Paris: Oh la la!

Imagine this: You've had a crazy semester, teaching two classes, stressing over your research plans, and contemplating the meaning of life (again). You get a ton of great offers to visit friends all of the world (thanks to the wonders of social media), and after a few weeks of indecisiveness, book a ticket in January. Just over a week later, you're on a plane to one of the most wonderful cities in the world: Paris (to be pronounced Pah-ree as you attempt to perfect a French accent)!

What can I really say about this city? It's old and historical and fabulous. It's great for the foodies of the world (seriously, every two feet I had to stop and smell the fresh bread and gape at the desserts). It's a fashion mecca (although, these chic women had to have been cold in the Fall-inspired winter wear). It's the ultimate retreat, laced with a dash of romance. The trip started slow (i.e., way too long flying time, lost luggage for two days while I waited in the apartment, a deadline)...but I more than made up for it. With a fabulous host, an old friend, and a little magie à la Paris, I fell in love with yet another city! 

Days 1 and 2: I came to Paris to eat and started with...Cameroonian, Greek, and American food! I sat in a cafe to work, sipped on some great French wines, window-shopped, and I can say that I had a traditional Parisian breakfast of too! I also walked by one of the sites of the November shootings, where memorials to the lives lost still remain.

5th arrondisement (i.e., home sweet home)

Seriously. An American diner in Paris. 

And a Starbucks...

After waiting for my luggage (boo, Turkish Air), I snuck out
to buy a few essentials and see the city along the way! 

Day 3: A walking tour of at least half the city including Notre-Dame, the Grand Palace, l'Arc de Triomphe, le Tour Eiffel, and add in some fantastic French cuisine.

Notre-Dame

Walking through the Grand Palace with my awesome host!

L'Arc de triomphe

Almost there...

Can you really ever have enough pictures
with this as the view??!

Besides the history and the wine, the next best thing about France?
The desserts! 

Day 4: Wandering through the streets of Montmatre to see les moulins (windmills), Sacre Coeur, and of course, le Moulin Rouge! Add a stellar lunch, an unexpected musical medley by a local street group, and a trip into the heart of the city's elite students for some delicious sweet and savory crepes!

A major cemetery on the way to the famous Monmatre.

Can you spot the moulin?

This neighborhood was clearly meant for me.

Moulin #2

Walking through the windy roads...
(we also passed a famous person!)

Interesting (English) street art...
But a powerful message.

An awesome street band

Sacre Coeur.

The views of Paris from the top!

Moulin #2 in the distance. 

Most memorable dessert? Chocolate passion fruit, nutella, and
 fois-gras-flavored macaroons!

Because I can-can-can!

Day 5: I spent half the day wandering through the famous Louvre museum, which was incredible. I barely covered any ground but managed to get close to some of the most notable art pieces in the world, and a replica of Napolean Bonaparte's "petite" apartment.

The view of the Palace from inside the Louvre.

Selfies clearly existed during Michael Angelo's time.

Incredible (and massive!) sculptures!

Yours truly and the Mona Lisa.

Just a tiny apartment...

....with seating for 200...

...And a tiny dining room table...

All in the day in the life of Napolean.

Day 6: There was more food, including a bizzare American brunch and the most unique fondue experience. My attempts to get an early night of sleep before my 5 AM departure were thwarted by my hour-long chat with the hotel desk attendant (over a free glass of wine, bien sur).

American-style brunch.

Just reading a book and taking in the views from this cute cafe. 

Mulled wine! Mmm!

Home to one of the most unique fondue experiences...

Me with bread and cheese fondue (not pictured, meat fondue),
and a baby bottle full of red wine. All part of the "experience."

And for those of you interested in the logistics of my week, I stayed in the 5th arrondisement, also known as the Latin Quarter. I enjoyed finding a gem of an AirBnB, where I had a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment in a safe and walk-able neighborhood, where I could cook if I felt so inclined (I didn't). I spent my last night at a local three-star hotel, which wasn't luxurious but was clean, functional, and comfortable. I got around using a metro pass (avoid the tourist pass and opt for the local commuter tap-and-go option), and uber, which worked beautifully. And with an awesome host, I had a chance to discover the real Parisian life.

This was my second time in the city of love, and I'm sure that I'll be back!