Aujord-hui - mon amour est arrive a Paris!
I velibed home from class as quickly I could possibly Velib, and ran down my rue to find mon amour sitting in the cafe across from my building! You can only imagine how magnifique it was!
We set out on an adventure tout a suite, and decided to walk over to ile de la cite to get a late lunch. We couldn't pass Notre Dame on the way without stopping in to look around, but then continued on to a little boulangerie where we got a peice of quiche and a demi baguette pizza with crudite. I must also note that Josh pruchased a jus d'orange. I have always found it oddly charming that Josh always drinks orange juice at the most peculiar times and with the oddest food choices. Anyways....the manging of these delicious items took place 3 minutes later on the bank of the Seine. Have I mentioned yet that it was absolutely beautiful today? Sun shining, wind blowing, completely parfait! After our lunch, Josh needed second lunch/lunch dessert - so he got a nutella crepe of course! We decided to start walking to Montmarte, which is both our favorite area of Paris. From the ile de la cite, it is quite a walk, but we love adventures so it was more an amusing walk than a hike. We stopped several times to look at beautiful things and say how much we love Paris.
When we finally arrived at la butte de Montmarte, it was sunset and the sky was this beautiful mix of bright pink and blue! Sacre Couer, the beautiful, white, giant that it is was gleaming at the top of the hill, people were drinking wine on the hill, the adorable merri-go-round was spinning, and then we saw the eiffel tower in the distance - SPARKLING! There simply are not words....
We walked up to the top and around the square with the artists until we found a cute petit restuarant where we had such good food, wine, and scenery. We absolutely love Montmarte. Josh's favorite thing about Montmarte: " the setting and the company"
My favorite thing about Montmarte: "the tiny, cobblestone rues of cuteness"
It was such a perfect first day in Paris together! It is so wonderful to have your amour in Paris with you because everyone else does, and when yours is missing, it is very dommage! Tomorrow we are going to Disneyland Paris! Where rumor has it, there is a fete de High School Musical! Oh la la!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, September 26, 2009
"The September Issue"
Thursday night is movie night in Paris for me and Caroline! We've gone to a movie each thursday night since we've been here, so the tradition continued this week with "The September Issue"
If you don't know - this is a documentary about the making of the September Issue of Vogue Magzine. September is like January in the fashion world, the new beginning, the start of the year. The September Issue of Vogue is nearly 1000 pages of the most important looks, designers, and trends of the year. Vogue is run by the amazing, "ice queen" Anna Wintour - and the doctumentary offers an inside look into her life - much more real than the depiction in "The Devil Wears Prada." Now, I knew going into it that it was going to be good, but it was amazing. I was completely fascinated from start to fin. Her power and influence over every aspect of the fashion world is remarkable.
I read a biography (unauthorized) about her life in high school, and her rise to power as editor-in-chief of the Bible of fashion. The September Issue shows you first hand her expertise and personality - showing that all the rumors are true - and fabulous. She is fabulous. There's no other word. Not only did the doctumentary leave you thirsting for fashion and dying to shop, but it was truly an indepth look about how the magazine comes together, and it is fascinating. It reminded me how much I love fashion, and how badly I want to work in it. Yes - I actually want to work someday.
Aside from the indepth look into the workings of Vogue, there are magnifique shots of Paris and New York! What could be better! New York, Paris, Vogue, and couture! It may well be the best doctumentary ever made!
www.theseptemberissue.com
If you don't know - this is a documentary about the making of the September Issue of Vogue Magzine. September is like January in the fashion world, the new beginning, the start of the year. The September Issue of Vogue is nearly 1000 pages of the most important looks, designers, and trends of the year. Vogue is run by the amazing, "ice queen" Anna Wintour - and the doctumentary offers an inside look into her life - much more real than the depiction in "The Devil Wears Prada." Now, I knew going into it that it was going to be good, but it was amazing. I was completely fascinated from start to fin. Her power and influence over every aspect of the fashion world is remarkable.
I read a biography (unauthorized) about her life in high school, and her rise to power as editor-in-chief of the Bible of fashion. The September Issue shows you first hand her expertise and personality - showing that all the rumors are true - and fabulous. She is fabulous. There's no other word. Not only did the doctumentary leave you thirsting for fashion and dying to shop, but it was truly an indepth look about how the magazine comes together, and it is fascinating. It reminded me how much I love fashion, and how badly I want to work in it. Yes - I actually want to work someday.
Aside from the indepth look into the workings of Vogue, there are magnifique shots of Paris and New York! What could be better! New York, Paris, Vogue, and couture! It may well be the best doctumentary ever made!
www.theseptemberissue.com
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Raoul, Cupcakes, et Roti Magnifique!
Today may have been one of my most wonderful days in Paris yet!
I had no classes at AUP today! Both my French class and Art class were held walking about les rues! I started with French class, where we went down to Montparnasse, where I had not yet been! Madame Picard showed us around the area, pointing out her favorite cafes, cin
emas, et boulangeries! We stopped at a cafe for chocolate chaud and just talked about la vie! There was a street marche that we walked through, looking at jewlery, food, clothes, art, all the various things in the market. We talked to the venders in French, we laughed, we bargined, then we walked some more! It was so fun! Our tour continued through les jardin de luxembourg, and ended near la Sorbonne, and I had a bit of time to walk around and up to Les Halles for my other class, History of Paris through its Architecture. Today we met at St. Eustache, and learned about the church there becuase it is a great example of a hybrid style (half gothic half Renassiance). It is a beautiful church, patroned by the marketplace that used to thrive during the reign of Francis 1 in the fifteenth century. Tres beaux et magnifique! We also went to the Fountain of Innocents, right beside it. I am learning so much about Paris - I love it! It is so fun to see things and know the history behind them! It makes everything even better than it is.
I had no classes at AUP today! Both my French class and Art class were held walking about les rues! I started with French class, where we went down to Montparnasse, where I had not yet been! Madame Picard showed us around the area, pointing out her favorite cafes, cin
emas, et boulangeries! We stopped at a cafe for chocolate chaud and just talked about la vie! There was a street marche that we walked through, looking at jewlery, food, clothes, art, all the various things in the market. We talked to the venders in French, we laughed, we bargined, then we walked some more! It was so fun! Our tour continued through les jardin de luxembourg, and ended near la Sorbonne, and I had a bit of time to walk around and up to Les Halles for my other class, History of Paris through its Architecture. Today we met at St. Eustache, and learned about the church there becuase it is a great example of a hybrid style (half gothic half Renassiance). It is a beautiful church, patroned by the marketplace that used to thrive during the reign of Francis 1 in the fifteenth century. Tres beaux et magnifique! We also went to the Fountain of Innocents, right beside it. I am learning so much about Paris - I love it! It is so fun to see things and know the history behind them! It makes everything even better than it is.It was beautiful today! So after class was finished I hopped on a Velib and biked over La Bourse to go to the outdoor market and buy a chicken for dinner! If you don't know - In Paris there are Rotis on the street, that have chickens roasting in them and potatoes cooking under! So the potatoes have all the chicken flavors dripping on them while they both cook. It is AMAZING! The smell alone makes your mouth water, and I hadn't eaten since breakfast so I was starving! But - I got to la bourse and the market was fini! A bit discouraged, I got another velib and headed back towards le marais. On the way, a cute and delicious looking organic store caught my eye, so I locked my bike up and went inside to see if they had something for dinner! When I came out minutes later, without food, I could not get my velib unlocked! The key wouldn't turn! I flagged down other bikers for help after trying myself for 15 minutes, but no one could unlock my bike!
You get charged by the 1/2 hour for your velib, so you don't want to just leave it sitting there! And if you don't return it in 24 hours, they charge you 150 euros! So it was crucial that I unlocked my velib fast! I decided to go search for a policeman, meanwhile I attempted to explain my problem in French over the phone to the police. I must have looked very distressed, because three men sitting in tabac saw and overheard me, and offered to help.
They were a funny group. A young french guy - Raoul, who was playing cards with an ol
d french guy, Marcel, and the bartender, a young italian guy, was keeping their score. It was their daily routine: sit in the Tabac, play cards, have a boisson, and they were quite funny. I tried to explain my problem in French to them, and I think they only half understood me - because Raoul responded with "Cheri, don't worry about the bike - what would you like to drink!" But I didn't want a drink - I wanted help! So, I re-explained my problem with many gestures, to their amusement, until the bartender presented me with these giant wire clippers - and told me to clip the cord! I took the pliers and tried it, but the cord had metal inside so it was not working. While I attempted to vandalize my velib, Raoul came out to help me, and was able to turn the key and unlock my velib! I was so relieved, and my new friends insisted that I have a "coke light" to celebrate. They were a funny trio - Raoul from Paris, Marcel from Provence, and the bartender from Italy. After much laughing, bad French, and a proposal of marriage from Raoul, I thanked them all again for their help - and started walking towards home again.
