Thursday, July 31, 2025

Paris - To Do 30July25 (Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Le Bon Marche, Musée d'Orsay)

Paris - To Do
Paris - To Eat

Paris - To Do
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Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Opens daily form 745am.

*The first attendees for the first mass in the morning at 8am.


The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris is famous as the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, giving her the design for the Miraculous Medal, a devotional item worn by millions of Catholics worldwide.

Reasons to visit this particular Church whilst in Paris.

Marian Apparitions – Saint Catherine Labouré is known for receiving Marian apparitions in 1830 that led to the creation of the Miraculous Medal. She lived a humble life of service, caring for the sick while remaining anonymous, and is revered for her faith and humility.
Pilgrimage Site – It's one of the most visited Marian shrines in Paris, drawing pilgrims seeking healing and spiritual grace.

*Saint Catherine Laboure*
Saint’s Incorrupt Body – Saint Catherine’s body lies beneath the altar, reportedly incorrupt, which many see as a sign of sanctity.

*Mass which last about 30mins and after which mass blessings of Medals or other personal belongings.*

*Getting your Miraculous Medals blessed. The Miraculous Medal is a Catholic devotional medal believed to bring graces, protection, and conversions to those who wear it with faith.*
ABBATip:
- Shops opens at 9am only. So if you'd like your charms to be blessed, attend the service after purchase which was at 1030am, after communion. Each service is about 30mins. 
There's service daily and it is a pilgrimage for many Catholics. The exterior is unassuming between the link bridge for the fancy Le Bon Marche. It quite obvious at doors open due to the long queue of people. 
*These are the more fancy which are available only at the counter. However the miraculous medals start as low as €0.50 and the pretty decent sized sized ones around €4.0 each. There's something within anyone's budget.*
The interior is absolutely beautiful but it may not be as fancy as some of the other Churches but has it own unique charm and history which makes this a must visit especially for Catholics. 
You maybe interested in some of these other Churches in the City of Paris

Le Bon Marche
(Fancy Shops)

Fancy shopping mall with fancy supermarket. Purely to get Le Beurre Bordier (some say the best or one of the best butters in the world) and they have it here! They even provide a vacuum service after payment for a nominal fee.
Its not as famous as Gallarie La Fayette and especially their roof top view but worth to pop-by whilst in the area. 

Musée d'Orsay

Musée d'Orsay is a renowned Paris museum housed in a former train station, famous for its vast collection of 19th- and early 20th-century art, especially Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. It bridges the gap between the Louvre and modern art museums.
ABBATip:
- Start from the top and work your way down.
- Queue for tickets fairly long but fast moving. €14/adult
- Fee Wifi is available on-site
- Try to have a must see list of pictures before going as it maybe overwhelming.
This place absolutely delivers. Though the place is massive, the arts works are largely on the top floor and on the ground level. Loads of amazing art works by legends like Degas, Manet, Van Gough and many many more.
Level 5 art works

*Van Gogh, La Nuit Étoilée
Starry Night Over the Rhone is a perfect example of what makes van Gogh so popular.*

*Renoir, Bal du Moulin de la Galette – 1876
Not only Renoir's most well-known work, Bal du Moulin is one of the most popular of all Impressionist paintings. First shown at the third Impressionist exhibition in 1877, it depicts a weekend dance part in the courtyard of the Moulin de la Galette in Montmartre.*

*Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies - Cluade Monet 1899*

*Matching pallet of colors.*
Lower Floors

*Nature Unveiling herself before Science.1899. The original.*

*The Abyss, 1901 marble sculpture.*


*Auguste Rodin, The Gates of Hell (1880-1917) Plaster cast made from the 1917 bronze is on long-term loan to the Musée d’Orsay, on the ground it was originally meant to occupy.*

*Miniature of The Thinker.*

*La Douleur" (Grief) by Jean-Joseph Perraud, created in 1867*

*Whistler's Mother as featured in the Mr Bean Movie. A symbol of motherhood, artistic innovation and cultural icon as a symbol of endurance during the great depression.*

