside in the cold) because they have limited seating inside the Consulate (which was true).  

I took the Express bus to 3rd Avenue and I don’t know what possessed me that I got off at 51st Avenue.  (Some tiny voice at the back of my head was saying it was on East 54th.. and this was supposed to be my third trip to the Consulate already!)  Before I crossed Park Avenue, I decided to check the address in my appointment receipt and lo and behold, it was 74th.  So I took the M3 on Madison Avenue and slowly made my way to the upper east side.  

The cruise down Madison Avenue on the upper east side is a fashionista’s dream come true.  Designer store after designer store line both sides of the street.  Fortunately, I love to look, but buying is another matter altogether for me.  I’m more on the practical side when it comes to clothes, but I don’t mind oohing and ahhhing over those fine coutoure shops.  I was making good time.  It was just a few minutes past 9AM, barely 9:30, so I got off on 69th street and walked.  I was in front of the French Consulate by around 20 to 10AM, and I stood there waiting with a few others.

They couldn’t understand why we weren’t being let in when it was rather chilly outside.  I tried to tell the middle-aged Asian couple that there really wasn’t much room inside the Consulate.  Then the lady said then perhaps they should get a bigger building.  (If the staff inside heard that, they would have pointed to a sign saying “Travel to France is not a right..”.. I so wanted to copy that announcement but was in line and trying to wait quietly for my turn I couldn’t fish for my pen in my purse..)  One thing we must all remember is that once we step inside the office, building, grounds of an Embassy or Consulate, that is their sovereign domain and we are all subject to their laws and regulations, even if that Embassy and/or Consulate is located in the United States.

They finally called me in at 10AM exactly, and I proceeded to go to the cashier to pay.  The good news is that along with their online appointment system, they now accept American Express (which they didn’t do in Feb 2005).  My single entry visa was $44.30.  If you intend to pay in cash, bring the exact change because the cashier will not be able to give you money in return.  I was then instructed to fall in line for processing.

I must’ve stood there for around 20 minutes, but it would’ve been faster if the people ahead of me were ready with the right documents, and would listen to the consular officials behind the window instead of trying to argue their case.  Many do not realize that there are many required documents, and there are specific requirements given by the Schengen countries for one to gain entry into Europe.  A businessman ahead of me thought that his $2Million maximum Health Insurance policy would be good enough for the Consulate, but the consulate is very specific that it requires a letter from the carrier of your Medical insurance that you are insured up to at least $37,000 including emergency repatriation if necessary.  You may have a $2Million maximum lifetime medical insurance policy, but if the letter stating your coverage fails to specify the coverage for emergency repatriation, the Consulate will not accept that.  The solution is to go to InsureMyVisa.com and they will give you exactly what the Schengen countries require.  (My $50,000 policy cost me all of $15.50.. and I got the required letter, too.)

The Asian couple told me they didn’t know that the hotel confirmations were also required, and that an e-mail confirmation was not sufficient because the Consulate required that the hotels fax the applicant directly.  (Of course mine were taken cared of by Alan — and that was easy because it was internal.)  So they had to call the hotels last night and have them fax in the confirmations ASAP.  

While it is true that there severeal documents required, they are all fully described in the Consulate’s website, and the specifics required are not in any way ambiguous.  The lesson here is that one must not presume adequacy — you must comply with what is required to save yourself the trouble of having to come back or having to reschedule your trip to a later time.

I have already written about processing times below.  I have been requested to check back in 2 weeks if my visa is ready, and they will affix the visa onto my passport.

One gentleman who seemed to be of carribean descent was flustered that his documents were not sufficient, and the consular official wasn’t about to give him any special breaks.  He was being told time and time again to just come back when he has all the required documents, but he was adamant about getting his money back instead.  The gentleman behind the counter politely told him that refunds are not issued, because the application fee is being paid for you to be able to apply.  It isn’t even for the Embassy to process that application.  Whether you complete the application process or not, get your visa or not, the money is non-refundable.  He turned back in a huff and tried to badger the cashier instead, who, of course, wasn’t budging any either.

The businessman was getting catty responding to the consular official who still held his composure in the midst of the discussion about the $2M medical insurance.  He would apologize after the consular official clarified that he was just trying to explain, but by then the poor consular official had to parry his blows already.  Now I see why that sign is posted on each window — that you have to be polite to the consular officials, otherwise, it can be grounds for them not to grant you a visa, which will mean your denial of entry via any other Schengen country.  

The same consular official was very kind to me.  He asked for each required document which I produced one after the other.  He was even pleased that I had not only photocopied my Philippine passport and my greencard, but a copy of my old Schengen visa as well.  We went about our business nicely and in a very friendly fashion.  I was out of there in 5 minutes!  So many things happen faster when you ask nicely — so you see I did pay attention to the lessons in good manners and right conduct from the nuns of St. Paul.

