Nostalgia for Jamaica after the JO 2024 and Browsing Le Marais

Salut, comment ça va?
Curing my nostalgia for Jamaica in Paris
 ​So, what did I spend my time on today? Right now, I'm feeling super nostalgic and decided to watch some Jamaican movies to connect back with my heritage. There is a Jamaican association here in Paris, and I signed up to join. I think after the Olympics festivities, there will be more time to discuss meeting other Jamaicans. The great thing about being Jamaican is that no matter if you have 1/8 Jamaican in you, you were born in America, you don't speak patois, you are Jamaican and will be welcomed as such. 

Right now, I'm watching the film Shottas for my 2000s crush, Spragga Benz, and earlier, I watched Dancehall Queen. Both full-length movies are available on YouTube. Some of these feelings of nostalgia started earlier when I was at the gym watching Drink Champs with special guest Buju Banton. It's said that now Buju is one of the greatest performers alive. Friends who went to his sold-out concert in Madison Square Garden (the first reggae artist to do so) posted pictures and videos all over their timelines so I could live vicariously through them. I signed up to see him if he comes to Paris - he may come to London first, and I'll definitely be there with bells on! 

Thinking deeper about this, I realize some nostalgia probably started because of my recent time at the Olympics! It was my first time going to any Olympics, and no matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'm always #TeamJamaica! It was an exhilarating experience to cheer for Tia Clayton in the 100m and the Gold medal winner,  St. Lucian Julien Alfred. I was so devastated that neither Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce nor Sherika Jackson ran. However, I saw Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell compete and win the bronze medal! It's an experience that I will forever remember. I was so happy that my friend from London joined me, and we got to cut up a bit and enjoy the games and chill in Paris. 

Having some fun with the #TeamJamaica and #TeamUSA rivalries - 2028 JA is coming for those gold medals!

The morning after the games, we had an American-style brunch at Holybelly (5 Rue Lucien Sampaix, Paris). Je recommande vraiment! We had peach mimosas, bacon, eggs, salad, and the pancakes! My friend said these were some of the best she's had. However, for me, they were so delicious, but I stan for Café Luluc pancakes in Brooklyn (214 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201). On a Sunday, be prepared to stand in line at Holybelly. We waited about 20 minutes, but it was worth the wait! 

We had to walk off brunch and of course, do my favorite pastime, browsing! Seek and you shall find! We found some great items, vintage and new. A huge part of why I started this blog is to introduce people to lesser known shops in Paris where they can discover luxurious items, generally handmade, and crafted from the highest quality materials.

Photo from Café Background, coffee shop 338 rue Saint Jacques. It was a jewelry popup shop and they had some really gorgeous pieces.

Gorgeous hats from Miki Mialy 12 Rue Froissart, 75003 Paris. I also bought a lovely bejeweled sheer black collar from this store. So sexy and chic, I can't wait to wear it. I may come back for this white hat!

Photo from Indress 74 rue Charlot 75003 Paris

Erem Vintage 132 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris. Why was this a size 36? If it was a bit larger, it would have gone home with me!