d french guy, Marcel, and the bartender, a young italian guy, was keeping their score. It was their daily routine: sit in the Tabac, play cards, have a boisson, and they were quite funny. I tried to explain my problem in French to them, and I think they only half understood me - because Raoul responded with "Cheri, don't worry about the bike - what would you like to drink!" But I didn't want a drink - I wanted help! So, I re-explained my problem with many gestures, to their amusement, until the bartender presented me with these giant wire clippers - and told me to clip the cord! I took the pliers and tried it, but the cord had metal inside so it was not working. While I attempted to vandalize my velib, Raoul came out to help me, and was able to turn the key and unlock my velib! I was so relieved, and my new friends insisted that I have a "coke light" to celebrate. They were a funny trio - Raoul from Paris, Marcel from Provence, and the bartender from Italy. After much laughing, bad French, and a proposal of marriage from Raoul, I thanked them all again for their help - and started walking towards home again. I turned down a street I had not yet seen, and it turned out to be la rue de la chance! Right there was a charcuterie with a roti, roasting chickens and potatoes! The butcher told me "dix minute pour le petit poulet', so I occupied myself by continuing down the rue - and fou
nd a cupcake shop! I could hardly believe it! 15 flavors of cupcakes and mini cupcakes, beautifully decorated and lined up in a case! Monsier Cupcake began to tell me the flavors: Oreo, red velvet, chocolat blanc, poivre, peanut m&m, casis, and I stopped him at "caramel burre salee"! Une petit si vous plait! OMG was it amazing! There was salted carmel filling, carmel frosting, and chunks of peanuts on top as a garnish. All in a two bite, mini gateaux! Dessert before dinner! High on frosting, I continued to find the cutest little shop of clothes, shoes, and umbrellas that was so cheap! I tried on some robes and contemplated buying a black umbrella with cream hearts and ruffle trim, but decided to wait until I lose or break my current umbrella. Which will happen any day, most likely, given my history with umbrellas. Which could be a whole blog post on it's own. It rains a lot in Paris, so a cute umbrella is a must have for la blonde parisienne!
nd a cupcake shop! I could hardly believe it! 15 flavors of cupcakes and mini cupcakes, beautifully decorated and lined up in a case! Monsier Cupcake began to tell me the flavors: Oreo, red velvet, chocolat blanc, poivre, peanut m&m, casis, and I stopped him at "caramel burre salee"! Une petit si vous plait! OMG was it amazing! There was salted carmel filling, carmel frosting, and chunks of peanuts on top as a garnish. All in a two bite, mini gateaux! Dessert before dinner! High on frosting, I continued to find the cutest little shop of clothes, shoes, and umbrellas that was so cheap! I tried on some robes and contemplated buying a black umbrella with cream hearts and ruffle trim, but decided to wait until I lose or break my current umbrella. Which will happen any day, most likely, given my history with umbrellas. Which could be a whole blog post on it's own. It rains a lot in Paris, so a cute umbrella is a must have for la blonde parisienne!So after all my fun, I went back to the butcher and bought my little chicken and yummy potatoes, and carried them home with the smell sweet of rotisserie teasing my tastebuds with every step. Inside, I carved the chicken, dished up some potatoes, poured a glass of vin, put on my French music, and had a delightful fin to a delightful day!
Oh, I forgot to mention.... I am never leaving Paris!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Gustave Eiffel, Je t'aime.
Today as I walking to the library from my French class (spent in un cafe again over cremes reading Le Petit Prince) one of those wonderful Eiffel Tower moments happened! If you don't know what I am talking about....let me elaborate on what I refer to as "un moment magie de la tour."
I was simply walking down la rue, looking at my carte and trying to find the right directions to get to the AUP library. When I turned off the main rue, onto the side rue, there was the tour - huge, beautiful, and towering above me. This happens often in Paris- you are somewhere and do not even realize the tour is near, and then you turn et volia! Moments like this - les moments magie de la tour, make your heart stop. Something prohibits your eyes from looking away, and you simpy have to stop and stare as an enormous smile takes over your face and tears of joy begin to form because you are reminded that you are in Paris. And somehow, your day is suddenly better! Your fatigue has subsided, your worries vanished, and everything and everyone couldn't be
more bon.
To celebrate my love for the tour, I went to the Gustave Eiffel exposition at l'Hotel de Ville called "Magicien de Fer" all about the wonderful man who created the tour and it's history! An entire exhibit devoted to the tour? What could be better! Photos were strictly "interdit" - but I snuck a few when the guards weren't looking. The exhibit was really interesting, and I learned alot - despite all the information being in French. I knew that when the tour was built, it was not liked. But, I did not know that the following year several architects proposed ideas to transform it into something else, by adding things to it! Thank Dieu it didn't happen! But it was very cool to see all the drawings and the history of my monument favori!
I love the Eiffel Tower so much, that I feel bad that our relationship is so one-sided. The tour gives, and I just take, take, take! Sure I picnic there often, and admire its magic, but for awhile now I have wished there was something that I could do for the tour to thank it for being so wonderful. So, c'est decide! When I get my blonde french bulldog, I am going to name him Gustave, after Gustave Eiffel. Could there be a more perfect name for my French bulldog? Je pense que non!
Another wonderful thing happened today as I was picking up my leather jacket from le retouche after ripping the sleve on a rude gate the other day. Monsieur et moi were talking about how they had fixed the rip, and the words were coming out of my mouth without me even thinking about them! It is so wonderful and fun when that happens! Usually I have to think about what I want to say and how to say it, but sometimes, the words just come out naturally, and it is the best feeling! You feel so accomplished and French! I biked home afterwards, in the perfect weather, around perfect St. Germain, past perfect Notre Dame and to our perfect apartment. It was a perfect jour parisienne!
I was simply walking down la rue, looking at my carte and trying to find the right directions to get to the AUP library. When I turned off the main rue, onto the side rue, there was the tour - huge, beautiful, and towering above me. This happens often in Paris- you are somewhere and do not even realize the tour is near, and then you turn et volia! Moments like this - les moments magie de la tour, make your heart stop. Something prohibits your eyes from looking away, and you simpy have to stop and stare as an enormous smile takes over your face and tears of joy begin to form because you are reminded that you are in Paris. And somehow, your day is suddenly better! Your fatigue has subsided, your worries vanished, and everything and everyone couldn't be
more bon. To celebrate my love for the tour, I went to the Gustave Eiffel exposition at l'Hotel de Ville called "Magicien de Fer" all about the wonderful man who created the tour and it's history! An entire exhibit devoted to the tour? What could be better! Photos were strictly "interdit" - but I snuck a few when the guards weren't looking. The exhibit was really interesting, and I learned alot - despite all the information being in French. I knew that when the tour was built, it was not liked. But, I did not know that the following year several architects proposed ideas to transform it into something else, by adding things to it! Thank Dieu it didn't happen! But it was very cool to see all the drawings and the history of my monument favori!
I love the Eiffel Tower so much, that I feel bad that our relationship is so one-sided. The tour gives, and I just take, take, take! Sure I picnic there often, and admire its magic, but for awhile now I have wished there was something that I could do for the tour to thank it for being so wonderful. So, c'est decide! When I get my blonde french bulldog, I am going to name him Gustave, after Gustave Eiffel. Could there be a more perfect name for my French bulldog? Je pense que non!
Another wonderful thing happened today as I was picking up my leather jacket from le retouche after ripping the sleve on a rude gate the other day. Monsieur et moi were talking about how they had fixed the rip, and the words were coming out of my mouth without me even thinking about them! It is so wonderful and fun when that happens! Usually I have to think about what I want to say and how to say it, but sometimes, the words just come out naturally, and it is the best feeling! You feel so accomplished and French! I biked home afterwards, in the perfect weather, around perfect St. Germain, past perfect Notre Dame and to our perfect apartment. It was a perfect jour parisienne!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Une Soiree Chez Nous
Last night we had our first soiree at our apartement! We had some friends from AUP over for margaritas, chips, and guacamole! Mmm! Maddy, who is studying her French here to attend le cordon bleu, made the guacamole and it was delicious! She also taught me a wonderful trick about preserving it so it won't go brown - you keep the seeds in! It is amazing, it stays perfectly fresh and green for hours! Maddy worked at a professional bakery, so she is very experienced in desserts! We have decided to take a "French pastry tour" and try all the pasteries of Paris. The only condition is that we must run to each patisserie, and run 
back, to avoid gaining 100 pounds by the end of the tour. Bon idee!
We went to a few neighborhood places afterwards, and then ended up at "MyBerry" - which is French Pinkberry! There is a faux Pinkberry in Paris, right next door to our apartment! I didn't get any last night, so I cannot say yet if it is the same, but it looked wonderful! For a Pinkberry obsessee (moi) it is nice to know I don't have wait 4 months!
back, to avoid gaining 100 pounds by the end of the tour. Bon idee! We went to a few neighborhood places afterwards, and then ended up at "MyBerry" - which is French Pinkberry! There is a faux Pinkberry in Paris, right next door to our apartment! I didn't get any last night, so I cannot say yet if it is the same, but it looked wonderful! For a Pinkberry obsessee (moi) it is nice to know I don't have wait 4 months!
Yesterday was the first warm and sunny day all week! So of course - we had a pique-nique! We were contemplating all our various pique-niqueing options, and decided on the Champs de Mars because we both missed the Eiffel Tower. I need to see it on 
a daily basis, it is like a drug. I need my dose of the tour to make it through the day. I made us what I am calling "salade de thon francais." French tuna salad! I bought some tuna at the grocery store, came home and added some fresh cumcumber and carrots that I chopped up, EVOO (as Rachel Ray would say), and salt and pepper. I despise mayo, so I created my own - mayoless version, that was really delicious and healthy! We packed that up with clementines, almonds, and a baguette and 30 minutes later we were laying on the Champs de Mars, enjoying! We stayed there all day, journaling, reading, listening to French music, and napping. Magnifique! 
I eventually got up, and rode a velib home, passing la musee de la mode on the way home, which is gorgeous! Sadly, the fashion musuem is closed until 2010, so I will never get to see what would probably be my favorite musuem in Paris! I guess I will just have to come back in 2010 to see it......c'est dommage!
a daily basis, it is like a drug. I need my dose of the tour to make it through the day. I made us what I am calling "salade de thon francais." French tuna salad! I bought some tuna at the grocery store, came home and added some fresh cumcumber and carrots that I chopped up, EVOO (as Rachel Ray would say), and salt and pepper. I despise mayo, so I created my own - mayoless version, that was really delicious and healthy! We packed that up with clementines, almonds, and a baguette and 30 minutes later we were laying on the Champs de Mars, enjoying! We stayed there all day, journaling, reading, listening to French music, and napping. Magnifique! 