*As featured in the Mr Bean Movie.*

*Manet’s The Fifer broke with tradition through its flat composition, minimal background, and modern subject, paving the way for future avant-garde movements in art.*

*Manet's Olympia (1863) is famous for its bold realism and modernity. It shocked viewers with its portrayal of a confident nude woman, challenged traditional ideals of beauty, and included racial and class commentary through the presence of a Black maid. The painting marked a turning point in modern art and influenced generations of artists.*
*Cumo Amiet 1868-1961 Snow Landscape*
The Architecture itself and the space.

*The Romans in their decadence 1847*

*Like something like this you may wanna check out
in Munich Residenz and Munich & Nyphenburg Palace also in Munich. These are stunning and inspired by the mirrored halls of Versailles' in Paris.*


*You can see the Peak of Saint-Louis-des-Invalides which houses the tomb of the Great Napoleon. Click for full review.*

A really great selection with many, many recognizable top hit on the top floor, along with their iconic clock face with views of Paris in the background. 
Loving the curated pieces here which cover a wide range of mediums and genres. Here are some other really note worthy Museums that I'd recommend which really captivated emotions and featured famous works which are well worth to check out.
> MOMA in NYC - Starry Night, Salvador Dali, Warhol, Monet.  A real pleasant surprise especially to see so many iconic pieces..
> Paris - The Lourve of Course. 
> Van Gough Museum in AMS
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Tuesday, July 22, 2025

NYC - To Do 15Jul25 (Stardust Diner Breakfast, Max Neuhaus, “Times Square”, Coney Island In Summer, Junior's Restaurant & Bakery, Midnight Moment, The Rose Main Reading Room, Keens Steakhouse, North Central Park, Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, John's Pizzeria)

New York - To Do
New York - To Eat

NYC - To Do/Eat
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Coney Island Day Trip
NYC Day 1
Stardust Diner (Breakfast edition)


*Not the best showing at the time but still high energy and song after song/*
Its the first time in attendance in the day time at 0815, and the energy level and entertainment did not disappoint. Just as good and as entertaining as remembered. You're really here for the entertainment rather than the food. Food is alright but they slap on an automatic 20% gratuity even for a party of two.
Click here for full review of Stardust Diner.

Max Neuhaus, “Times Square”
(Hidden, unmarked art installation)

The unnamed sound art installation in Times Square, officially titled Times Square by Max Neuhaus, is a hidden, 24/7 sound piece located beneath a metal grate on the pedestrian island between 45th and 46th Streets. First installed in 1977 and restored in 2002, it emits a continuous, harmonic hum, like bell tones or a wineglass ring, meant to be discovered by chance. Unmarked and subtle, it invites passersby to pause and listen amid the city's chaos, turning noise into art.
Click here for ABBA location of Max Neuhaus Times Square

Coney Island in Summer
(Opens till late and seasonal)
Click here for full review of Coney Island of stuff to see and do there.

 Transport time from Downtown/Uptown to Coney Island is about an hour door to door. 
The ride is USD2.90 one way. 

Well worth it to check this place out. Ride prices are easy to purchase and rode the Wonderwheel and Cyclone roller coaster largely for its history as a staple of Coney Island. Still find it worth to check the place out and great to have experienced all of it though under two visits. 

Not to be missed old school candy shop and Nathan's hot dogs where the iconic hotdog synonymous with NYC was first introduced. 

