PARIS!

Hey Everybody,

I just drank a coffee and had dinner, so I am feeling energized and ready to write about my weekend in Paris with Kaitlin (my next door neighbor in Marblehead)! I'll do my best to explain what it was like, but really it is very difficult because Paris is such a sensory experience. You have to be there. Us Marbleheaders traveled so far to be able to walk the streets of Paris next to the river and seeing the Eiffel Tower, compared to walking Preston or seeing the lighthouse. It made me so happy to see familiar faces. Turns out one of my best buddies from BU, Liza Katz lives RIGHT down the street from Kaitlin!! :) After seeing them two, I've had a boost of energy to go out and conquer Europe.

My first day I arrived in the evening after taking the train. The trip was only about 2.5 hours and was very comfortable, I liked it. Upon arriving, I immediately felt the culture shock of being essentially illiterate in a foreign country. I kinda felt helpless not being able to read any signs or ask people for directions. I'm told if people hear you are American, you tend to get ripped off. I have never really been around the french language at all!

To get dinner, Kaitlin and I went to Monoprix, the supermarket and picked out supplies. I am still in awe of how good french food is. They can get meat from the butcher, fish from the fish guy, cheese from the cheese guy, bread from the bread guy, and veg from the farmers market. The way they shop is completely different from how we shop in America. There are no preservatives in the food and almost everything is fresh. So, instead of stocking up like we do at home, they buy everything day of. It tastes so much better, it's incredible.

Walking down the streets you can catch a whiff of everything from fresh baked bread to cheese and the smell of flowers on the corner. Also, there are many musicians who plan on the street so you can hear the sounds of accordions. If you look up at night, you can see the searchlight of the Eiffel Tower. This is what I mean by a "sensory experience."

That night we met up with some of Kaitlin's buddies and it was great. We drank wine and got a chance to chat! It was very relaxing, I was happy to be there. We also went out to mix club and danced the night away!

The next morning Kaitlin took me to go see Notre Dame. :) The church had a creepy aspect to it - very dimly lit and had beautiful Gothic architecture. Loved it. The gargoyles on the outside were very cool. Afterward, we walked along the river and got to see the Louvre. GAHHH. It kept hitting me that I was in PARIS.







That night we got together with Liza for dinner at Kaitlin's apartment. We talked of all things french and the things each of us have had to adapt to while studying abroad. Did you know that wine is cheaper than bottled water in Paris? Haha

After dinner, Kaitlin and I headed to Louvre to get a closer look. I appreciate Kaitlin for being so patient with me because I think I snapped about 100 photos. The architecture and lighting at night put me in awe. Plus it was a clear, fresh night perfect for walking around. We did go inside to try to see the Mona Lisa, but they were closing so we were kicked out! So close! Oh well, I guess I'll just have to go back :)





Because our plans to see some art were foiled, we decided to walk to the Eiffel Tower because it was such a perfect night. It was about an hour away and we got a chance to catch the light show that happens on the hour on the way over. Took some lovely pics.

When we got there, we walked right underneath, I found a keychain. Then we walked across the bridge to some giant stone steps and got to chat a bit until the next light show started. I have to admit, it was kinda like watching fireworks. Very romantic, haha. We could hear the Americans further on behind us going "wwwwhhhoooaaa soo cool." We are so amused. Little Parisian kids played on their scooters in front of us even though it was 11pm.





That night when we got back was also really cute. Kaitlin treated me to a really ornate Paris pastry which we ate with tea back at the apartment.

Day three also involved much walking. (Kaitlin lives on the 8th floor with no elevator.) Oyyyy! Liza and I went to the Monet museum which is pretty close to where I was staying. We walked through a little park and the museum is essentially in a house. You can walk through the rooms and look at the paintings by Renior, Monet, Manet, and other impressionists like you lived there. I felt sooo inspired and bought three postcards. I'm realizing I really love the impressionists. Every painting is unique and can be looked at a different way.

Afterward we did a bunch of window shopping and got to see Victor Hugo's house. And after a quick bite to eat, Liza and I went out to Polyglot club. It's where people go to meet and learn and practice new languages. It's pretty informal and was held at a bar. Lots of folks were there who wanted to talk to English speakers, so I was in luck. It was awesome! I tried my first french beer and chatted with some women who were looking to better their English. Got to swap a bunch of stories and actually get the chance to talk. Loved it. I think I might look up Polyglot clubs in London...

My last day Kaitlin took me to Momatre after the three of us went to the farmer's market. I got some compte cheese which is SOOO GOOD. I actually just had some on my pasta. Anyways, Momatre was amazing. Got to see panoramic views of the city and see where they filmed Amelie! GAAAHHH, I was so excited. We walked around Sacre Coure and got a banana nutella crepe from a street vendor. On a cold day, it tasted unbelievable. Also....there is an artist's market where there are just lines of artists in the square doing charcoal portraits or selling paintings. I decided that I would LOVE to get a painting as a souvenir just because I saw so much art while I was there. So, Kaitlin helped me haggle and I ended up getting a painting of Sacre Coure for 35 euro! I cannot wait to frame it. I think I am gonna have mom bring it home to M'head when she comes to visit.



Because we had some time before I had to get ready to catch my train, we also stopped in the Salvador Dali museum. I tell ya, that guy had some weird stuff. I have to admit though, he was really really creative and used a lot of artistic mediums. I thought he did just drawings, but there was furniture, sculpture, and lots of other stuff. I'll have to put up some pics to have you see for yourself.





Overall, I had such a relaxing trip and got to see sooo much for such a short period of time. I love the community feel of Paris as well as the good food and company! I am seriously considering going back once it starts to get warmer out. I cannot believe what a fabulous time I had!!! :)

<3 A