I texted twice saying “I?m sorry, I?m late!”. ?But when I arrived, my afternoon date was?patiently awaiting me along the Canal de L? Ourcq inside Le Bellerive.A?typical French restaurant that kind of has it all: the charm of simple d?cor,delightful atmosphere and a consistently good basic menu.
As I entered there was this forgiving smile bursting from the red lips?of Anna sitting cosy inside the caf? waiting on my arrival. I relaxed, when she said she hadn?t been waiting long she said.
One thing that strikes you right away about this yoga teacher is her
cheerful youthful demeanor spiced with this ?oh don?t take things so serious” attitude. ?You feel immediately at ease.
Anna is the one person that has a?laugh nearly equivalent to mine in vigor yet has this sweet effect on
you that you?d want to be laughing with her. ?Whimsical, mysterious,
full of life. We first met some years ago through a close mutual friend, who’s now living in London.
Needless to say I?m super psyched to be sharing her Paris story with you guys today, of how one woman followed an adventure to Paris and is still following it on the city.
Tell us about why you came to Paris?
– In 2004 I came to Paris for a 6 months adventure?and I?m still here,
almost 10 years on!? At the time I didn?t speak French nor did I know anything about
Paris. I just felt I wanted to try something new.
Two of my English friends moved here 6 months before me and had a spare room in
their apartment. It seemed too good an opportunity to miss?
?What are you doing in Paris today?
– I?ve had several lives in Paris, but I have mostly worked as an English
and Yoga teacher. I really enjoy teaching, and I love the lifestyle
that comes with being an independent professional here.
I have just launched my own website Anna-layton-yoga.squarespace.com
What is your favorite area or neighborhood in Paris?
Wow, I have so many!
I think part of what I love about the city is?that it is so stunningly beautiful. I live just on the edge of the
Marais and I love this area. I lived in the 19eme/ 19th arrondisement for so many years
I have a lot of love for that area too. Other wise I love the 10eme; especially the canal St. Martin. And I love to ride my bike across
the river to the 5eme and 6eme.
Why did you choose this area to have photos taken?
– ?I have lived in the 19eme (19th arrondissement) for several years, I love the parks , canals and the Sunday markets.
I especially love Bar Ourq, where I have been?holding my Pimms Events for over nine years!
The Bar was closed when we met so went across the street to Le Bellevrive where the staff is friendly ?- it can get busy ? but it’s always lively.
5 things you love that define you
- My love and collection of Mini ?zebras
- Yoga
- Riding my 1990s?bike around Paris
- Red lipstick
- Laughter and Hanging out with friends
Here’s a map of Bar Ourcq and Le Bellerive:
