Friday, April 9, 2010

Friday Handbag-a-Watzit

As requested by Alex and EMS!

I don't have as many handbags as I have shoes. I tend to think a girl only needs a classic black and a classic neutral (white, cream or beige) bag, and this will be enough to go with any outfit. However, as I am addicted to shopping, I also have a few fun bags (tee hee!) to liven up some outfits.

And so we begin with the one that got away. This black-with-gold-hardware bag was a fantastic bag. It had everything you could ever want in a bag. And it's a very classic shape. However, for some reason, I decided to sell it before I went overseas. I am now constantly searching Ebay to find a replacement for it. I still haven't found a black bag I like as much as this one though.

Mulberry Wilton Black Leather Shoulder Bag (25L x 10W x 20H - two handles, buckle fastening straps at side, a clasp fastening strap in center with a zip fastening central pocket underneath and two open pockets either side.

This is cream leather tote, and is not exactly a classic shape. I think it will date. But it is a very nice bag, and is exceptionally well made. However, it's also very heavy. Even before you put anything in it. And it's not a shoulder bag, so your arm ends up dying if you have to lug it around for more than a few hours. Still, it goes with pretty much everything I own, so I still love it.
Anya Hindmarch Cooper Leather Tote (48L x 3W x 35H - clasp fastening pocket on front, a shoulder strap across top and a concealed magnetic fastening)

This was the first designer bag I ever bought. I loved the colour, the shape, the gold hardware. And it's a very practical bag. There's a pocket on the front, multiple pockets on the insider, a zip closure, and it's a great size. The colour is not really represented well here. It's more bluey-green than it appears. It also goes surprisingly well with a lot of things. But I usually wear it with black outfits, so it stands out more.
Anya Hindmarch Pipa Leather Shoulder Bag (35L x 12W x 22H - two handles, a signature clasp fastening on the front which secures a flap closure pocket, a magnetic fastening pocket on back, zip fastening across the top and feet on base.)

This bag was purchased because I had the shoes in the same colour. They're fabulous T-bar sandals. I don't usually agree with matching shoes and handbags (co-ordinating yes, matching no), but the shoes aren't completely "out there," so it seems to work well. This bag is huge! I carry it whenever I have to go somewhere with a book, or anything else large. It's also very light, even when it has a massive textbook in it. And it has pockets galore! It's sort of a deep burgundy colour.

Jimmy Choo Biker Leather Tote (45L x 18W x 28H - clasp fastening on front, double shoulder strap across top, two side pockets, internal zippered compartment divides bag into two sections, 3 internal pockets)

I saw this bag in a catalogue which had been sent to me, and immediately lusted after it. But I was heading overseas and was trying not to spend money. So I didn't buy it. 6 months later, I got to Paris and went to the store to drool over it. But I didn't have the money for it then either. So I took a photo and caught a plane back home. I have been scanning Ebay ever since, hoping one would show up. And what do you know, a month ago one did! I checked it out for authenticity, and managed to get it for a bargain! I was ecstatic the day it came in the mail. It looks fantastic with a cream outfit. It's more purple than it appears here.
LV Bowling Montaigne GM in Cassis Epi Leather (37L x 17W x 26H - Epi leather discreetly stamped with the LV initials, textile lining and smooth leather trimmings; Silvery brass pieces; Zippered closure with padlock and flap bearing the Louis Vuitton signature; One inside flat pocket and one cell phone pocket; One rear outside flat pocket; Key and matching key holder; Bottom studs to protect the bag)

This bag nearly got away from me. I saw it on the website and loved it. But I let it sit there for a while so I could decide if I really wanted it. Then it sold out. I was crushed. Then it came back! I put it in my shopping bag, but it sold out before I could buy it. Again, I was crushed. And then a week later, it came back again! I pounced on it. It goes fantastically with those bright pink Louboutins, and also the pink Dior slides.
Michael Kors Roslyn Leather Shoulder Bag (37L x 3W x 43H; Handle Drop 8 - two handles and a detachable shoulder strap, exposed zip pockets at front and back, a detachable designer-stamped tag, an internal zip-fastening pocket and is fully lined)

This bag is on my wish list. It's the perfect bag for a business woman. It fits A4, or a small laptop, and is effortlessly classy. It's a grained leather, and I am currently saving up for it. I think I would rather have a nice ivory business case than a boring black one. It will help me stand out in a crowd!