I eventually got up, and rode a velib home, passing la musee de la mode on the way home, which is gorgeous! Sadly, the fashion musuem is closed until 2010, so I will never get to see what would probably be my favorite musuem in Paris! I guess I will just have to come back in 2010 to see it......c'est dommage!I also saw another thing on my bike ride that was dommage! A pink and white, vintage looking Vespa! I felt the cold stab of jealously for the very first time. It should be mine! It has "Blonde Parisienne" written all over it! While I do love riding a bike everywhere, riding a Vespa everywhere would be so much more fun! I have decided that when I move back to Paris after graduation to open my Bakery, I will have a pink Vespa just like it. I wonder if I could get cupcake upholstery....?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Au Cinema Pour "Julia et Julia"
C'est jeudi! Pas d'ecole demain et pour le weekend!
The second week of school went tres vite! I am happy to report that I am getting much better in my French class. I am near to comprehending about 85% of what happens. Today was wonderful because we spent class in a cafe a cote de le rue, drinking chocolat chaud and speaking French! What a wonderful way to spend the class period! Today was "club day" at AUP, meaning all the clubs were recruiting members. I am now a proud member of the French Club (of course), the Theatre Club (please no laughter), and the running club (they were warned). I thought, why not join beaucoup de clubs, thus increasing my French activites and friend-making possibilites! Alors, I did! Regretfully, the cooking club no longer exists! I was really wanting to join the cooking club, and now so more than ever, after seeing "Julia and Julia"
What a movie magnifique! I must remember to tell Meryl how much I enjoyed it the next time I see her! Really though, it is truly a work of art! There are several scenes of Paris, and better yet - "old Paris" which is so charmante. Meryl Streep plays Julia Child with perfection, and really makes you fall in love with Julia! Oh how Julia Child and I would have gotten along! She loved cooking, loved food, and loved Paris! It is quite possible she is my soul mate! I have never seen a depiction of a person with more joie de vivre than her! The movie is both funny and endearing, like a dream for the food-lovers and the French lovers of the world. Which should be everyone. If you don't fall into one of those groups....what are you doing with yourself? Get a baguette, some vin, listen to "la vie en rose", and get it together!
The second week of school went tres vite! I am happy to report that I am getting much better in my French class. I am near to comprehending about 85% of what happens. Today was wonderful because we spent class in a cafe a cote de le rue, drinking chocolat chaud and speaking French! What a wonderful way to spend the class period! Today was "club day" at AUP, meaning all the clubs were recruiting members. I am now a proud member of the French Club (of course), the Theatre Club (please no laughter), and the running club (they were warned). I thought, why not join beaucoup de clubs, thus increasing my French activites and friend-making possibilites! Alors, I did! Regretfully, the cooking club no longer exists! I was really wanting to join the cooking club, and now so more than ever, after seeing "Julia and Julia"
What a movie magnifique! I must remember to tell Meryl how much I enjoyed it the next time I see her! Really though, it is truly a work of art! There are several scenes of Paris, and better yet - "old Paris" which is so charmante. Meryl Streep plays Julia Child with perfection, and really makes you fall in love with Julia! Oh how Julia Child and I would have gotten along! She loved cooking, loved food, and loved Paris! It is quite possible she is my soul mate! I have never seen a depiction of a person with more joie de vivre than her! The movie is both funny and endearing, like a dream for the food-lovers and the French lovers of the world. Which should be everyone. If you don't fall into one of those groups....what are you doing with yourself? Get a baguette, some vin, listen to "la vie en rose", and get it together!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
All Crepes Are Not Created Equal
Crepes may well be one of my absolute favortie things to mange in the world. Living in Paris, and having access to fresh crepes whenever I want is something I do not take for granted!
The crepe itself is such a wonderful idea! Why not take a pancake-like batter, form it into a paper-thin circular shape, and then fill it with a variety of sweet or savory items to create the ultimate on-the-go meal?
However, all crepes are not created equal! Sadly, every once in awhile you may order your crepe and discover the crepe is not made fresh to order, put was pre-made and will simply be filled! Sometimes your crepe may be smaller than the usual ones, and it is gone within bites! Some crepe batters are different than others, and some crepe makers cook their crepes longer than others, so it could be too crispy! Worst of all, you may order your Nutella crepe and find there is not nearly enough Nutella! The rule for toppings, on anything, is always - the more the merrier! So, after a few crepes, you begin to learn which creperies, or crepe makers will likely produce the most delicious crepe, and you try to go to them to fill your needs.
But every once in a while, you pass a crepe stand and you just know, "that would definitley be one amazing crepe," and that is precisely what happened to me today.
I ended up near the Bourse on my 3 hour break betweeen classes, because I attempted to go to la bibliotheque nationale to do some homework, mais unluckily for me, it is closed this week! So instead a did some reading in a nearby parc of cuteness, and then started to walk towards the Metro to head to school, when I found an adorable, petit, outdoor market! I was browsing through the fresh fruit, vegetables, roasting chickens and potatoes, old books, fromages, and hand-knit sweaters, and when I saw it. A little creperie stand, with a young french woman using the rake to thin the perfect looking crepe batter over the hot griddle. I could tell she was putting so much love and care into each crepe she made, and I just knew - that would be one amazing crepe!
I conveinantly had not eaten anything but my apple for breakfast, so my stomach begged for the sweet aroma of the cooking crepes! I scanned the board detailing my options for fillings.
Madame Crepe informed me that their "homemade caramel buerre salee" is their best crepe. I cannot put into words the way I feel about caramel buerre salee, so it was very tempting. But I was really craving something savory, so I went with jambon et chevre. (I am a bit obbsessed with chevre.) As she layered on the ham and goat cheese generously, folded the crispy edges over eachother, and handed me my lunch of joy, I could hardly contain my excitement.
One bite in and my tastebuds were going wild. It really was the best crepe I have ever eaten. It was the perfect thinness, and made with the darker crepe batter that I prefer! The salty jambon contrasting the creamy chevre, among the oozes of guyrere and folds of crepe was unreal. All I could think of all day was how I would have to return another time to try the buerre salee crepe! And perhaps see the library as well.
It just goes to show you, you find the best things when you're not looking for them! And - you find the best things if you are in Paris!
The crepe itself is such a wonderful idea! Why not take a pancake-like batter, form it into a paper-thin circular shape, and then fill it with a variety of sweet or savory items to create the ultimate on-the-go meal?
However, all crepes are not created equal! Sadly, every once in awhile you may order your crepe and discover the crepe is not made fresh to order, put was pre-made and will simply be filled! Sometimes your crepe may be smaller than the usual ones, and it is gone within bites! Some crepe batters are different than others, and some crepe makers cook their crepes longer than others, so it could be too crispy! Worst of all, you may order your Nutella crepe and find there is not nearly enough Nutella! The rule for toppings, on anything, is always - the more the merrier! So, after a few crepes, you begin to learn which creperies, or crepe makers will likely produce the most delicious crepe, and you try to go to them to fill your needs.
But every once in a while, you pass a crepe stand and you just know, "that would definitley be one amazing crepe," and that is precisely what happened to me today.
I ended up near the Bourse on my 3 hour break betweeen classes, because I attempted to go to la bibliotheque nationale to do some homework, mais unluckily for me, it is closed this week! So instead a did some reading in a nearby parc of cuteness, and then started to walk towards the Metro to head to school, when I found an adorable, petit, outdoor market! I was browsing through the fresh fruit, vegetables, roasting chickens and potatoes, old books, fromages, and hand-knit sweaters, and when I saw it. A little creperie stand, with a young french woman using the rake to thin the perfect looking crepe batter over the hot griddle. I could tell she was putting so much love and care into each crepe she made, and I just knew - that would be one amazing crepe!
I conveinantly had not eaten anything but my apple for breakfast, so my stomach begged for the sweet aroma of the cooking crepes! I scanned the board detailing my options for fillings.
Madame Crepe informed me that their "homemade caramel buerre salee" is their best crepe. I cannot put into words the way I feel about caramel buerre salee, so it was very tempting. But I was really craving something savory, so I went with jambon et chevre. (I am a bit obbsessed with chevre.) As she layered on the ham and goat cheese generously, folded the crispy edges over eachother, and handed me my lunch of joy, I could hardly contain my excitement.
One bite in and my tastebuds were going wild. It really was the best crepe I have ever eaten. It was the perfect thinness, and made with the darker crepe batter that I prefer! The salty jambon contrasting the creamy chevre, among the oozes of guyrere and folds of crepe was unreal. All I could think of all day was how I would have to return another time to try the buerre salee crepe! And perhaps see the library as well.
It just goes to show you, you find the best things when you're not looking for them! And - you find the best things if you are in Paris!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Au Revoir, Merchant Souris!
Last night was the final straw! Or as I learned in French class this week "c'est un comble!"
As I was parleing avec mes parents last night, they asked me if I had seen the mouse lately. I was happily telling them that non, I had not, and like clockwork Rataouille popped his furry head out from under the fridge where he hides! I screamed and he went back under, only to reappear moments later! I got the frebreeze and starting spraying it around the kitchen like a mad-person, under the fidge and cabinets - attempting to poison him with fake watermelon scent and dis-infectent. I swear though, this mouse is after me! I went into my room, stuffed a towel under the door to prevent any intrusions, and began to do some reading.
Then.....
RATATOUILLE WIGGLED IN, THROUGH MY BLOCKING-DEVISE, INTO MY ROOM!
I swear this mouse is out to get me!
