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.
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| 5th arrondisement (i.e., home sweet home) |
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| Seriously. An American diner in Paris. |
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| And a Starbucks... |
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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.
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| Notre-Dame |
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| Walking through the Grand Palace with my awesome host! |
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| L'Arc de triomphe |
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| Almost there... |
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Can you really ever have enough pictures
with this as the view??! |
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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!
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| A major cemetery on the way to the famous Monmatre. |
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| Can you spot the moulin? |
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| This neighborhood was clearly meant for me. |
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| Moulin #2 |
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Walking through the windy roads...
(we also passed a famous person!) |
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Interesting (English) street art...
But a powerful message. |
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| An awesome street band |
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| Sacre Coeur. |
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| The views of Paris from the top! |
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| Moulin #2 in the distance. |
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Most memorable dessert? Chocolate passion fruit, nutella, and
fois-gras-flavored macaroons! |
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| 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.
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| The view of the Palace from inside the Louvre. |
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| Selfies clearly existed during Michael Angelo's time. |
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| Incredible (and massive!) sculptures! |
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| Yours truly and the Mona Lisa. |
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| Just a tiny apartment... |
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| ....with seating for 200... |
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| ...And a tiny dining room table... |
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| 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).
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| American-style brunch. |
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| Just reading a book and taking in the views from this cute cafe. |
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| Mulled wine! Mmm! |
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| Home to one of the most unique fondue experiences... |
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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!