LV Pont-Neuf GM in Ivory Epi Leather (36L x 15W x 30H - Refined microfibre lining; Shiny silvery brass metallic pieces; Zipper closure, flap and press-lock; Three compartments including a central zipped pocket; Hand-held with smooth leather handles)

This is the bag I went shopping for on Wednesday. And in fact, I told Boogey a little lie about where I was going, because I thought if I said, "I have to pick something up from Louis Vuitton" I would have sounded like a pretentious twat. So I said I was going to David Jones instead. And then once we'd parted ways, I ducked out and into the LV store (with furtive glances to make sure he wasn't still around to see me! Haha!). The colour is seasonal, and a limited edition. I loved it from the moment I saw it. It's so feminine and beautiful. The soft pink is just an amazing colour, and I think the shape is really classic.
LV Alma PM in Rose Florentin Vernis Monogram (32L x 17W x 24H - Rounded handles for comfortable hand carry; One interior flat pocket; One interior phone pocket; Double zip opening for easy access; Gold padlock)

I lusted after this bag for a very long time. The colour is very hard to describe. It's sort of grey, but sort of lilac. It's hand-stitched leather. It's a great bag, and very versatile. There's a shoulder strap you can attach, and then fold down the top part to make it more casual, or you can carry it on your elbow for a more classy look. This is the bag I had with me on Wednesday when I met up with Boogey.

Dior Lady Dior Granville Tote in Grey (33.5L x 16W x 29H; Handle Drop 9.5 or 110 - lambskin with hand-stitched cannage detail. Silvertone hardware. Top handles with rings, adjustable, removable shoulder strap. Foldover top; can be carried as handbag or shoulder bag. Hanging "D.I.O.R." charms. Three interior compartments. Metal feet protect bottom of bag.

I thought the metallics phase was going to go away after a season or two, so I didn't bother purchasing anything in it. I was very wrong. It's still here. And while part of me hates it, another part of me thinks it can look very nice when done correctly. And so I recently purchased some metallic shoes, and then didn't have a handbag to go with them. Dilemma. And then I saw this bag on sale - 60% off! The best of both worlds! I get a trend-bag, and it doesn't cost me full price! I wore it yesterday, with a black dress with sculptural sleeves, and the Fendi black and gold swirl suede pumps.
Chloe Bay Gold Leather Shoulder Bag (37L x 15W x 32H; Handle Drop 18 - double structured straps, a quilted panel on front, a signature plaque on front, a zip fastening across the top, double zip-fastening pockets on both sides, a contrast canvas lining, an interior zip-fastening pocket, stitched detailing and feet on base)

This is another one that got away. It's an adorable little pouchette, whose main use is for evening wear. It doesn't fit much in it. The clasp is a pair of tiny shoes. I love it so much! But yet again, I sold it before I went overseas. I rue that day. I have no idea why I sold it. Still, I sold it to a friend, so at least I know if I ever want to borrow it, I'm sure she will let me!

Christian Louboutin Satin Loubinette Pouchette (22L x 8W x 18H, Handle Drop 11cm - stiletto clasp fastening, pleated detailing and a red lining)

This is another bag on my wish list. Two, actually. I really want this in the black lambskin, and another in the white lambskin. It's such a classic bag, and has been in style for 50 years. I doubt it will go out of style any time soon. I haven't previously purchased any quilted handbags, because when I do, I want them to be these ones! It has a double length chain which can be gathered in half for a shoulder bag, or let long for a hip-length bag.

Chanel 2.55 Classic Flap in Black Lambskin (25.5L x 7W x 15.5H - quilted lambskin leather outer, CC turn lock, convenient patch pocket on the back. Interior zip pocket on the back of the flap, an open compartment for easy access and a flap compartment with snap closure. The back of the interior flap is stitched with the Chanel CC logo. The main compartment has one open pocket and two small patch pockets)

And now for the piece de resistance! This bag is my HG (holy grail, for those of you who don't visit fashion forums - so, everyone then!). I am not sure I will ever obtain one. They are so expensive, I would probably need to sell 5 kidneys to buy one. I only have one and a half to spare. I don't mind spending 4 figures on a bag, but 5 is really pushing it. These bags can go up to 6 figures. The reason they are so expensive is because they are completely hand-crafted in a workshop in Paris, which produces only 5 bags across the whole range each week. There are thousands of people wanting to buy them, and there are wait-lists no matter what your name is. The fashion house who makes them has recently said they are going to outsource the construction to another location in France, so they can keep up with demand and abolish the wait-lists (and increase revenue, no doubt), but I don't know when/if this is going to happen. There are numerous variations of this bag. The fashion house basically lets you custom design it, if that's what you want. You can pick from a range of colours, leathers and hardware. Obviously, the basic look of it is still going to be the same. But some of the combinations will set you back more than the cost of a very nice car (which I think is ridiculous). If I ever did manage to buy one, I'd just get a classic black Togo leather so that it would be timeless (and it's also one of the "cheaper" versions).