I screamed, jumped up and continued screaming, woke up Caroline, who was freaked out too, and ended up shoving books in front of my door and going to sleep in Caroline's room, laying stiff as a bored, mind on mice and freaked out. It is was totally unsucessful because I couldn't sleep at all knowing Ratatouille had the run of the apartment!
After school today, we went to BHV where we bought les peiges des souris (mouse traps) and "an electronic cat", which is this cat shaped thing you plug into the wall that omits sounds that only animals can hear that scare them. It also has these creepy red eyes that light-up. We finished dinner, plugged in the electronic cat, and set the mouse traps with pont l'eveque a
nd peanut butter! That's right - we sacrificed some of the small amount of peanut butter we have here with us to bring about the death of Ratatouille! We mean business! The traps should kill the one who seems to think this is HIS apartement, and the cat should keep away others to want to move in, according to M. BHV Worker (who originally was telling me, in French, that mouse traps are mean, and to be gentle with the mice! HA!) I cannot wait to wake up and see la mort de Ratatouille! I don't think I have ever been as obbsessed with accomplishing something as I am with ending the life of this mouse! I am a parisienne obbsessed!
nd peanut butter! That's right - we sacrificed some of the small amount of peanut butter we have here with us to bring about the death of Ratatouille! We mean business! The traps should kill the one who seems to think this is HIS apartement, and the cat should keep away others to want to move in, according to M. BHV Worker (who originally was telling me, in French, that mouse traps are mean, and to be gentle with the mice! HA!) I cannot wait to wake up and see la mort de Ratatouille! I don't think I have ever been as obbsessed with accomplishing something as I am with ending the life of this mouse! I am a parisienne obbsessed!Just in case both these plans fail, I have a back-up plan of extremeness. Mouse exterminator men! I called today and discovered that they come and put down some type of poison or something around, and the mice never come back - ever! They guarentee! It sounds magnifique but it is quite expensive, so it is a last resort. But I have learned through this adventure that the feeling secure and the ability to sleep at night without fear of being nibbled on, is priceless!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
My First "American Moment"
I started off yesterday with another run through les jardins de tuilieries! It is such a beautiful place to run, and afterwards you can sit in one of the several chairs around the fountain and look up to the Champs! It is a wonderful, post run place to forget the pain of what you've just done.
Caroline and I decided to have an exploration day because it was sunny and warm, so we started walking from our apartment and ended up at le Bastille eventually. We passed a very petit little grocery store along the way, called "Thanksgiving". It was full of peanut butter, Betty crocker mixes, chocolate chips, easy mac, candy bars, bisquick, and other American goodies. However, it was super overpriced! The oatmeal I wanted to get was 10 euros, which is about $15.00! I think I'll stick with crossiants, merci! We wandered for about 2 hours, and kept peeking into various patasseries looking for a treat, and then something awful happened....
We had a totally American moment, and went into McDonalds to get McFlurrys! I know, I knowww it's bad, but at the time - it sounded so good! And I must admit I was curio
us to try one because I have seen several people eating them and looked different here! The flavor options are much different, and the size is much smaller! I choose "crumble" flavor, which turned out to be chunks of shortbread in my vanilla glace! Yum! Caroline got the French version of a Heath bar, that's called "Daim". As embarassed as I was to be an American eating McDonald's in Paris - it was delicious! I am trying my hardest to only be french when i'm here, but when it comes to ice cream - the rules change! McDonalds is much better, cleaner, and chicer in Paris, and everyone we meet thinks we are either Swedish or Scandanavian, not American. So hopefully people thought "oh look at those swedish girls eating Mcdonalds", not "those sad americans are actually eating mcdonalds in Paris?"
us to try one because I have seen several people eating them and looked different here! The flavor options are much different, and the size is much smaller! I choose "crumble" flavor, which turned out to be chunks of shortbread in my vanilla glace! Yum! Caroline got the French version of a Heath bar, that's called "Daim". As embarassed as I was to be an American eating McDonald's in Paris - it was delicious! I am trying my hardest to only be french when i'm here, but when it comes to ice cream - the rules change! McDonalds is much better, cleaner, and chicer in Paris, and everyone we meet thinks we are either Swedish or Scandanavian, not American. So hopefully people thought "oh look at those swedish girls eating Mcdonalds", not "those sad americans are actually eating mcdonalds in Paris?"After our exploration afternoon, I jumped on a Velib and biked over to Le Bon Marche to go to Le Grand Epicerie and get some groceries and dinner! It is a really quick and pleasant bike ride up the Seine and one rue over to it! The problem was when I got there! Le Grand Epicerie is this ginormous, beautiful, grocery store of delight. They have the most wonderful quality of breads, cheeses, meats, treats, fruits - you name it, they have it, and it is bon! But again, I had the same problem I had last time - I don't know what to buy because I don't really know what anything is! Fruits and veggies are easy, but you get to the boulangerie and there are about 100 kinds of pain you can chose, and I don't know what they mean! Then I move onto jambon and have the same problem! And I also don't know the metic conversions for pounds so I don't know how much to ask for! The low moment was standing in front of the dairy section for at least 30 minutes analyzing different yogurt products. Fromage blanc, yaogurt, creme, it's so confusing! Then there are hundreds of brands and flavors to choose from once you've decided what thing you should get! And since the labels are all in french, you really have no idea what anything means! I never thought of how hard grocery shopping in another country is! I can only imagine what Europeans think when they come into a Giant Eagle! So after about 2 hours in Le Grand Epicerie I left with peaches, fromage blanc, carrots, a baguette, wheat bread, and a roasted chicken for dinner. I need a grocery shopping assistant for next time.
Caroline cooked us up a wonderful dinner! She made some scalloped potatoes and cooked carrots that we had with salad and the chicken! It was like home-on-the-french-farm yumminess! Sometimes there is nothing like a home-cooked meal!
We went out and about after dinner! We were invited to a house-warming party for some friends of Caroline's friend, Jacob, who goes to Parsons here. It was themed "dress as your idol". I have actually never been to a theme party, becaue of not attending a proper college with weekly frat parties (t
hankfully). So, it was a first! Since we really did not pack along our costumes from home, we made to make due with our wardrobes. A black dress, flats, and a french twist later - I was Audrey Hepburn. Caroline put together the most perfect Hannah Montana outfit ever, and off we went to the 17th! We got some beyond strange looks on our street, due to Caroline looking like the most ridiculous American tourist ever to those who didn't recognize she was dressed as Hannah for a costume party...which was everyone. We were by no means the most creative people there. We partied among Lady Gaga, Mic Jagger, Twiggy, Velma Kelly, and (female) John Lennon, to name a few. But we came home kind of early so we could wake up for church, and watch a crappy movie before bed! I have a weakness for really ridiculous, cheesy movies. (Think High School Musical)
hankfully). So, it was a first! Since we really did not pack along our costumes from home, we made to make due with our wardrobes. A black dress, flats, and a french twist later - I was Audrey Hepburn. Caroline put together the most perfect Hannah Montana outfit ever, and off we went to the 17th! We got some beyond strange looks on our street, due to Caroline looking like the most ridiculous American tourist ever to those who didn't recognize she was dressed as Hannah for a costume party...which was everyone. We were by no means the most creative people there. We partied among Lady Gaga, Mic Jagger, Twiggy, Velma Kelly, and (female) John Lennon, to name a few. But we came home kind of early so we could wake up for church, and watch a crappy movie before bed! I have a weakness for really ridiculous, cheesy movies. (Think High School Musical)We found a great church today! We went to the American Church of Paris, which is beautiful! It's a cathedrale, all white inside with beautiful stained-glass windows in blue! The pastor was great, and it was a big congregation (ltos of opportunities to make friends). We're going to start going to the Young Adult Bible Study on Tuesdays, and make that our church while we're here! Caroline may help with the cheerleading team they have, so she cannot make fun of me anymore for wanting to join AUP's theatre club.
I have to spend the rest of the afternoon attempting to teach myself direct and indirect object pronouns in French. I have a quiz tomorrow, and my teacher did the review completely in French - so I was lost. My other assignment was to memorize the lyrics to la vie en rose, but luckily, I already know them, as any good parisienne should!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Piq-nique at le louvre!
Today we woke up, and both said "do you want to have a piq-nique!" Well actually, we said picnic, because Caroline doesn't speak French. Yet. 
So we decided to go get a baguette, and take some yummy baugette toppings and blanket to les jardins des tuilieries. There is a wonderful patch of lawn that is right in the middle of les jardins and le louvre, with a view of the tour, and that is where we sat!
It was the most beautiful day for a picnic! Warm and sunny, but also a breeze, and a perfectly clear blue sky! The louvre is so totally beautiful, that is almost unreal to sit there and eat your baguette and nap and be with friends. Or in our case, a friend. We are still working on
coming up with French friends.... It's a work in progress.
In the midst of our wonderful picnic, I got some wonderful news!!
One of my classes at AUP was called "Media, Law, Policy, and Ethics". In other words, the class of doom. It was basically a law class! And as much as I have always wanted to be Elle Woods, I do not have any interest in law! So, yesterday I went to an academic advisor at AUP, and found a class that is much more in line with my interests - "Paris through art and architecture". So, I was awating confirmation from FIT that I could get credit for it, and I got it!! So, I need to switch from the class of law doom, to the class of Paris fun! And because I am taking an art history class, I get a special student ID that lets me into every museum and momument in Paris for free! How magnifique is that! The class meets twice a week, the first day you have a lecture on somewhere, and the next day you visit that place and learn about it on site! It is the class of my Parisienne dreams.
After out picnic, I came home to draft a letter to M. Drourard, our neighbor who "watches over" our apartement, to explain the mouse situation. I did it all in French ;)
Something needs to be done about the mouse, as he is still alive, and still terrorizing my life.
