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Everything You Need to Know About Paris Asian Art Fair 2017

It’s that time of year again when the best of the Asian art world descends on Paris to vie and showcase stunning works of art. Between 18th and 22nd October, 9 Ave Hoche will house some of the finest contemporary Asian art works to have emerged from the continent. The area where the fair will take place is one of the most refined parts of Paris, close to Champs-Élysées and the luxury apartments that line those streets.

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The Paris Asian Art Fair is the first boutique Art Fair in Paris and Europe solely dedicated to contemporary Asian art. This year will see a showcase of works from 30 of the most influential galleries from Asia. Now in its third year, the event has made a mark for itself, being recognized as a key event in the international arts calendar. One of the highlights of this year will be the project titled Cloudy Depths: Five artists and Their Take on Neo Mōrōism which has been curated by Wei Xiangqui.

Alexandra Fain is the French director of Asia Now, the first Asian contemporary art fair of its kind in Paris which has so far held two editions. Fain says the aim of these fairs is to allow Asian contemporary artworks to be integrated into the existing art collections in Europe. It aims to shine the light on artwork which wouldn’t normally be accessible by Europeans.

Although certain Asian artists have become popular names in Europe such as Ai WeiWei and Yue Minjun, others such as Kong Chun Hei and Xu Zhen are still relatively unknown in Europe despite being immensely popular in their home countries.

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The event will be held in a Parisian mansion with the best galleries across Asia showcasing select works. The aim of the Paris Asian Art Fair is to strengthen ties between collectors, artists and their works. Asia Now invites any visitors to move between rooms and look at artworks as if they were in the home of a private collector.

This year’s exhibitors include Chinese exhibitors including Aike Dellarco from Shanghai, Thousand Plateaus Art Space from Chengdu, A2Z Art Gallery from Hong Kong, Magda Danysz Gallery, ifa gallery and Tang Contemporary Art Center from Shanghai.

From South Korea exhibitors include Choi & Lager and the Columns Gallery. Other galleries that will be making an appearance include The Drawing Room from Philippines and A3 from Berlin. Philippine artist Marina Cruz (curated by Matthias Arndt) will be doing a solo show this year.

Business stay in Mumbai – Privacy, Flexibility and Luxury takes the spotlight - thesqua.re

Undeniably the biggest business capital of India, Mumbai is known for its diverse nature and multi-cultural lifestyle. As people flock in for important meetings in the city on a regular basis, the inclination towards corporate accommodations has picked up.

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There are a number of reasons that these options are more favorable than hotels, but the most significant one is the shroud of privacy it offers to its inhabitants. As people have started placing privacy over round- the-clock staff services, the popularity of service apartments have witnessed a growth. From lounging around in the pajamas when you get some time from work, to brewing a cup just the way you like it; freedom outmaneuvers everything else.

The collection of luxury service apartments in Mumbai from thesqua.re offers more space than a small hotel room in the same or lesser budget. Convenient for flexible schedules, the service apartments do not restrict your meals to a fixed time or menu. One can easily cook anything they want or order-in from any nearby eateries, at all times.

The fully-furnished apartments offered by thesqua.re have an on-demand maintenance staff, that adds the service quotient of a hotel to your home-stay. See the staff only when you want to, but be assured of a tidy environment and fresh linens as a part of your stay.

Spread out in a number of high-end locations in Mumbai, these apartments are modern, clean, airy and spacious.

A property in Worli :

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 One of the properties in Kandivali :

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One of thesqua.re’s service apartments in Bandra :

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An apartment in Andheri East :

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A property in Juhu :

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These apartments offer a sense of normalcy and an opportunity to settle in, even if it is for a short stay in Mumbai. Offering an option to live, rather than a bed to sleep, the service apartments help create a comfort zone for the occupants. The short term lets provide you with a liberty to enjoy the city like a local. Also, one gets more space and freedom to entertain guests and clients in the settings. The corporate accommodations give you the freedom to pick-up your own leisure and extend your stays with a simple process.

To conclude, the luxury of privacy, flexibility and more open space makes these service apartments in Mumbai, an ideal choice for your work and leisure trips.

Tips for getting to know Paris this Summer

A summertime trip to beautiful, historical, and culturally rich ‘city of light’- Paris, will be glorious whether you’re traveling for a long weekend or coming back for more. Here’s a quick tip on things to do in this attractive city, which seems relaxed, playful and happy in summers.