Hermes Birkin 30 in Black Togo Leather with Palladium Hardware (30L x 15W x 20H; Handle Drop 11 - black togo leather with silvertone palladium hardware. Silvertone hardware on the strap stamped with "HERMES-PARIS". Interior of the bag has two pockets, one with zipper)

And there you have it! Another vapid and pointless post from the Queen of Inappropriate Shoes (and Handbags).

75 comments:

Puss In Boots said...

Oh, and I should mention, these are not "recent purchases" as per the shoes. I have had some of these bags for 5+ years now.

patchouligirl said...

Nice collection Puss. This probably won't come as a surprise but I have never ever bought a handbag. I've never had the opportunity because people give them to me. One shopaholic girlfriend bequeaths me all her cast-offs (usually standard black and 'as new'), even posting them up from Sydney at her company's expense. I use each one until it falls apart and then pick out another from the spares in reserve. She posts me up clothes as well and then compliments me on my great taste when she sees me in them, forgetting where I got them from.

Puss In Boots said...

I am so jealous right now, Patch. I wish someone would gift me with fabulous handbags!

Giggleworthy said...

I beg to differ re the Louboutin - for my 30th I managed to fit a small purse, an umbrella, makeup, perfume and a wrap inside that thing. It's like Mary Poppins bag!

And of course you may borrow it whenever you want. You can even borrow the shoes to go with it if you want to up the fabulous.

Puss In Boots said...

*sigh* I miss that Louboutin! But at least I know it went to a good home!

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

My briefcase is a battered black number I acquired second hand from the Commonwealth Department of Defence.

It has a classic "briefcase-ie" shape.

I don't know what its name is.

Giggleworthy said...

It did. :-) I even called it George.

I think I may have to roll you for the new LV, next time I see you... Or the Dior... Either one would be fine with me.

I also really, REALLY like that Chloe one.

The Birkin is iconic and I agree that it is the holy grail of handbags. I would cheerfully sell my kidneys for one of those bags, but mine aren't in very good shape, so I guess that option is out...

I think I need to come sit in front of your wardrobe again soon - it's been a while since I was in my happy place.

Melba said...

The only one I covet is the Chanel 2.55.

But they are so iconic that I don't know how comfortable I would feel being out with one.

And it would very much be ME out with my BAG, not the other way around.

Mr E said...

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm beginning to miss the sports related posts.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

I could do a PSF post in you like, Mr E.

Iti is not - repeat, not - a depressing Marxist poem.

Puss In Boots said...

I wouldn't start missing them, Mr E. There won't be any more fashion related posts from me. And I only did these by request.

Leilani said...

I don't like sports, handbags or shoes. Maybe there's something wrong with me.

Mr E said...

路過--你好嗎..很棒的BLOG.........................................

This place is going to hell in a handbag.......

At this point I think I'll go out to my shed and take something apart.
You're welcome to join me Ramon, I have beer and a 290 piece set of Sidchromes.

Mr E said...

Does anyone know if italicising ideographs changes their meaning?

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

Make that 290 beers and a Sidchrome and you've got a deal, Mr E.

We're only teasing, Puss.

Anonymous said...

I like the Jimmy Choo Biker Leather* Tote because of the size, weight and abundance of pockets (can't have too many pockets). It'd be cool if these things had stats attached to them, but I understand that that'd be asking too much. The super expensive bag at the bottom doesn't seem like any great whoop to me. Goes to show what I know. I reckon that the Anya Hindmarch Pipa Leather Shoulder Bag and the Dior Lady Dior Granville Tote in Grey have the most personality. If I stare at them, it almost feels like they're looking back at me.

Puss, with all this talk of buying and selling and yearning and lamenting, it sounds to me like you might have a touch of the collector in you?

Mr E, Sidchrome ain't what they used to be. Remember when you used to get a lifetime warranty?