Junior's Restaurant & Bakery
(Chain establishment & Visited Twice)
Recommended by Adam.K
Opens 7am-12pm
Click here to view their menu
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery is famous in NYC for its rich, creamy New York-style cheesecake, often considered the city's best.
Ordered on
15Jul25
Corned Beef & Pastrami USD20.95

Corned Beef Sandwich USD19.95

*So good we ordered it again as a takeaway to enjoy for a early departure breakfast and it keeps well! Enjoyed hot and cold. Remember to ask for pickles.*
Brisket Melt
Fresh Brisket of Beef, Mozzarella , Sauteed Onions and Peppers with French Fries served with Au Jus USD26.95

*This was the absolute surprise and my absolute favorite. It is a little steeper in price but man you can ask for more of that warm Au Jus and it just hits the spot. It's kind of like Ross from friends and his gravy boat for the lost Turkey Sandwich. A MUST Try!* 

Cheese Cake
Key-Lime Cheesecake (Seasonal Special)

Amazing and recommended. 
Strawberry Cheesecake

*Looks great but the strawberry gel tasted too artificial. Fruits were great.*
*The cheese cake here is excellent. Creamy rich and not as daunting in size as compared to those at the Cheesecake factory.*
Food 4/5
Service 3/5
Ambience 3/5
Value 3/5
It may not be as good as Katz's Delicatessen but it's cheaper. For a taste of classic pastrami sandwiches this isn't a bad place to check out. Their pickles are little brinier but they work well with the sandwiches. Their cheesecake are amazing and definitely worth the order as well. Went back for another slice!

Midnight Moment
(Times Square)


Midnight Moment (Started in May2012) is a nightly public art display in Times Square where, from 11:57 PM to midnight, over 90 billboards sync up to show a digital artwork for 3 minutes. It runs every night except New Year’s Eve and is the world’s largest ongoing digital art exhibition, featuring both famous and emerging artists.
Highly recommended if in the area to look out for it! Red Steps at Duffy Square (Broadway & 47th St), offers a slightly elevated view of the full scene and probably the best view and experience.

Click here for original posting of Times Square.

NYC Day2
Sunrise at Little Island, Highline and Vessel (Summer)
(Usual walking route About 1.7km walk/25mins)


*View of Empire State in the distance.*

A leisurely walk that's great to see in different seasons. Last visited, 14Dec2022. 


*High Line in the Summer*

*Art sculptures along the High Line*

*Houston Yard Vessel*
ABBATip:
- Parks are generally closed officially from 1am-6am so take note! However having said that they do open promptly and its great to enjoy.
You maybe interested to check out sunrise at the Brooklyn Bridge (NYC) and Golden Gate Bridges (SFO), not restricted to any opening times. The views are well worth it!
Click here for original posting of Little Island, Highline and Vessel.

The Blue Bottle Cafe
(A small little Pick me up)

Blue Bottle Café is part of the Third Wave Coffee Movement, known for its artisanal brewing, ethically sourced single-origin beans, and a focus on freshness and flavor.

New York Public Library Hall
(The Rose Main Reading Room)




Usually this place is only accessible via tour groups and for limited times of 15mins each. Am unsure if the tours are chargeable but when doors open, there's a small window daily to view this place before they limit it strictly to researchers and those studying. 
It's exterior is still just as enjoyable and during the Christmas season, Bryant Park Winter Village really comes to life. Click here for full details. 
ABBATip:
- Arrive at opening! From opening till about 40mins, The Rose Main Reading Room is open for viewing without tours! 
Click here for location of the New York Public Library Hall
You maybe interested in these other notable Libraries with similar vibes. 
Melbourne - State Library Victoria.
Manchester - John Rylands Library, A.k.a the Harry Potter Library.

Keens Steakhouse
Click here for their lunch menu

Keens Steakhouse, founded in 1885 in NYC’s theater district, was a popular gathering place for actors and members of The Lambs Club. It became famous for its massive collection of over 90,000 clay pipes reserved for patrons like Babe Ruth and Theodore Roosevelt. In 1905, actress Lillie Langtry made history by winning a lawsuit that allowed women to dine there.