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See

In Paris during summers, all indoor fun and culture is replaced by outdoor fun activities and special events are added every late July and August. You get to experience many unique outdoor activities that can make your holidays fabulous! Some of the greatest event includes French Open, Paris Plage, Bastille Day, Fete de la Musique festival, and Paris Cinema Film Festival. All these events are quite popular and can be a fun opportunity to mingle with locals. Other than this, you can also visit the grand churches like Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle and the Oratoire du Louvre at the time when the premises is lit with candles and beautifully decorated. Many churches and cathedrals hold free classical music concerts, offering a completely different experience. The music and lights at these churches create a fantastic atmosphere, so there you have it, enjoy music in Paris for free!

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Eat

It’s always a good idea to follow the lead from the locals when it comes to things like eating the special and best delicacy in the town. Know what’s best in their city from the Parisians. If you’re looking for a perfect evening day out, the restaurant like La Frégate, which is a great spot and a haven for oyster lovers. It also serves some exotic classics such as onion soup or homemade fruit tarts. You can dine here to not only enjoy the scrumptious food but also to soak up the historical Paris. Other options where you can find exotic food are Les Jardins de Bagatelle, Café de la Jatte and Le Bistro des Dames. The French people like to sit and relax while eating, so enjoy your time in the restaurant!

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Shop

If you’re looking forward to an exciting shopping experience in Paris, Summer Sales in Paris is a great opportunity. This is the official sale period in Paris when most of the shops put on many items on sales.  Moreover, the city also hosts several spring and summer fairs (in the lovely Saint Germain neighbourhood) that are meant for Parisians however it can be lot more fun for tourists as well. Apart from shopping, visitors can enjoy great music and lip-smacking food in this street fair.

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Stay

Finding a good accommodation to stay in Paris and deciding which attractions you just can’t miss are probably the two things that keeps boggling your mind. If you prefer a more intimate and comfortable atmosphere to stay, book a rented apartment in neighbourhoods like Saint Germain, Montmartre, Marais, Luxembourg and Rue Montorgueil. Stay in one of our holiday apartments Paris to get a wonderful local experience that the ‘city of light’ has to offer.  

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6 ways to get the most out of solo travelling

Taking a solo trip for the first time is an exciting experience and it’s only natural to feel a bit nervous. A trip done solo will undoubtedly widen thoughts and perspectives, offering a more comprehensive and brave approach in life but a bit of preparation will ensure that it runs smoothly.

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It is quite important to be prepared before going on your first solo trip to make sure you have a hassle-free and relaxed experience. Let us look at a small checklist of things you should do before marching out of the door.

  1. Research

It really helps if you do a quick search on Google and get ample information about the weather, geography, local culture and other social and political factors in the country, city or continent you are going to. It is always a good idea to know what to expect before reaching a destination.

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It is also very important to check out the local laws. You shouldn't get into the trouble for using gestures that could be misinterpreted at some places.

  1. Contacts

It is an excellent idea to have a few contacts in case you require some help and it is advised to write down phone numbers for emergencies, taxa services, hotels etc. in case you get stranded somewhere without Wi-Fi.

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It can be really useful if you have friends or acquaintances that are staying or have stayed at the places you are going. You should have their numbers at hand as well.

  1. Stay safe

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Take all measures to stay safe. Get your first hotel, hostel or serviced apartment booked after doing a thorough research of the area. Check if the security facilities there are stringent enough. Try not to travel very late or get too drunk. You should also try not to show off your valuables a lot.

  1. Connect with travellers and locals

The greatest reward of travelling alone is the opportunity you get to connect with new people. You should make the best use of this opportunity and engage with as many people as you can. Interacting with people coming from different cultures and ethnicities gives you great tips and insights to what’s happening around you.

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There are numerous apps that can help people get in touch with fellow travellers. You can find a fellow solo traveller or catch up with your host from a travel community and have a nice time together.

  1. Be open

Be more open minded and curious than you would in your every day life. It is enlightening not to get influenced by the judgement of other people and get a perspective of your own. Keep yourself open to new things and be independent to develop your own first hand experience.

Enjoy setting your own agenda and discovering new places at your own pace.

  1. Health is wealth

 

Take good care of your health. Carry basic medicines and bandages if you can. You should be careful about what and where you eat. After all, you will only make the most of your trip if you are fit and fine. It is important to keep refreshed with small and light meals if you are moving around a lot.

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Your first solo trip could be the start to several more such trips. Prepare yourself for a safe, healthy, enjoyable and exciting experience, and you'll surely love discovering new areas and parts of the world as well as finding yourself.