Tonight Caroline and I are going to see Harry Potter! With French subtitles! How fun! I can learn all sorts of new French vocabulary like "broomstick, wand, spell, and wizard!" It should definitley come in handy in my daily life. Afterall, my boyfriend is a magician! haha! The theatre is on the Champs so before we can do some exploring in the 8th. And maybe some crepes for dinner!
A night of Harry Potter and crepes! Ohhhhh, how I love Paris.
So we decided to go get a baguette, and take some yummy baugette toppings and blanket to les jardins des tuilieries. There is a wonderful patch of lawn that is right in the middle of les jardins and le louvre, with a view of the tour, and that is where we sat!
It was the most beautiful day for a picnic! Warm and sunny, but also a breeze, and a perfectly clear blue sky! The louvre is so totally beautiful, that is almost unreal to sit there and eat your baguette and nap and be with friends. Or in our case, a friend. We are still working on
coming up with French friends.... It's a work in progress.In the midst of our wonderful picnic, I got some wonderful news!!
One of my classes at AUP was called "Media, Law, Policy, and Ethics". In other words, the class of doom. It was basically a law class! And as much as I have always wanted to be Elle Woods, I do not have any interest in law! So, yesterday I went to an academic advisor at AUP, and found a class that is much more in line with my interests - "Paris through art and architecture". So, I was awating confirmation from FIT that I could get credit for it, and I got it!! So, I need to switch from the class of law doom, to the class of Paris fun! And because I am taking an art history class, I get a special student ID that lets me into every museum and momument in Paris for free! How magnifique is that! The class meets twice a week, the first day you have a lecture on somewhere, and the next day you visit that place and learn about it on site! It is the class of my Parisienne dreams.
After out picnic, I came home to draft a letter to M. Drourard, our neighbor who "watches over" our apartement, to explain the mouse situation. I did it all in French ;)
Something needs to be done about the mouse, as he is still alive, and still terrorizing my life.
Tonight Caroline and I are going to see Harry Potter! With French subtitles! How fun! I can learn all sorts of new French vocabulary like "broomstick, wand, spell, and wizard!" It should definitley come in handy in my daily life. Afterall, my boyfriend is a magician! haha! The theatre is on the Champs so before we can do some exploring in the 8th. And maybe some crepes for dinner!
A night of Harry Potter and crepes! Ohhhhh, how I love Paris.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mes Devoirs Amusement!
Today I had 3 hours of French, and did un petit better than I did yesterday with comprehension. It is really hard to only know what is happening half the time you are in class, but I think that I am getting better each day. J'espere!
But class was fun today because we are working on two things right now which I have homework for.
1 - La Vie En Rose. My favorite song. I prefer Louis Armstrong version, which is not in French but is fabulous. But, we are learning the song in french, as a little exercise to practice verb tenses
2 - La Petit Prince. A truly charming famous French book, which I have always loved. We are going to read it in French and discuss in class, in French.
It is really quite fun. I am just slightly frusterated with myself that I have forgotten so much, that I used to know so well. I am desperately wanting to be better.
After class I went to la banque with Caroline because my French credit card isn't working yet. Josh warned me that banking in France was tres annoying, but I opened an account anyways because
1. It's fun to have a French carte de credit
2. It will end up saving me a lot of Euros to not be a charged a fee on my American card.
What's odd about French credit cards is that there is a code you must punch in everytime you use it, like a debit card. My code secret was not working, so I went to the bank to see if they could tell me my code. The conversation resulted in me finding out that....
the code that was given to me was only for online banking, so it's not right, they can't tell me my code, they don't have access to that information, and they will mail me my code, which will take a few days. The biggest question I wondered upon leaving is "how does the bank, who issued my card, not have access to the information of what my code is!" I must admit that banking is definitely something I prefer in America.
I came home from class, and had plans to drop off my books and then go velo around St. Germain, but I layed down for what I thought was a minute, and woke up 5 hours later! I was very mad that I wasted my day sleeping, but I suppose I needed to catch up at some point. Caroline has class all day today, so I waiting for her to get home to go into the kitchen to mange something for dinner. Ratatoutille comes out at night, and I fear he will attack me if I am in there alone.
The peppermint oil didn't work. I saw him run around the kitchen last night as I was skyping with Josh, and was shocked and disgusted. I am also so mad that I turned our apartment into a candy cane for nothing! I do not know what to do now to get rid of Ratatouille besides call a mouse man to come deal with him. He is obviously a very smart mouse.
My new idea, in the meantime, is to pretend I am Cinderella, my favorite Princess. And then the mice would be my friends, wear little shirts and shoes, and help me do my chores.
But class was fun today because we are working on two things right now which I have homework for.
1 - La Vie En Rose. My favorite song. I prefer Louis Armstrong version, which is not in French but is fabulous. But, we are learning the song in french, as a little exercise to practice verb tenses
2 - La Petit Prince. A truly charming famous French book, which I have always loved. We are going to read it in French and discuss in class, in French.
It is really quite fun. I am just slightly frusterated with myself that I have forgotten so much, that I used to know so well. I am desperately wanting to be better.
After class I went to la banque with Caroline because my French credit card isn't working yet. Josh warned me that banking in France was tres annoying, but I opened an account anyways because
1. It's fun to have a French carte de credit
2. It will end up saving me a lot of Euros to not be a charged a fee on my American card.
What's odd about French credit cards is that there is a code you must punch in everytime you use it, like a debit card. My code secret was not working, so I went to the bank to see if they could tell me my code. The conversation resulted in me finding out that....
the code that was given to me was only for online banking, so it's not right, they can't tell me my code, they don't have access to that information, and they will mail me my code, which will take a few days. The biggest question I wondered upon leaving is "how does the bank, who issued my card, not have access to the information of what my code is!" I must admit that banking is definitely something I prefer in America.
I came home from class, and had plans to drop off my books and then go velo around St. Germain, but I layed down for what I thought was a minute, and woke up 5 hours later! I was very mad that I wasted my day sleeping, but I suppose I needed to catch up at some point. Caroline has class all day today, so I waiting for her to get home to go into the kitchen to mange something for dinner. Ratatoutille comes out at night, and I fear he will attack me if I am in there alone.
The peppermint oil didn't work. I saw him run around the kitchen last night as I was skyping with Josh, and was shocked and disgusted. I am also so mad that I turned our apartment into a candy cane for nothing! I do not know what to do now to get rid of Ratatouille besides call a mouse man to come deal with him. He is obviously a very smart mouse.
My new idea, in the meantime, is to pretend I am Cinderella, my favorite Princess. And then the mice would be my friends, wear little shirts and shoes, and help me do my chores.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I'm Living in a Candy Cane
Oui, it smells like we are living in a candy cane. It's actually quite nice and soothing to contiously smell peppermint!
This is all due to Ratatoutille. After spotting him 3 times last night, and not sleeping at all because of my immense fear, I decided I needed to take action again! I could not wait for the peppermint oil to arrive, I went and bought a petit bottle today from this very nice French woman, who obviously thought I was nuts when I started acting like a mouse to communicate what I wanted the peppermint oil for. I came home, and basically poured it all over the kitchen, and around all the base-boards in the bedroom. According to Google, mice hate the smell of peppermint, so they will stay away from anywhere they smell it! The idea of keeping the mice away entirely is actually much more appealing to me than luring them in and poisoning them! I have also put the mort aux rats EVERYWHERE, so if one does brave the peppermint smell to enter, it will hopefully eat the poison. But, I think we are benefiiting from the oil because the smell is quite nice!
Today was my second day of school! I only had French today, which was even more funny than yesterday. We had class today with the teacher's assistant, Chloe, who will be teaching us every Tuesday. I guess Madame Picard exaplined this yesterday, but I failed to comprendre! So today we had Chloe, who ONLY speaks French! Very fast! It is quite funny to be sitting in class and honestly have no idea what is being said 50% of the time! I used to sit in Chemistry and think I had no idea what was going on, but at least I knew what the words meant. There is so much vocabulary that I do not know, and it is very confusing. It really makes me want to learn more and get better, so I have developed a plan.
In addition to daily class I must....
- listen to only french music on my i-pod
- watch French channels on TV a bit before bed
- watch french films with french subtitles so I can follow and understand
- read french books
I also plan to ask Josh to speak only French to me while he is visiting, because he sounds perfectly native. And it will be fun. And romantique!
So after french, I got a baguette sandwhich, and headed to the champs de mars to mange and then take a nap in the sun, watching la tour! I love the champs de mars. I want to buy a tent and camp out there with vin et baguettes. It really is a bonne idee!
I also pink-ed up my room today. It didn't seem like it without some pink! I needed extra sheets so I got pink ones (of course) and these adorable pink ruffle rugs! So I feel tres at home now, and love the apartement even more! Now all I need is a little French Bulldog puppy sitting on my bed to make mon apartement complete!
This is all due to Ratatoutille. After spotting him 3 times last night, and not sleeping at all because of my immense fear, I decided I needed to take action again! I could not wait for the peppermint oil to arrive, I went and bought a petit bottle today from this very nice French woman, who obviously thought I was nuts when I started acting like a mouse to communicate what I wanted the peppermint oil for. I came home, and basically poured it all over the kitchen, and around all the base-boards in the bedroom. According to Google, mice hate the smell of peppermint, so they will stay away from anywhere they smell it! The idea of keeping the mice away entirely is actually much more appealing to me than luring them in and poisoning them! I have also put the mort aux rats EVERYWHERE, so if one does brave the peppermint smell to enter, it will hopefully eat the poison. But, I think we are benefiiting from the oil because the smell is quite nice!