One goes to Keens largely to try their iconic Mutton chops as well as dining is this historic and cultural significant location. 
Some historical artifacts like the play bill where Abe Lincoln was assassinated and the pipes owned by various celebrities and people of influence. It was shared that Albert Einstein's pipe was stolen over the years.
Ordered On:
16Jul25
A Taste Of Mutton USD35

*A fantastic intro to trying out their iconic dish without committing. We were a fan instantly! It pairs amazingly with their in-house made Mint Jelly which also retails at USD15/bottle. Well worth it and am on a quest to find this cut to replicate at home. Though its labeled as mutton, but it is a cut of lamb in the United States.*
Prime Sliced Sirloin Steak (8oz) USD42
*Meh*
You maybe interested in Delmonico's, claimed to be one of the oldest dining places in NYC.
Keen for the Mutton Chops and the history behind it. The place is unassumingly large and enjoy exploring the space.
ABBATip
- Lunch prices are cheaper than dinner, however both have a taste of Mutton. 

Iconic Buildings in the area with
 Beast & Butterfly secret lookout towards Time Square.

*Rockefeller Center*

*Radio City Music Hall*
*Free look out point of Times Square From Beast & Butterflies, located beside Gallaghers Steakhouse*
Click here for full write up of Beast & Butterfly free to enter roof top location.

Ichiran
Customizable selection and dine in privacy. Just you and the noodles in privacy. A popular chain originating for Fukukoa. 
Click here for original review of Ichiran from Fukukoa. 

NYC Day3 
North Central Park
Some of the notable points of interest in the Northern park of Central Park.

*Breakfast in the park from local Deli. USD18 total for two sandwiches.
You name it, he'll make it.*
Davis Center

Huddle Stone Arch

Untermyer Fountain

Conservatory Garden
Burnett Fountain


Lexington Candy Shop

One of the rare few locations on how Coca-Cola is served originally. Come here for the much over priced Cola over anything else. 

Solomon R Guggenheim Museum


The Guggenheim Museum's architecture is renowned for its spiral design by Frank Lloyd Wright. The building resembles a white seashell or an inverted ziggurat, with a continuous ramp that coils upward around a central atrium. Its smooth, curved exterior and open, flowing interior broke away from traditional museum layouts, making it a bold statement of organic modern architecture. It's considered one of Wright's greatest works and a landmark of 20th-century design.



Depending on the artist that's being featured, in maybe in your tastes or a total miss. What you're guaranteed really, is to enjoy this unique space and its iconography. There are some famous pieces there but no where as many as those stored in Moma or The Met. 

You maybe interested in these other Museums whilst in the area
NYC - Moma
NYC - The Met
NYC - Museum of Natural History.

Evolution Store
(Revisit)



A natural history store that's a pseudo museum and pretty much everything is up for retail. Fun visit for those interested in this. If you like displays like at the Natural History Museum, this would be the place for you.

John's Pizzeria
Opens 1130am-1130pm

John’s Pizzeria is famous for its traditional New York-style pizza baked in coal-fired brick ovens inside a stunning former 19th-century church with a beautiful stained-glass ceiling. It's a waste that the stained glass isn't lit up, but it provides a unique location in a prime location and open till late. 
Ordered On:
17Jul25
Margherita Small USD27+Prosciutto +USD5 Fed2

*Good but not mind blowingly great. Prefer Joe's pizza to this acutllay.*
Food 3.5/5
Service 3/5
Ambience 3.5/5
Value 3/5
Upside, the place is pretty cool and has a great back story. Downside is that they only do whole pizza orders. The pizza is okay but doesn't work out to be cheaper or better having than what one would get at Joe's Pizza (which prices per slice have been rising as well.) Would go for the location and atmosphere. The food orders is alright and maybe a good, sit-down pizza option with more people and to share. 
Click here for ABBA location of John's Pizzeria
You maybe interested in another three full day itinerary whilst here in NYC, involving Roosevelt Island, Staten Island Ferry, The Met, Natural History and 911 Museum.
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