*Does that mean that it's made out of biker-leather, or that it's made out of leather and meant to be carried by bikers?

Melba said...

A depressing Marxist poem is exactly what we need, Ramon, just to even up the mood. Get us back to normal.

Mr E said...

Mr E, Sidchrome ain't what they used to be. Remember when you used to get a lifetime warranty?

Statements like that take me back to the "good old days" when you were a man. I miss those days......

Puss In Boots said...

I know, Ramon. I was just reassuring Mr E there'd be no more posts to drive him to his shed.

Alex - what kind of stats? And I think it's called Biker because of the look of it - lots of metal clips and strips of leather and what not. It comes in various colours as well. The black one looks a bit "tougher" than this one.

The super expensive one doesn't look much in a photo, but if you saw it in real life next to a cheaper bag, you could see why so many people want one. Of course, the status of having one is also a drawcard. And there are some pretty fabulous versions of it, but I've just posted the one I'd have, which is plain black, because I think that would get me the most value for money. Why get a bright orange one you can't coordinate with much, when you can get a black one and carry it more?

The Pipa and Granville are two of my favourites, too. And you're right - they almost look like faces if you stare long enough!

Haha! Busted! I am somewhat of a collector/horder. If I buy something, and I know it comes as part of a range, I have a hard time not buying the whole thing, or trying to collect the whole set. When I was a child, I collected frog ornaments (I have no idea why). I had hundreds of them before I moved out of home. Now I collect shoes, handbags, Hermes scarves, classic books, and cook books.

Puss In Boots said...

My sister sent me this. It is amusing in parts. I think she thought it was hilarious. She is an odd girl.

Pepsi said...

Wow, I am in awe.

I've never been a fan of gold hardware on handbags, but of them all I like the Anya Hindmarch the best. I'd never actually get it for myself - too small and pretty, (my bags needs to be sturdy & tough because they get thrown around & used as weapons) but it still looks lovely.

Secondly, I'm no fashionista, but these posts are fascinating, for me its like one species watching and trying to understand how another species thats completely foreign to them behaves.

I'm happy to read more posts in this vain every now and then.

Anonymous said...

Mr E: Hey, I'm still as much of a man as I ever was. Which is to say, not much of one, I guess.

What happened to all your frogs, Puss?

My Dad got me into comics when I was little. Probably because we lived in places where there was no TV reception. In any event, they got me interested in reading and drawing - which is good I suppose. I started collecting movies a while ago. I stopped when I started running out of space. I have since discovered that when you reach a certain point, people just start giving you stuff. I'm too weak to say no.

Also, what kind of stats would I like for handbags? Spatial dimensions would be the big one, as none of the bags appear next to anything as a comparison. There's also weight, carrying capacity, number and type of compartments and maybe materials and stitching. I do have a bit of a thing for lists and statistics.

I'm no fashionista, but these posts are fascinating, for me its like one species watching and trying to understand how another species thats completely foreign to them behaves.

Basically, my thoughts in a nutshell.

I don't know what I can say about the video. It was ... different.

Puss In Boots said...

Pepsi, you'd be surprised how tough these bags are. They are made to last. The Anya Hindmarch you like (the blue one, I'm guessing) is not exactly small, either. It measures about 35L x 15W x 20H. About average for a handbag. It's not the size of the Jimmy Choo, or the other Anya, or the LV Pont-Neuf, but it's still a decent size.

I treated that poor Mulberry quite harshly, actually. It was my every day bag, and it was thrown around a lot. When I sold it, I got quite a bit of money for it, because despite my harsh treatment, it was still in excellent condition. So yeah, you can treat them harshly and they'll stand up to it.

I assume you used the word "vain" and not "vein" for a reason? Haha!

catlick said...

I'm no fashionista ... I use a vintage Fassbender handbag for everyday, (beautifully detailed, brown snakeskin, suede lined) and a smart rectangular red leather Mandarina Duck shoulder/clutch for best. Apart from that I have a little black Hedgren backpack. All of them go with my blunnies.

Puss In Boots said...

Alex, I'll update with as much info as I can gather.

And yes, the video was indeed different. As I said, my sister is an odd girl. We are polar opposites. If we didn't look the same, I doubt anyone would ever guess we are sisters.

Anonymous said...

