Winter in Paris

Hello from Paris!

I really didn’t know what to expect spending the winter in Paris. Christmas with some family was a given and highlight for sure! Christmas markets? Yes, definitely! Did I also expect some rain? Yes, of course. Chilly temperatures? Yes again.

There is no doubt Paris has much to offer. It’s a very walkable city, so I spent much of my time just wandering through nearby neighborhoods. The baked goods (especially with cinnamon or chocolate) are my favorite, and I definitely indulged. It’s a good thing I joined a gym!

I was hoping to enroll in some acting classes and improv groups, but that didn’t quite pan out. Instead, I just used this time to relax and be a local. My daily visits to the gym kept me healthy and in shape, and I became a regular at a few restaurants and bars. I crossed the Seine and saw the Eiffel Tower every day. This has certainly been a memorable chapter in my life!

Life is a Journey

I know that for me, and many others, it's really easy to get swept up into the "I want it now!" mentality. And social media can often times put us in "compete" mode. All of this can make us feel anxious and stressed, which affects our mental and physical health. In this video, I share a few tips to help remind us (mainly me!) that "Life is a Journey", not a race.

Versailles

Versailles is a wealthy suburb and quick metro ride from central Paris. Many historical events have taken place here, but the main attraction is the Palace of Versailles - which was the home to the Kings of France. I really wanted to see the Hall of Mirrors. Come along on my video adventure!

Jardin du Luxembourg

If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of central Paris, Luxembourg Gardens is the place to go. There are lots of green areas, fountains, statues, promenades, and flowerbeds. What makes this so special is the fun, colorful sailboats you can push around in the water that surrounds a fountain.

Finally...

Paris is now behind me, and it's time to journey on. On March 1, it was onward back to the UK. Last time I was there I stayed just outside of London. This time, I'm spending a few months in Leeds - which is in Northern England. It's about a 2 1/2 hour train ride from London.

Leeds is the 2nd largest city in England, and I chose this area because of the creative opportunities it offers. I'm already enrolled in a Sunday afternoon Improv group, and a weekly evening film acting class!

I'll also get back into a routine by joining a gym - and a coworking space. I've missed spending afternoons in a coworking environment. There are people to meet, along with many networking opportunities. Plus, I just feel like I get more done in a coworking environment rather than at home.

I'm not sure what I'll be exploring in Leeds, but Manchester is only an hour away - and Liverpool isn't far either. There will be plenty for me to share with you!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Life is a Book

Hello from Paris!

It's a new year, with new thoughts - and plenty of excitement for 2022! One of my goals for this year is to "make a difference." It seems that life becomes much more meaningful if we can somehow make a difference in the world, or at least someone's life. I've been thinking about this a lot.

During my real estate career, I was able to "make a difference" by simply doing my job. My actions created a ripple that affected the people around me. I took care of buildings, connected with tenants, helped people find space, and hopefully made owners (and everyone) happy. I knew at the end of the day that I made a difference.

Since I started my new journey in 2020 as an actor traveling and experiencing Europe, I've often felt that what I do isn't positively affecting others - or making a difference. I'm enjoying my life, but am I adding any value to other peoples lives? I really want to change that, so this year I want to speak out and do more.

Often times, people in my life have said they want to hear more from me. I've been told to "speak up!" If not now, when? So, now's the time to begin.

Life is a Book

As a way to speak out more this year, I want to create videos that are more reflective of my life and how I view life in general. Through sharing my thoughts and feelings, maybe I'll say something that may resonate with others - and "make a difference." That is my hope anyway.

I'm not the first to say that life is like a book, but I've started to think of my life that way. Have you ever thought of your life as a book? - that all of our experiences in life become "chapters" in our book? I heard someone say once that we all have a story to tell. We all have a unique story. Maybe if we share our story, our life, our book - it may help someone and maybe make a difference.

Christmas Market

Europe is full of Christmas Markets, and Paris has some of the best! One night I joined a MeetUp group and we went to Marché de Noël Christmas Market. It's right across the street from Notre-Dame. I really fell in love with the warm, mulled wine on this chilly evening, and began to feel the Christmas spirit!