Like any other government office, it is important that you know what is required of you and that you bring all your documents in the format and number of copies required.  Otherwise, be ready to be asked to return, be asked for more documents, or be denied altogether.

Posted by PINAY NEW YORKER at 02:21:36 | Permalink | No Comments »

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Recommendations from a frequent visitor to Paris

Cross posted on Pinay New Yorker 

Darryl is a fellow Filipino who was born and raised here, and who somehow found his way into my other blog, Pinay New Yorker, a long ways back when I started blogging in 2004.  Up until then, I had an online journal on my personal website which has since lain dormant for even longer periods of time now, no thanks to my newfound predilection to blog on a regular basis.  Back to Daryl, though, he and his wife and daughter take an annual trip to Paris and Italy, and I asked him for recommendations given my forthcoming trip back to France this end-November.  This is what he had to say:

“…my favorite neighborhood in Paris is Le Marais. This neighborhood is an odd mixture of the Gay Community and the Old Jewish Neighborhood. Perfect spot for walking a morning or afternoon when Alan is in a meeting. Just take the Number 1 Metro Line and get off at Hotel De Ville. Then walk up a couple of blocks away from the Seine. This neighborhood is filled with little streets and boutique stores. Make sure you make it the area called Place Des Vosges the main square of this neighborhood. We use to go here and take our daughter Helene to the playground in the middle of the square. There are cafes, pastry shops, stationery stores for your scrapbooks, just great little stores. I love getting lost here so many things to discover. Don’t go there on a Sunday its the only place in Paris where the stores are open so its packed. Shops are closed Monday morning as well. Let’s see in the Jewish Neighborhood there is a restaurant called L’as du Falafel; its famous for falafels, shish kabobs, just great Meditarranean food and its not too pricey. Also, visit Musee Carnavalet in the area. Small free museum about the history of Paris and the great thing is that its free on certain days. You may have already been to Le Marais but if you haven’t its worth a visit. Also, the department store next the metro station called BHV is great a lot cheaper than Galeries Lafayette and Printemp. Its where the normal Parisians shop nothing fancy think JC Penney. Great for little T-shirts for Angel with French writing on them. Have fun. Take Care, Darryl..”

As you can see from the presence of the links that I had actually done a preliminary research on Darryl’s recommendation to go visit Le Marais.  Judging from the photographs alone, it is indeed a place which looks very interesting and worth spending a day at.  I think this takes care of my Tuesday alone in Paris — after the day trip to Chartres.

It’s also good to know that there actually places that are open on a Sunday!  Thanks for the info, Darryl!

Posted by PINAY NEW YORKER at 18:47:50 | Permalink | No Comments »

Saturday, October 21, 2006

More on getting a visa to a Schengen Country like France

I haven’t purchased my medical insurance yet but will do that over the weekend.  They request for your passport number and I keep forgetting to jot it down when I am home.  I was advised to purchase it from Insure My Visa which can also provide the required letter attesting to your coverage as required by the Schengen countries.

A Schengen visa is valid for the following countries:   Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.  It is recommended that you apply in the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will stay in the longest.  If you are entering any one country more than once, (i.e., France, Sweden, France), you will need to apply for a multiple entry visa.  If, as in my case, my only destination is France, then I only need to apply for a short-stay visa, single entry.

Bear in mind that their concept of a multiple-entry visa is not like the US concept where you are given a multiple entry visa good for say two years, and you can go in and out of the US as often as you wish during that period.  If you tell the Consulate/Embassy you are travelling from December 1-15 and you apply for a multiple entry visa, they will give you one unless you have a stain on your record, but it will be good only from December 1-15.

To answer Marilyn’s query on the requirements, here they are as provided by the French Consulate:  

