Untapped Paris Contributor: Kala Barba-Court

In our new weekly column, we’ll be highlighting one of our 250+ Untapped Cities contributors worldwide. This week, we’re featuring Kala Barba-Court, an Untapped Paris columnist.

What’s your “day job”?

I’m currently on an expat status due to my husband’s job, so my current day job is discovering the city Algiers. I still write and take photos on a freelance status and fly to Paris whenever I can.

Favorite piece you’ve written for Untapped?

My favourite piece is a toss up between 59 Rivoli and Pagoda Paris… I loved visiting those two places and it was great to be able to share those experiences with Untapped Cities.

What’s your favorite Untapped place you’ve visited while traveling? Where do you want to visit next?

I can’t elaborate, but the most Untapped place I’ve ever visited was a nuclear factory in southern France. It was all very top-secret, very exciting. As for the place I want to visit next, it would have to be La Isla de Las Munecas in Xochimilco, Mexico – an island with thousands of creepy dolls. I’m a real coward but I’d totally go over there, if I don’t black out due to fear first.

What’s your favorite obscure fact about your city?

People probably imagine hundreds of political prisoners spilling out of the Bastille gates during its fall on July 14th 1789, but I read that on that day itself there were only 7 prisoners – and none of their crimes were related to politics!

Craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Eating nothing but streetfood for three weeks in Manila, Philippines in an attempt to prove that I was naturally immunized against typhoid fever. Result: typhoid fever.

Best Celebrity Sighting?

I’m almost sure it was Bradley Cooper I stalked in the streets of Aix-en-Provence while he was studying there. He wasn’t an actor then yet, but how can you ever forget a face like that?

What are some of your favorite websites?

I always check up on Pitchfork, The Selby, QI Post, Le Monde, Slash.fr, Nowness, MessyNessyChic, Shopikon, Localers and The Coveteur.

Join our community of Untapped Cities contributors around the world by contacting us here. Get in touch with Kala @belishabeacon and check out her personal blog.