Don't go to any extra trouble on my account, Puss. I wasn't trying to demand anything from you, specifically.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

I use a vintage Fassbender handbag for everyday

They're naming handbags after German film directors now?

Anonymous said...

All of them go with my blunnies.

Work of dress? Black or tan? Soft-toe or steel cap?

catlick said...

500s for everyday, (polished with "old mahogany"), black with a red elastic insert for dress, and a waterproof pair for swimming.

Puss In Boots said...

No trouble. Helps me avoid work!

Mr E said...

They're naming handbags after German film directors now?

I can't think of a German Film Director more deserving of having a handbag named after him.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Puss. Very informative. You weren't kidding when you said the Jimmy Choo Biker Leather Tote was bigger than the others, and the Chanel 2.55 Classic and LV Bowling Montaigne GM have a lot more going on than I thought at first. I didn't even realise some were lockable. And I've kind of warmed up even more to the Dior Lady Dior Granville Tote. Not only versatile, but a decent size, and I like the idea of the feat.

Catlick, I've worn Blunnies since I was a kid. I really came to appreciate steel-caps when I got to pub going age, but I've since moved on to a pair of 063s that I wear virtually everywhere. Can't remember ever going swimming in them though. What's it like? Any particular reason why one would?

catlick said...

In case I meet a starfish, Alex.

Anonymous said...

Of course. I wasn't even thinking about the ocean.

Pepsi said...

I assume you used the word "vain" and not "vein" for a reason? Haha!

Nope, just careless at proof reading & none to bright.

I did have a desire to go handbag shopping this arvo after reading this post, but then someone said pub & I lost all interest in handbags.

patchouligirl said...

As I said, my sister is an odd girl. We are polar opposites.

Er . . where does "odd" end, and "delightfully quirky" (as I recall Puss being described) begin?

Puss In Boots said...

Patch, we are both odd people, just in different ways, I suppose. The only thing we have in common is that we sometimes speak in movie quotes. For instance at Christmas, I was telling everyone how the raspberries in Europe really taste like raspberries, and the strawberries really taste like strawberries. On cue, we both said, "and the snozberries taste like snozberries!" Nobody else knew what on earth we were going on about.

Unknown said...

Oooh. Awesome. Pretty.

I like the Anya Hindmarch one the best.

Thanks for the post, Puss. I likes to look at shiny things.

Anonymous said...

Which one, EMS? There are two.

And how are your travels going, thus far?

Unknown said...

The blue one.

Travel's going ok. Been to London a couple of times, been to Dover. Pretty much been to every pub in Canterbury. Got chatted up in one of them by a man whose name was "Johnny". Uuuhhhm, that's about it. Waiting for spring to properly arrive so it's not so freaking cold.

France was awesome. Need to go back, but need to earn some money first, so looking for work. Gah.

A bit bored today - no plans. Which is bad, because when there are no plans, we usually just end up drinking at the pub. And eating crisps. So I'm gonna be huuuuge by the time I get back to Australia in a couple of years if I keep that up.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you're having fun, EMS. What was so awesome about France.

Unknown said...

The croissants.

And the wine.

And the Eiffel Tower.

And the stylish people.

But not the rain.

Puss In Boots said...

I feel your pain, EMS. I think I only had two dry days the whole time I was in France. I absolutely loved it. Have you eaten any strawberries or raspberries yet? They actually taste like they should! Oh, and try some Beaufort cheese. It's devine. And if you haven't already, go to Brittany. It was my favourite part of France. Especially the food market at Vannes, but I hear Vitre also has a great one. I bought myself a feast and then went and sat underneath the old city walls and had a picnic. It was fantastic.

If you're still in Paris, go to a restaurant called Le Poule au Pot and try their duck confit (ask for it crispy skinned). It was delicious. They had excellent escargot there, too. And the staff are really friendly.

patchouligirl said...

I wonder if we'll ever make cheeses, small goods and bread here as well as they do over there. I've got a photo of a sausage shop window in Nuremberg, laden with so many varieties of wurst - and the quality is wonderful. Here the butchers treat sausages as a way to get rid of the fatty leftovers. Most wouldn't know how to make a good sausage. I went to one restaurant in Nuremberg where the only thing on the menu is their famous Nuremberg bratwurst. You can order 3, 6 or 12 with either sauerkraut or potato salad. They had an army of staff turning them on barbeques to keep up with demand. Here we have so much livestock but you go to a pub and get frozen chicken schnitzel.

Anonymous said...