Today was my second day of school! I only had French today, which was even more funny than yesterday. We had class today with the teacher's assistant, Chloe, who will be teaching us every Tuesday. I guess Madame Picard exaplined this yesterday, but I failed to comprendre! So today we had Chloe, who ONLY speaks French! Very fast! It is quite funny to be sitting in class and honestly have no idea what is being said 50% of the time! I used to sit in Chemistry and think I had no idea what was going on, but at least I knew what the words meant. There is so much vocabulary that I do not know, and it is very confusing. It really makes me want to learn more and get better, so I have developed a plan.
In addition to daily class I must....
- listen to only french music on my i-pod
- watch French channels on TV a bit before bed
- watch french films with french subtitles so I can follow and understand
- read french books
I also plan to ask Josh to speak only French to me while he is visiting, because he sounds perfectly native. And it will be fun. And romantique!
So after french, I got a baguette sandwhich, and headed to the champs de mars to mange and then take a nap in the sun, watching la tour! I love the champs de mars. I want to buy a tent and camp out there with vin et baguettes. It really is a bonne idee!
I also pink-ed up my room today. It didn't seem like it without some pink! I needed extra sheets so I got pink ones (of course) and these adorable pink ruffle rugs! So I feel tres at home now, and love the apartement even more! Now all I need is a little French Bulldog puppy sitting on my bed to make mon apartement complete!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Le Premier jour d'ecole!
Aujourd'hui etait mon premier jour d'ecole a AUP!
As I walked to my first class today, I tried to sink in everything so I would always remember the moment. Walking down le passage Jean Nicot, a cute cobble-stone street that leads to the building I needed to go to. I wore a dress I've had forever, a black and purple striped Betsey Johnson that it both comfortable, familiar, and (I think) kind of French looking. I arrived first, since I did not want to be late to my first class. But I also didn't want to be the loser that was first in the classroom. So I stalled some time, and walked in about 4th, taking a seat in the second row, which to me says "I am not an overachieving wierdo - but I take class seriously". I have solid class from 9am - 3pm on Monday, so it was a long day and I got a little taste of all my classes.
Marketing, French, Media Law, and Speech.
While I could comment on them all, I will stick to just speaking about French, because it was my favorite, the most funny, and seems the most promising.
From the time Madame arrived in the classroom, until the time class was fini she spoke maybe 1 sentence of English. Which, I suppose I had expected but as it was actually happening, all I could think was merde, I am rusty! She explained our class in French, syllabus in French, rules and expectations, everything! It was tres funny because a majority of the time, I was only taking in about 50% of what was being said! What I did comprenhend, is that the class is going to be very cool. There are only about 8 students, so we will all get a lot of personal attention, and personal assignments based on our skills and needs. We will also often conduct class in a cafe or somewhere in Paris that relates to what we're learning. How fun! It is French for commuication and culture, so I think it is exactly what I need to learn how to speak better, more vocabulary, and some street slang so I actually sound Parisienne. I hope that tomorrow, my french is better than today, and that trend continues! I think I will really be able to learn a lot in the class, and so I am really contente.
After school was over, Caroline and I went to lay in the sun on the Champs des Mars and look at the beautiful Eiffel Tower, towering above us beneath the clear blue sky. I think this is something I will have to do everyday. I velib-ed home after a petit of shopping at l'Opera, and rode past the Louvre, down the Seine, and right up to our rue. It was magnifique. I cannot put into words how beautiful Paris is on a sunny day, velib-ing around. I am tres obbsessed.
As dinnertime approached, I decided to go down to fanprix where I bought some jambon, chevre, spinach, and a bottle of beaujolis. I proceeded to make the most wonderful salad of spinach and jambon, topped with toasted goat cheese toasts of pain complete et chevre that I enjoyed with a glass of vin, and a petit scoop of Nutella on shortbread (made by Caroline) for dessert. I would normally never make myself a late night dinner of this magnitude and frenchness, but something about being in France makes you want to go the extra mile to treat yourself right.
I just had to take a fifteen minute break in my posting, because of the following events...
Ratatouille appeared
I screamed for Caroline
Ratatouille ran under the sink
Caroline ran into the kitchen
Caroline banged on the cabinets above the sink to scare Ratatouille away
We sprayed Febreeze everywhere, including under the sink, to posion Ratatouille with chemicals We got rid of all crumbs with a quick cleaning job
I poured myself a large glass of wine to ensure I sleep tonight
I ran into my room and stuffed a towel under my room so Ratatouille cannot enter, hopefully.
I resumed my posting, sitting on my bed, in fear.
The mort aux rats is obviously not working. Rataouille must know that it is actually death food and not real food. Blast! I am awaiting the peppermint oil to arrive from Amazon France, which is apparently supposed to keep them away. Until then, I sleep only by the power of vin, and in fear. Tonight I got a good look at him, and he is actually quite tiny, definitetly a mouse not a rat, which is a huge relief. If he was not terrozing mon apartement, I may even say he is cute. But mon fromage et ma vie is in danger while he lives, so he is nothing but the mouse of doom.
As I walked to my first class today, I tried to sink in everything so I would always remember the moment. Walking down le passage Jean Nicot, a cute cobble-stone street that leads to the building I needed to go to. I wore a dress I've had forever, a black and purple striped Betsey Johnson that it both comfortable, familiar, and (I think) kind of French looking. I arrived first, since I did not want to be late to my first class. But I also didn't want to be the loser that was first in the classroom. So I stalled some time, and walked in about 4th, taking a seat in the second row, which to me says "I am not an overachieving wierdo - but I take class seriously". I have solid class from 9am - 3pm on Monday, so it was a long day and I got a little taste of all my classes.
Marketing, French, Media Law, and Speech.
While I could comment on them all, I will stick to just speaking about French, because it was my favorite, the most funny, and seems the most promising.
From the time Madame arrived in the classroom, until the time class was fini she spoke maybe 1 sentence of English. Which, I suppose I had expected but as it was actually happening, all I could think was merde, I am rusty! She explained our class in French, syllabus in French, rules and expectations, everything! It was tres funny because a majority of the time, I was only taking in about 50% of what was being said! What I did comprenhend, is that the class is going to be very cool. There are only about 8 students, so we will all get a lot of personal attention, and personal assignments based on our skills and needs. We will also often conduct class in a cafe or somewhere in Paris that relates to what we're learning. How fun! It is French for commuication and culture, so I think it is exactly what I need to learn how to speak better, more vocabulary, and some street slang so I actually sound Parisienne. I hope that tomorrow, my french is better than today, and that trend continues! I think I will really be able to learn a lot in the class, and so I am really contente.
After school was over, Caroline and I went to lay in the sun on the Champs des Mars and look at the beautiful Eiffel Tower, towering above us beneath the clear blue sky. I think this is something I will have to do everyday. I velib-ed home after a petit of shopping at l'Opera, and rode past the Louvre, down the Seine, and right up to our rue. It was magnifique. I cannot put into words how beautiful Paris is on a sunny day, velib-ing around. I am tres obbsessed.
As dinnertime approached, I decided to go down to fanprix where I bought some jambon, chevre, spinach, and a bottle of beaujolis. I proceeded to make the most wonderful salad of spinach and jambon, topped with toasted goat cheese toasts of pain complete et chevre that I enjoyed with a glass of vin, and a petit scoop of Nutella on shortbread (made by Caroline) for dessert. I would normally never make myself a late night dinner of this magnitude and frenchness, but something about being in France makes you want to go the extra mile to treat yourself right.
I just had to take a fifteen minute break in my posting, because of the following events...
Ratatouille appeared
I screamed for Caroline
Ratatouille ran under the sink
Caroline ran into the kitchen
Caroline banged on the cabinets above the sink to scare Ratatouille away
We sprayed Febreeze everywhere, including under the sink, to posion Ratatouille with chemicals We got rid of all crumbs with a quick cleaning job
I poured myself a large glass of wine to ensure I sleep tonight
I ran into my room and stuffed a towel under my room so Ratatouille cannot enter, hopefully.
I resumed my posting, sitting on my bed, in fear.
The mort aux rats is obviously not working. Rataouille must know that it is actually death food and not real food. Blast! I am awaiting the peppermint oil to arrive from Amazon France, which is apparently supposed to keep them away. Until then, I sleep only by the power of vin, and in fear. Tonight I got a good look at him, and he is actually quite tiny, definitetly a mouse not a rat, which is a huge relief. If he was not terrozing mon apartement, I may even say he is cute. But mon fromage et ma vie is in danger while he lives, so he is nothing but the mouse of doom.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
What I Love About Paris
This is almost a silly post title, because I love everything about Paris! The list of things I love is never ending! But, today I have to comment on a particular thing I love.
Some of the things that are sterotypical about Paris or the French, or not actually the way it is here. For example, no one actually wears berets, and little scarves tied around their neck. However, the idea that everyone walks around with a baguette in their hand is extremely true!
It is so fun and adorable! Everyone you see walks around les rues with a french baguette traditionel from their local boulangerie. Some are nibbling on the end of it, some are saving it for the cheese they also puchased next door at the fromagerie. It makes you have to one too of course! The other thruth is that in Paris, wine is cheaper than water. Everyone drinks wine with every meal, you need wine to live. And I agree.
2E can get you a delicious bottle of wine
3E can get you a fresh baguette and your wine, and
6E can get you a wonderful chunk of fromage, that fresh baguette, and the wine!
So for 6E, you can have the ultimate French meal of delight. Tonight, chez nous, we had a delightful Chardonny, a cripsy baguette from the boulangerie, and pont l'eveque! All while listening to Frank Sinatra. It was magnifique! I could do it every night, with a different wine and a different cheese!
