Paris in the springtime
Ngahuia Damerell has embraced the art de vivre in the French capital.
Where are you from?
I was born in Whangarei and grew up in Ponsonby, Auckland.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
In 2008, I moved to Australia to pursue my textile design career. After four years in Sydney, I moved to London, again enthusiastically chasing career aspirations. After 31⁄2 years in London I was transferred to New York City by a Danish textile manufacturer to establish their brand in the US market. At that company I met the director of France, who is now my husband. We made the best of a long-distance relationship between Paris and New York for a few years, until in July 2017, I relocated to Paris for love.
What do you do there?
I am learning French and getting to know the city, while establishing my next project in the world of design and textiles.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Art de vivre a la francaise! It’s a city of contrasts – small enough to explore by foot, big enough to be constantly discovering. My husband often remarks ‘‘Paris is the centre of the world’’. I must admit it does feel that way. It’s very easy for us to explore France and the greater world and we have many visitors. There is dynamism and I feel enormously privileged for the opportunity to learn the language.
Disadvantages?
The bureaucracy is unbelievable. Processing documentation takes a lot longer than you expect.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?
Paris is a little more expensive, but not so much. We were in New Zealand in March and found hiring a car more expensive and less luxurious.
How much is a beer?
Five euro ($8).
What do you do in your spare time?
I exercise my creative sensibility at galleries, gardens and historical spaces. The calibre of exhibitions here is hard to beat. The curation is amazing, as are the buildings themselves, which are beautifully preserved. Dior at the Musee
Des Arts Decoratifs was unforgettable, and on until November is Ateliers Des Lumieres – showing Klimt and Hundertwasser – which is a must-see. I saw Dior twice and am already planning a return to Lumieres.
What’s the local delicacy, and would you recommend eating it?
As cliched as it is, croissants, champagne and cheese are top of my list. I also have a weakness for the butter with sea salt crystals. I believe in the French paradox but will never understand escargots or foie gras.
Easiest way to get around?
It depends. Motorbike is by far the most efficient and fun in the sunny months. Leisurely strolls are nice when time allows. If the weather isn’t co-operating, the metro is an effective option (as long as there are no strikes). I find driving in Paris easier than in New York, but parking is always a struggle.
What’s the shopping like?
Tres bien! It’s a fashion capital with rich history in couture and luxury brands, so it attracts international labels and young talent.
Vintage treasures are also abundant. The only negative is French sizing is often depressingly small.
Best after-dark activity?
Drinks on a terrace looking out to the Eiffel Tower, which sparkles on the hour.
Best time of year to visit?
Spring, in April. There’s a special energy in the air and the city is elaborately dressed in blossoms!
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
1. Sainte Chapelle – the stained glass interior is jaw-droppingly beautiful.
2. Walk along the Seine over Pont Alexander III at dusk, after visiting one of the many galleries.
3. Bustronome is a fun way to see the city. It’s a French restaurant in a converted glass-topped double decker bus.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
The relaxed, down-to-earth manner of Kiwis. My mum and dad are the best, sending care packages of the foods I miss, like ma¯nuka honey, freeze-dried feijoas, and Whittaker’s dark chocolate.
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
There’s nothing easy about a 26-hour-minimum journey.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
More than 89 million foreign visitors came to France in 2017, so there are many opportunities in tourism. Paris is also becoming a tech capital – Facebook announced it is opening an artificial intelligence research centre and Google is said to open an HQ.