So essentially, the main thing that makes France awesome is the grub?

I just remembered that years ago, a chef I know told me that the problem with Australian grown produce was that it didn't rain here enough. That included fruit, veges and even grain I think. He also reckoned that you couldn't buy good Barramundi because it was all exported and that Tasmanian fish had too much something(Mercury?) in it.

PG, I've had some wonderful Australian made sausage. Although you're right, none of it came from an actual butcher.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

So, you were only obeying orders in Nuremberg Patchie?

That's a pretty thin defence.

I realise not many people may understand this joke.

Anonymous said...

I do, Ramon. But probably only because I own the movie Das Experiment.

Puss In Boots said...

Alex, there are many things which make France awesome. The grub is just one component. But for me, it was a large component. I love food.

I loved the history, the architecture, the culture, the food, the fashion, the myriad of boutique stores (chain stores are not as common over there), the wonderful laneways and cobbled streets in places, the fact you can get lost and still have a great time finding your way around, the public transport systems, the language, the rolling green countryside dotted with fat cows, the wonderful food markets with so much produce it was hard to imagine, and so many more things! France was a definite favourite of mine. Spain was also absolutely amazing. In contrast, I hated Germany.

Anonymous said...

the public transport systems

Puss, most of the stuff you mentioned doesn't excite me too much (I'm honestly not trying to be rude by saying that), except this. Could you elaborate a bit? I'm a fan of good public transport.

Mr E said...

Could you elaborate a bit? I'm a fan of good public transport.

Oh Wonderful! Another request for a riveting post.

If anyone wants me, I'll be in the shed.

Let me know when it's over or when my tea is ready. (Which ever comes first.)

Anonymous said...

Sorry about that, Mr E. I just wanted a little explanation of what makes French public transport great. Right here in the comments. I wasn't angling for a whole post on it, honest.

Puss In Boots said...

Alex, I'm sure every country's residents complain about their public transport systems. I know the Italians do, and I saw nothing wrong with theirs (ok, the trains were a bit pricey).

But in short, their systems were reliable and frequent. I didn't need a timetable no matter where I travelled. I just walked up to a bus/metro/whatever stop, checked to see it went where I wanted to go (they have transport maps on the sides of the stops, so you can check which route you need and what stop you need if that one isn't the correct one), and waited no more than 10 minutes before the next service arrived. I jumped on, paid a small amount of money (I don't remember paying more than 2 euros ever, and usually about 1.20) and got where I wanted to go quickly and efficiently. I just loved that I didn't need a timetable, and that there were so many frequent services. It was a godsend in Paris and Rome. Those cities are massive. I caught the metros if I had to walk more than 5 blocks, and I was at my destination in a couple of minutes. It gave me more time to see everything, instead of using up time walking there.

Puss In Boots said...

Don't worry about Mr E, Alex. He thinks the site should cater for his interests only. And I knew you only wanted me to answer with a comment. I wouldn't have enough to say on the transport systems for a whole post, and if I did, I wouldn't have done one in any event.

Mr E said...

Don't worry about Mr E, Alex. He thinks the site should cater for his interests only.

My apologies, I meant that as a joke.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

Posts I am now demanding;

A social history of public sanitation in Dusseldorf,

Rockin' night spots in Estonia,

Cats; what's going on there?

Clash of the Titans; The TSFKA edition.

Anonymous said...

got where I wanted to go quickly and efficiently

I guess that's the real draw-card of any great transport system. I mean, if you can get to the other side of town without having to catch two buses and a train, with a thirty minute wait between each, you'd probably be more inclined to overlook stuff like overcrowding, broken seats/doors/air conditioning/ticketing machines and a persistent smell of severe body odour/vomit/urine.

My apologies, I meant that as a joke.

Oh, I thought you were serious. Which, given the prospect of an entire post on French public transport, would have been entirely understandable. You'd have to have a run-down public transport systems from multiple countries and how they compare to each other to warrant a full post.

Anonymous said...

Cats; what's going on there?

Not much of a Webber fan, Ramon?

Mr E said...

Actually Alex,
I welcome any discussion involving Paris. I visited there many, many times and absolutely adore it. But I absolutely hate public transport, not so much the transport bit, it's the public I really don't care for.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

Not much of a Webber fan, Ramon?

What, you mean a man who trawled the world of light, 19th century popular music and managed - unfailingly - to cherry pick the worst moments?