Earlier today, we woke up and went on a run through les jardins des tuileries! It was such a beautiful day today. We did a couple laps around les jardins, around the louvre, and then sat by the beautiful fountain, where you can see straight up le champs to the obelisk and l'arc de triomphe! It is quite a wonderful view, and the sun was shining, cute french children were all around me, and little french ducks were swimming in the water! Caroline and I stayed there for awhile, resting and loving Paris. It made me wonder.....why does everyone in the world not want to live here?
We went to church this afternoon, and then went to the Centre Pompdiou, because it was free! The public museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. I was glad it was free because
I would have rather spent my euros on macarons, to be honest. There was no Warhol, and only 1 Pollock. So I was disappointed. It is nowhere near the wonderment of le musee d'orsay or louvre. But, I am glad I saw it, and the building itself is tres amazing, and it has a breath-taking view of Montmarte and Sacre Coeur, my favorite church. There are so many musees I want to see while I am here, I will have to do at least 1 a week to fit them all in.
Tomorrow I begin school! I have class basically all day until 3. But I am oddly excited to see what classes are like here, make friends, and hang out on the champs de mars between classes. A semester of school that I am looking forward to.....only in France!
Some of the things that are sterotypical about Paris or the French, or not actually the way it is here. For example, no one actually wears berets, and little scarves tied around their neck. However, the idea that everyone walks around with a baguette in their hand is extremely true!
It is so fun and adorable! Everyone you see walks around les rues with a french baguette traditionel from their local boulangerie. Some are nibbling on the end of it, some are saving it for the cheese they also puchased next door at the fromagerie. It makes you have to one too of course! The other thruth is that in Paris, wine is cheaper than water. Everyone drinks wine with every meal, you need wine to live. And I agree.
2E can get you a delicious bottle of wine
3E can get you a fresh baguette and your wine, and
6E can get you a wonderful chunk of fromage, that fresh baguette, and the wine!
So for 6E, you can have the ultimate French meal of delight. Tonight, chez nous, we had a delightful Chardonny, a cripsy baguette from the boulangerie, and pont l'eveque! All while listening to Frank Sinatra. It was magnifique! I could do it every night, with a different wine and a different cheese!
Earlier today, we woke up and went on a run through les jardins des tuileries! It was such a beautiful day today. We did a couple laps around les jardins, around the louvre, and then sat by the beautiful fountain, where you can see straight up le champs to the obelisk and l'arc de triomphe! It is quite a wonderful view, and the sun was shining, cute french children were all around me, and little french ducks were swimming in the water! Caroline and I stayed there for awhile, resting and loving Paris. It made me wonder.....why does everyone in the world not want to live here?
We went to church this afternoon, and then went to the Centre Pompdiou, because it was free! The public museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. I was glad it was free because
I would have rather spent my euros on macarons, to be honest. There was no Warhol, and only 1 Pollock. So I was disappointed. It is nowhere near the wonderment of le musee d'orsay or louvre. But, I am glad I saw it, and the building itself is tres amazing, and it has a breath-taking view of Montmarte and Sacre Coeur, my favorite church. There are so many musees I want to see while I am here, I will have to do at least 1 a week to fit them all in.
Tomorrow I begin school! I have class basically all day until 3. But I am oddly excited to see what classes are like here, make friends, and hang out on the champs de mars between classes. A semester of school that I am looking forward to.....only in France!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Day in le Marais
I finally slept in today! It was much needed since I have been go, go, going since le moment that I arrived! There were no meetings or activities today for AUP so I was able to sleep till 11. But there was that small feeling upon waking up of "Merde - it's 11! I have wasted an afternoon in Paris sleeping!"
It was mom and dad's last day : ( They walked down from l'hotel to meet me in my neighborhood, le marais. Le marais is interesting because it is both the gay neighborhood, and the jewish neighborhood. What an odd yet wonderous mix! As a result, les rues are lined with fabulous shopping, and jewish delis. Le marais is the only part of Paris where you can find bagels, cheesecake, and falefel. Now true, none of those food items are French - but they are all delicious and sometimes (not very often but SOMEtimes) you might want something other than a croque monsieur. Today for example, mere et pere were a little over-frenched after nearly 2 weeks here, so we went to this adorable little jewish deli/diner we found steps from my apart
ement!
Mom and dad both ordered NY hotdogs that came with the coooolest fries! They were shaped like hot dog buns, so you could pour your ketchup on them and it would look like a mini hot dog, and hold your ketchup to insure some on every bite, and eliminate the possibility of mess! It was genius! I had some very yummy chicken noodle soup, great to keep in mind if I ever get sick.
We walked around le marais for a while, going in and out of all the ridiculously magnifique shops. I stopped to purchase some perfect ballerina flats so I can dance on les rues. I also purchased some mouse poision. Sorry Ratatouille, your doom awaits.
I also did some grocery shopping today, which proved to be quite funny since nothing in the grocery store is even midly recognizable aside from produce, bread, and nutella. It is kind of difficult because I don't know what snacks and brands are good and how to read the nutrition labels to see if things are healthy. Then I reminded myself.... I am in France! Everything is delicious, and nothing is healthy! Just try it all! So I got a small variety of things at the Franprix, and went to the local boulangerie for pain complete (wheat baguette). It is so fun to go buy your bread for your local little bread maker instead of the bread isle in Food Emporium. Another point awarded to France.
Current Point Standing - France= 100 U.S. = 1
The one thing I think is better in the US is the city plan. ONLY because nyc is a grid, so you can learn your way around the whole city in an hour, and you always know where you are and how to get where you want to go! Paris is just about as far from a grid as you could ever get. It is a series of small little rues that go every which way, and often change names several times, intersect with others, and are not all listed on different maps. So trying to find the street of the place you want to go is quite challenging, as is learning your way around!
What is fun, however, is that because of the several windy and unplanned streets, you can start walking without knowing the exact way, just keep following the cuteness in the general direction you need to go, discover hundreds of the tiniest, most adorable rues as you go, and eventually one leads to where you wanted to go! It is quite magicial! So really, the US should only get 1/2 point.
It was mom and dad's last day : ( They walked down from l'hotel to meet me in my neighborhood, le marais. Le marais is interesting because it is both the gay neighborhood, and the jewish neighborhood. What an odd yet wonderous mix! As a result, les rues are lined with fabulous shopping, and jewish delis. Le marais is the only part of Paris where you can find bagels, cheesecake, and falefel. Now true, none of those food items are French - but they are all delicious and sometimes (not very often but SOMEtimes) you might want something other than a croque monsieur. Today for example, mere et pere were a little over-frenched after nearly 2 weeks here, so we went to this adorable little jewish deli/diner we found steps from my apart
ement! Mom and dad both ordered NY hotdogs that came with the coooolest fries! They were shaped like hot dog buns, so you could pour your ketchup on them and it would look like a mini hot dog, and hold your ketchup to insure some on every bite, and eliminate the possibility of mess! It was genius! I had some very yummy chicken noodle soup, great to keep in mind if I ever get sick.
We walked around le marais for a while, going in and out of all the ridiculously magnifique shops. I stopped to purchase some perfect ballerina flats so I can dance on les rues. I also purchased some mouse poision. Sorry Ratatouille, your doom awaits.
I also did some grocery shopping today, which proved to be quite funny since nothing in the grocery store is even midly recognizable aside from produce, bread, and nutella. It is kind of difficult because I don't know what snacks and brands are good and how to read the nutrition labels to see if things are healthy. Then I reminded myself.... I am in France! Everything is delicious, and nothing is healthy! Just try it all! So I got a small variety of things at the Franprix, and went to the local boulangerie for pain complete (wheat baguette). It is so fun to go buy your bread for your local little bread maker instead of the bread isle in Food Emporium. Another point awarded to France.
Current Point Standing - France= 100 U.S. = 1
The one thing I think is better in the US is the city plan. ONLY because nyc is a grid, so you can learn your way around the whole city in an hour, and you always know where you are and how to get where you want to go! Paris is just about as far from a grid as you could ever get. It is a series of small little rues that go every which way, and often change names several times, intersect with others, and are not all listed on different maps. So trying to find the street of the place you want to go is quite challenging, as is learning your way around!
What is fun, however, is that because of the several windy and unplanned streets, you can start walking without knowing the exact way, just keep following the cuteness in the general direction you need to go, discover hundreds of the tiniest, most adorable rues as you go, and eventually one leads to where you wanted to go! It is quite magicial! So really, the US should only get 1/2 point.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Today I Had Wine With Meryl Streep
Well, pas exactement!
Apres visiting le Louvre avec ma mere et Caroline, we were extremely tired and in need of a glass of wine! So we decided to go to the cafe outside, near the pyramid and while we were enjoying our vin blanc, Caroline said "don't look now, but I think that's Meryl Streep." So of course, me and mere looked now, and it WAS Meryl Streep! Usually celebrity sightings to do not excite me because really, who cares. But Meryl Streep is in a completely different league of celebrity! It was very cool to be sipping your wine tables away from one of the most famous actresses ever, while people watching at the Louvre! Paris is simply magnifique! Even Meryl thinks so!
Mom kind of liked the Louvre, I think only because we did not stay there very long. Caroline and I found out we get in free because we are students in France, so due to tiredness, we did an abreviated visi
t which included "la Jaconde" (the Mona Lisa), and my very favorite, "Winged Victory". Mom re-inacted Audrey Hepburn coming down the stairs near the statue in "Funny Face" which was quite entertaining. We will go back several times to view the other millions of things inside, study, read, and perhaps bring the sleeping bag Caroline brought and attempt a secret Louvre sleepover!
t which included "la Jaconde" (the Mona Lisa), and my very favorite, "Winged Victory". Mom re-inacted Audrey Hepburn coming down the stairs near the statue in "Funny Face" which was quite entertaining. We will go back several times to view the other millions of things inside, study, read, and perhaps bring the sleeping bag Caroline brought and attempt a secret Louvre sleepover!Tonight we have a AUP organized "Paris by night" red bus tour as an orientation activity. Mom is super jealous! It should be very fun because the city is sooo beautiful at night, and we're hoping to make some more amis.
