OpenSkies Interview with Christine A. Bushell, Feng Shui Practitioner

We reprint here, in entirety, an interview with Christine A. Bushell as the interview appears on OpenSkies. Here follows the Interview with Christine Bushell, Feng Shui Practitioner

CHRISTINE BUSHELL / FENG SHUI PRACTITIONER

Christine A. Bushell has zealously developed her method of Feng Shui in the United States and internationally. Now she is bringing her practice to Paris.

What makes you a real Cityorker?I am lucky enough to live and work in both New York and Paris, two fantastic cities which I regularly travel between.

How did you become one?I am English and I moved to New York nine years ago. Last year my husband was offered a job in Paris. That is when my life as a Cityorker began!

Which other Cityorkers do you know?I personally know Chad Beguelin, a Tony Award-nominated book writer and lyricist.

What do you think makes a plane journey special?During a flight I generally use the time to meditate and dream: I escape into my own little world. Being un-contactable for a few hours is a privilege which I love.

What do you think constitutes a successful flight?A comfortable seat – the OpenSkies beds are perfect – a good meal and a movie. There’s nothing better than a good comedy to pass the time!

What is the first thing you do when you arrive in New York?I go to see my acupuncturist

And in Paris?I go to my local cheese shop to stock up! There’s nowhere else on earth the cheese is so good! Then I head to Ladurée to sample some delicious macaroons.

What do you do before leaving New York?A quick manicure and pedicure. I love Chanel’s new summer colors!

And Paris?Whatever the weather is like, I go for a walk in the Jardin du Luxembourg, I sit in a deckchair and try to soak up as much as possible of the peaceful scene before me.

What is your favorite time of day in New York?New York is a city which is a constant inspiration, but I must say that my favorite time of day is morning. Lots of people walk with such determination that it motivates me for my own plans!

And in Paris?Early morning, when the shopkeepers are getting ready to open up. I love watching Paris waking up, when the pavements are washed, the front doors of apartment buildings’ polished … Every day is like the preparation for a photo shoot.

Do you have a ritual intimately associated with either city?In New York, I love doing Tai-Chi in Central Park. In Paris, I go to the organic market on the Boulevard Raspail on a Sunday morning. My husband and I try the oils and the delicious fruit and vegetables. We love chatting to the growers. Everyone has a story to tell, especially in Paris!

What about New York do you love/get excited about?I love the fact that you never really know what is going to happen from one day to the next. It is excitement combined with unexpected inspiration on every street corner – my mind moves into “stimulation overdrive”!

And Paris?It may be too obvious, but its indescribable beauty constantly moves me. Every street has something even more sensational to offer than the last.

Are there things you do more in one city than the other?Yes, I entertain a lot in Paris! We have so many family and friends in England who come to visit us, as well as friends from the US! Weekends without guests are rare, which I like a lot as I never really have time to entertain in New York.

J'adore Paris

Ok I'll admit it...I'm in the midst of a love affair....with Paris! I've been fortunate to live in so many exotic locations, but Paris, Ahhh Paris!
As soon as I arrive in this fabulous and fashionable city I feel completely enveloped by all that Paris has to offer the senses.

The SIGHTS - No other city on the planet pays as much attention to detail! The highly polished doorknobs on the formidable ancient doors that conceal mysterious interiors. The tiny exquisite umbrella shop's window that beckons you inside. The carved cherubs that urge you to cross the Pont Alexander to explore further. These are all part of the countless visual inspirations that are part of my daily life here.

The SMELLS - Summer time in Paris! There's a reason why people have eternally sung its praises. Nothing could be better than reclining around the Jardin des Tuileries and inhaling all the fragrances of Mother Nature's rebirth. And stopping by a flower shop - whether tucked in an alley or on the Rive Gauche - their lovingly arranged blooms are simply intoxicating.

The TASTES - Food is an art in Paris! Where else could a baguette tucked under your arm be considered a fashion statement? A warm, crusty loaf of bread, a wonderful pungent cheese and a bottle of champagne all from purveyors in my neighborhood create a simple feast like no other. The modern gallery-like atmosphere of a beautiful Patisserie on Rue de Bac that elevates cakes and pastries to a whole new level. The tradition of the macaroons at Laduree are worth the long wait on a Saturday afternoon. And the Parisian's idea of "take out" means a freshly made crepe filled with chocolate!

Be it a Michelin Star restaurant or an out of the way bistro, nothing can surpass to food in Paris.

The SOUNDS - One of my favorite sounds in my Paris neighborhood is the sound of quiet. When my husband Rick and I step out of our apartment on a Saturday morning to head over to the Bio Marche I'm struck by how peaceful and sleepy the city seems. Paris is just beginning to wake up....the streets are being washed clean, lovers head to a boulangerie to pick up a cafe au lait and croissants, and fashionable young ladies on Vespas have the roads to themselves before the steady noon-day flow of traffic begins. What a glorious way for me to begin my day!

Please join me again soon and let me share more of my Paris with all of you!