What's not to love?!

Anonymous said...

I doubt Ramon, that I have ever heard such a succinct description of the man. I shall have to try to remember it.

Puss In Boots said...

Sorry Mr E, I thought you were being serious also.

you'd probably be more inclined to overlook stuff like overcrowding, broken seats/doors/air conditioning/ticketing machines and a persistent smell of severe body odour/vomit/urine.

I didn't notice anything like that, Alex. The only time I thought it was particularly crowded was 5.15pm in Rome. All the workers were trying to get home. But that's the thing about regular services - people aren't in such a rush to get on that they're willing to overcrowd themselves. Most of the time, I saw people hang back for the next service if the train/bus/metro was too full.

And I never came across a broken seat. Or a bad smell. In fact, the only time I saw any urine was when a skinhead on a metro in Barcelona had his pet rat with him, and it peed on someone else. A big fight broke out around me, and I couldn't move because I was weighed down by 30kgs of backpack. Thankfully they all sort of fell out at the next stop to continue their fight.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

Puss, what's Spanish for "Your rat has just pissed on me, you filthy fuck"?

Puss In Boots said...

Probably something like, "merde! Votre rat a pissé sur moi, sale putain."

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

See, why can't they include these sort of phrases in a guidebook?

Anonymous said...

That paints a fantastic mental image, Puss. Did you see a lot of people carrying vermin in Europe?

And a fast, efficient transport system that's also a genuine pleasure to use; it almost sounds too good to be true.

Puss In Boots said...

I don't know, Ramon. Although Lonely Planet does have some amusing sexual encounter ones.

Puss In Boots said...

Alex, that was the only one I took notice of. Though they were selling baby squirrels as pets along Las Ramblas. Do they count as vermin? I love squirrels.

And I'm sure if you lived there long enough, you'd find things to complain about. No one is ever completely happy with their public transport system.

Mr E said...

Red Squirrels are great, Grey Squirrels are cunts.

Anonymous said...

Do they count as vermin?

Puss, I think it depends on whether or not they spread disease and generally make a pest of themselves.

Red Squirrels are great, Grey Squirrels are cunts.

I'm sure that most red squirrels would agree with you, Mr E. And I always thought that Rocky J was a bit of a twat, too.

Ramon Insertnamehere said...

Depends on how they're cooked.

Anonymous said...

I think I only had two dry days the whole time I was in France.

Gee, I know it's the culture and all, but I didn't realise you were that much of a souse, Puss.

Anonymous said...

Depends on how they're cooked.

This doesn't look too bad. And certainly easy.

Mr E said...

And I always thought that Rocky J was a bit of a twat, too.

Agreed,

Without Bullwinkle, he'd still be flipping burgers in Foggy Bog Wisconsin.

Anonymous said...

It's probably why they changed the name of the show halfway through, Mr E.

Unknown said...

And if you haven't already, go to Brittany.

I didn't get to Brittany this time, but my flatmate's sister has a house there, so we've got some serious plans for the summer holidays (only a couple of months away now).

I've not sampled escargot yet, when we were in Paris I had the opportunity, but to be frank I think they may have been cheap (not that I'm a food snob or anything, but I'm not eating cheap snails).

The rain actually wasn't too bad - it absolutely pissed down the night we arrived, I only managed to stay dry because a Frenchman offered me his spare seat to put my jacket on (oooh, la, la) - the rest of the time was quite warm & there was even some sunshine on my birthday (can't ask for much more than that).

You mention the public transport Puss, and funnily enough - I felt more comfortable making my way around the Paris Metro than anywhere else since. It's not too hard once you know where you are already & where you want to go (I'm told the Tube is the same in London, but I'm finding it so intimidating right now - that'll have to change since we're moving to Willesden Green on Monday & I'll be relying on the tube to get myself to work from now on).

And hey, at least there is a public transport system. There wasn't where I grew up. If you wanted to catch a bus into town you had a half hour drive before you could even get a bus, then you had to wait for one to come (maybe 10 mins, maybe an hour, depending on whether there was even a bus, or a driver). Forget trying to get home.

Spain was also absolutely amazing. In contrast, I hated Germany.

My flatmate's also got family in Spain, so we'll be heading there soon-ish as well - I'm looking forward to some decent chorizo. Germany's on my travel list because my sister in-law is German, but I might wait until she & my brother are there. I think I'll like it a whole lot more if I have some family to see.