Christmas in Paris

The most important decision to come to Paris this winter was that I could spend Christmas with some family. Having their company made the holiday season really special. We strolled the festive streets, dined at some wonderful restaurants, and wandered through the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market too!

Finally...

Paris has so much to offer. Since I've been here before and seen many of the typical sights, I've been trying to do non-touristy things and just blend in. Often times, this means just taking a long walk.

What's so nice about this city is that you can start walking in any direction and find block after block of great restaurants, shops, stores, and beautiful European architecture. I never get bored just walking around.

Now I enter my last month here, and I still plan to explore more. And at some point, I'll have to start thinking about my next move, which is back to the UK for a while. I'm very excited about the many creative opportunities that lie ahead!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Looking Back on 2021

Hello from Paris!

After island life and the solitude of Croatia, it’s good to be in the bustling city of Paris - especially at this time of year! The change in vibe feels good.

It’s also that time of the year for reflection, and like probably most of the world, 2021 didn’t end up exactly like I thought it would. But, I’m certainly not going to complain. In fact, I’m grateful.

Last year at this time I was in Lisbon, Portugal because travel back to the US was difficult. My Christmas and New Years was really wonderful, even though I couldn’t be with family or friends.

This year isn’t much different. It was just easier and safer to stay in Europe and spend a few months in France rather than travel back to the US.

So I’ll once again share my experiences and feelings about the year past. I’m forever grateful that you’ve cared enough to follow along. I hope that as you reflect back on your 2021, it is also filled with some good times - and lots of gratitude.

Lisbon

My year started out in Lisbon. Portugal has a very mild winter climate that I enjoyed very much. On top of that, it's simply a beautiful city with very friendly people. Unfortunately, by mid-January we went into lockdown for three months. On the positive side, I had an apartment that was super spacious and comfortable.

I was still able to stay creative and enjoy my time there. I had a "phone call with myself", a photoshoot, and filmed a short film called "The Street He Lives On" with some film friends.

Porto

Lockdown ended in April, so on May 1st it was off to another part of the country, a four-hour train ride up north to Porto! I loved Porto, and it many ways it was preferable to Lisbon. If you want more history and culture, the capital city of Lisbon is the place to be. But Porto has so much to offer as well. The food was just crazy good! It all depends on what you're looking for I guess. I'm glad I got to experience both places.

Some video highlights include my trip to the world's "most beautiful McDonald's", a nighttime bridge climb - and finally a summer evening wine boat cruise down the Douro river. Oh, almost forgot my visit to Livraria Lello, one of Europe's most famous bookstores!

Bol, Croatia

After what turned out to be a wonderful 10 months in Portugal, I needed to move on. So off it was to Croatia to experience island life in the small town of Bol, on Brač Island. Bol is a small fishing village with about 2,000 locals. Watching the boats come and go on the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic Sea was just amazing. It was also an ideal place to swim - and Zlatni Rat is one of Europe's most beautiful beaches!

There was so much spectacular scenery here, so I filmed a number of videos. First, I took the train from Zagreb to Split, and then the catamaran from Split to Brač Island and the town of Bol. I also give you a walking tour all through town - and also take you along on my trip to the nearby island of Hvar.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

I needed to continue my stay in Croatia, and you can't go to Croatia without seeing one of it's most beautiful and best known cities: Dubrovnik. So, it was goodbye to island life and back to the mainland! The Adriatic Sea is always stunning, but here you get to wander through Old City, and also learn about the history of this Eastern European area formerly known as Yugoslavia.

One of the highlights was my trek to the top of Mount Srd for a stunning view of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby islands. This is where I learned more about the Croatian War of Independence (from Yugoslavia) in the early 1990s.

Finally...

I'm trying to find my groove here in Paris. The first thing I did was join a gym - which always makes me feel healthier and more connected. But in terms of finding groups and workshops to join (and people to meet), it's proving more difficult than I thought.

The language barrier is something I wasn't prepared for. In Portugal and Croatia, most people wanted to speak English. That's not necessarily true here, and it makes networking more of a challenge. I still have a couple of months, so I'm hoping that will change!

I truly hope you found some peace, joy and happiness in 2021 - and here's to an even better 2022!

Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

tapp@bobtapper

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275