- application form and photo  (All forms must be completely and legibly filled out in black or blue ink, signed and dated. All photos must be recent, identical, passport size - 2″ x 2″ (4,5cm x 4,5cm) and showing face front the forehead hairline and ears on a white background. )
- Passport or travel document (+ 1 copy of identity page) valid for at least three months following the last day of your stay in France. Be sure the passport has blank “visa” pages left to affix the visa.
- A USA residency card (Green Card) or I-551 stamp, or a valid USA visa with I-94 and IAP66 or I-20 were applicable or an Advanced Parole, which must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the last day in France. (+1copy)
Flight reservation (+ 1 copy)
-  complete itinerary or round trip ticket with confirmed dates. No open tickets accepted. Do not purchase tickets until the visa has been approved.
Proof of accommodation (if you intend to stay more than one day) (+1 copy)
-  confirmed reservation by fax from the hotel(s) (the fax(es) must be sent directly to you and not to the Consulate) in France and in the Schengen countries to be visited, confirming your reservations for each night you will spend in France and the Schengen States (we do not accept emails nor online, internet reservation confirmations),
or
-  hotel vouchers confirming your booking for a tour with names and addresses of all hotels with number of nights stay in each,
or
-  if you are staying with family or friend(s) you must present an Attestation d’Accueil that your family or friend(s) must obtain at the City Hall in France. The original needs to be stamped by our office to be valid and must be presented upon arrival in France.
Financial guarantee (+ 1 copy),
A proof that you have at least 100usd per day for each day you will stay in Schengen Countries. All four of the following documents have to be submitted:
-  your last monthly bank statement, not a summary,
-  your last 3 paystubs,
-  letter from your employer in the USA mentioning your annual salary,
-  if your financial means are not sufficient, you may also provide a notarized letter from your sponsor stating he/she will be responsible for all your expenses and a proof of his/her financial means.
Medical insurance
A letter from your insurance company (+ 1 copy) stating that you will be covered for any medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation for at least $37,000 during your stay in Europe. If your current insurance company does not provide such a coverage, you have to find an international insurance (do not forget to ask for the letter mentioned above).
WARNING : Failure to provide this document with this exact wording will delay the granting of the visa.

Yes, Alan is a US Citizen  but I’m providing his certificate of employment as proof of employment with a company that is based in Paris.  He does not require a visa.. only I do.

No, I’m not submitting his payslips — just mine.  I am a Permanent Resident Alien (i.e., Greencard holder). but still holding my Philippine passport.  I have to show gainful employment plus the bank statements to show that I have the financial capability to travel.  It’s a standard requirement for leisure travel when a visa is required.

My being Filipino really has no bearing on the application except that the Philippines is one of the countries on a short list which needs approval from Paris, France, hence the 2-3 week processing time.  There are countries which require no visa (such as the US — click here for the list   ), countries whose visas can be approved within the same day of application (such as Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam), and we are lumped together with Afghanistan, Pakistan, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.  Need I say more?  For a complete listing of countries needing a visa and their processing times, click here.

Also, as far as the Medical Insurance is concerned, note that there are two types of travel insurance for US and non-US citizens.  If you are a non-US Citizen like me, make sure you purchase the right one.  To meet the minimum requirement of the consulate, I found a travel insurance package for just a little less that $40 which should take care of any lost or delayed baggage, and medical emergencies and need for repatriation up to the amount of $50,000.  (That’s $13,000 over their requirement).

The nice thing is that the Consulate of France obviously takes visa applications even if you are not in your country of origin.  The Canadian and US Embassies do not do that — at least I know for a fact about the US.  It used to be that you could take your chances applying for a US Embassy if you were in Canada, but in the last decade or so even before 9/11, they stopped granting such visas and now require that you apply in the Consulate or Embassy in your country of origin.

With all that said, I’m going to work on my citizenship papers next because I might get the chance to travel to Switzerland and maybe even Italy or Spain next year.  And not that I mind the medical insurance and all, but the visa fee (currently $44 and change for the single entry Schengen visa) and the time to process it all is something I can do without.  Until then, I’m looking to make my appointment as approved by the Consulate and get my visa for this special trip to my favorite city.. Paris.

Posted by PINAY NEW YORKER at 04:18:52 | Permalink | No Comments »

Thursday, October 19, 2006

The French Consulate here in New York

As I am not yet an American citizen, I am required to get a Schengen visa to visit any country in Europe.  (Which prompted Alan to nag me about filing that citizenship application so we don’t have to go through this hassle each time I go with him to that side of the world.)  I was surprised to find out today that the French Consulate here in New York  has adopted an online appointment system  much like the Immigration office here, and to unfortunately, the earliest appointment available was October 30.  (There goes the plan to take a half day off to go to the French Consulate this coming Monday and then fall in line for the Albom book signing. =(.. )  

Fortunately, I am still well within the 21 day maximum processing.  At least that gives me more time to get my papers ready.  Employment certifications from my company and Alan’s, bank statements and payslips for the last three months, verified flight itinerary guaranteed with a credit card, hotel confirmation from the two hotels we’re staying at (Alan’s company has two hotels in Paris), and travel and medical insurance with the Embassy’s required minimum coverage of $37,000.

It should be a breeze..

Posted by PINAY NEW YORKER at 02:55:28 | Permalink | Comments (1) »

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Americans in Paris exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

I’ve never been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but I read yesterday that an exhibition entitled Americans in Paris is running there.  Fortunately, it’s there until January 2007 so I have enough time.  Can’t wait!

Posted by PINAY NEW YORKER at 12:29:21 | Permalink | No Comments »