Caroline saw Ratatouille yesterday while I was out with mere et pere! So he is offically our pet. Today I looked for mouse traps and couldn't find them anywhere! I think this is partially due to my lack of French vocabulary. Like the word for "trap" "killing" and "mice". But, thankfully we just learned from our English speaking neighbor we did to search for something called "mort aux rats" (death to the rats). HA! What a funny name. Appartently that is poison that will do the trick. Poor Ratatouille, soon he will be in mouse heaven. Hopefully eating lots of fromage.
Ma Bonne Idee Pour Ma Vie!
Aujourd-hui, I had a wonderful revaltion! I now know what I am going to do with my life, and it involves two of my life-long dreams becoming realities!
After a delicious dejeuner with Caroline, we walked les rues to the Metro, admiring all the various patissiers and the many deliceiux things inside! All the patissiers are slightly different, but they all have the same things - macarons, pain au chocolate, eclairs, nougat, religeiuex, tartes, ect! And trust me - they are ALL amazing! But, there is not one bakery that has something different, something new, something with sprinkels!!
So my new life plan is to move to France after graduation, and open the bakery I've always wanted to open.... in Paris! I will sell my cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and custom cakes to tourists and Parisiens alike! Now you may think that the French will not want any part of American baked goods over their own, but I have no doubt that I can win them over with my liberal amounts of buttercream frosting! They may be stubborn - but they're not stupid! Who can say "non" to swirls of pink buttercream topped with rainbow sprinkles!
Caroline even suggested naming it "Blonde Parisienne Bakery" Ha!
I love my new life plan, and I am so excited that I finally have an answer for the age-old "what do you want to do after college" question. I can now smile and say - "Well, I am moving to Paris, opening a cupcake shop, and eventually raising cute French children who will help me frost cupcakes! C'est brillante!
My enthusiam and excitement spread to the rest of the day! I took a tour of the Paris Opera House! Opera Garnier, where apparently The Phantom of the Opera lived. I took a photo of the infamous "box 5" where he sat each night! The Opera House rivals Versialles in beauty! It is abosoutely, mind-bogglingly, gorgeous and amazing! Not only to think of what it took to build it, but also the people who used to go there, and also the events that happen there now! I cannot wait to see a ballet there! AUP has tickets to Giselle that I am hoping to snag since I love, love, LOVE going to ballet, and going to the ballet there would put me in another dimention of delight!
The other highlight of tonight was going to this adorable restaurant, right by mom and dad's hotel, which only served steak frites, wine, cheese, and bread! Ha! It was so french and had really amazing food! It was mom and dads 35th wedding anniversary, so it was a fun way to celebrate!
I have to change my French class early tomorrow morning at school. I tested into French for Communication and Culture, which is pretty advanced, or so I'm told! So I am proud of myself for retaining some things - but also worried I'll be behind in class! It was one of my largest goals to leave here leaving very confient speaking French! Afterall, I will get more costumers if my bakery is bi-langual!
After a delicious dejeuner with Caroline, we walked les rues to the Metro, admiring all the various patissiers and the many deliceiux things inside! All the patissiers are slightly different, but they all have the same things - macarons, pain au chocolate, eclairs, nougat, religeiuex, tartes, ect! And trust me - they are ALL amazing! But, there is not one bakery that has something different, something new, something with sprinkels!!
So my new life plan is to move to France after graduation, and open the bakery I've always wanted to open.... in Paris! I will sell my cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and custom cakes to tourists and Parisiens alike! Now you may think that the French will not want any part of American baked goods over their own, but I have no doubt that I can win them over with my liberal amounts of buttercream frosting! They may be stubborn - but they're not stupid! Who can say "non" to swirls of pink buttercream topped with rainbow sprinkles!
Caroline even suggested naming it "Blonde Parisienne Bakery" Ha!
I love my new life plan, and I am so excited that I finally have an answer for the age-old "what do you want to do after college" question. I can now smile and say - "Well, I am moving to Paris, opening a cupcake shop, and eventually raising cute French children who will help me frost cupcakes! C'est brillante!
My enthusiam and excitement spread to the rest of the day! I took a tour of the Paris Opera House! Opera Garnier, where apparently The Phantom of the Opera lived. I took a photo of the infamous "box 5" where he sat each night! The Opera House rivals Versialles in beauty! It is abosoutely, mind-bogglingly, gorgeous and amazing! Not only to think of what it took to build it, but also the people who used to go there, and also the events that happen there now! I cannot wait to see a ballet there! AUP has tickets to Giselle that I am hoping to snag since I love, love, LOVE going to ballet, and going to the ballet there would put me in another dimention of delight!
The other highlight of tonight was going to this adorable restaurant, right by mom and dad's hotel, which only served steak frites, wine, cheese, and bread! Ha! It was so french and had really amazing food! It was mom and dads 35th wedding anniversary, so it was a fun way to celebrate!
I have to change my French class early tomorrow morning at school. I tested into French for Communication and Culture, which is pretty advanced, or so I'm told! So I am proud of myself for retaining some things - but also worried I'll be behind in class! It was one of my largest goals to leave here leaving very confient speaking French! Afterall, I will get more costumers if my bakery is bi-langual!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Dimanche - le jour de ferme!
Les jours are flying by already! I am finding time to blog difficult because of early wake-ups and late returns to the apartement!
Since I last blogged, I had orientation and moved my bags into my apartement! So I am now living in le Marais with Caroline! Oh, and our new pet, Ratatoutille. Oui, last night while I was skyping with my sister, Amanda, a petit mouse ran through the kitchen and into my room. To say I was terrified is an understatement. But I am working on accepting the fact that old building have mice, and mice are little and harmless. It's too bad our mouse could not actually be like Remi - and make us delicious traditional french food!
Orientation was tres easy! Way easier than FIT, and everyone is so welcoming and nice! Apres orientation we moved my bags up the 3 windy staircases into the apartement, and had lunch in le marais near the Centre Pompidou, which I cannot wait to go to! One of the largest musuems in the city and I have never been. It's borderline avante garde modern art, according to Joshua. So I will do that with friends instead of mom, who hates museums. She was even bored today in the Musee D'Orsay! She rated it a 4, out of 10! How can you be bored in the middle of the original works of Van Gogh, Degas, and Renior - to name my favorites!
We had dinner with a group of other etudiants and our student advisors in Oberkamptf at a really cute local place called Chez Justine. Caroline got a mad delicieux burger that we shared with a salad! After dinner, a large group headed over les Champs des Mars, where a huge group of AUP kids, along with tons of others, were sitting, chatting, and drinking wine - while watching the tour sparkle every hour! It was my dream! Caroline et moi bought a bottle of wine, and sat until the last sparkle and the Eiffel Tower turned off for the night, just drinking our wine and talking! It is so funny to be able to just buy a bottle of wine, take it in front of the tour, and sit there with 100 people enjoying the view and company! Afer the tour went dark, we rented les velibs and velib-ed home! It was such a wonderful way to spend le soir! Only in Paris!!
We've also had some helpful meetings at school. Paris survival, and cultural activites ideas. Many of which are travels to really cool places for very cheap! Caroline and I have composed to following list of places we want to travel - so we better plan now!
- Catacombs
- Loire Valley
- Rome
- London
- Coppenhagen
Quite a list for only 4 months! We will try to do our best! I want to make the most every second I am here, but it already is going to fast!
Since I last blogged, I had orientation and moved my bags into my apartement! So I am now living in le Marais with Caroline! Oh, and our new pet, Ratatoutille. Oui, last night while I was skyping with my sister, Amanda, a petit mouse ran through the kitchen and into my room. To say I was terrified is an understatement. But I am working on accepting the fact that old building have mice, and mice are little and harmless. It's too bad our mouse could not actually be like Remi - and make us delicious traditional french food!
Orientation was tres easy! Way easier than FIT, and everyone is so welcoming and nice! Apres orientation we moved my bags up the 3 windy staircases into the apartement, and had lunch in le marais near the Centre Pompidou, which I cannot wait to go to! One of the largest musuems in the city and I have never been. It's borderline avante garde modern art, according to Joshua. So I will do that with friends instead of mom, who hates museums. She was even bored today in the Musee D'Orsay! She rated it a 4, out of 10! How can you be bored in the middle of the original works of Van Gogh, Degas, and Renior - to name my favorites!
We had dinner with a group of other etudiants and our student advisors in Oberkamptf at a really cute local place called Chez Justine. Caroline got a mad delicieux burger that we shared with a salad! After dinner, a large group headed over les Champs des Mars, where a huge group of AUP kids, along with tons of others, were sitting, chatting, and drinking wine - while watching the tour sparkle every hour! It was my dream! Caroline et moi bought a bottle of wine, and sat until the last sparkle and the Eiffel Tower turned off for the night, just drinking our wine and talking! It is so funny to be able to just buy a bottle of wine, take it in front of the tour, and sit there with 100 people enjoying the view and company! Afer the tour went dark, we rented les velibs and velib-ed home! It was such a wonderful way to spend le soir! Only in Paris!!
We've also had some helpful meetings at school. Paris survival, and cultural activites ideas. Many of which are travels to really cool places for very cheap! Caroline and I have composed to following list of places we want to travel - so we better plan now!
- Catacombs
- Loire Valley
- Rome
- London
- Coppenhagen
Quite a list for only 4 months! We will try to do our best! I want to make the most every second I am here, but it already is going to fast!
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