lunch

This is where I eat lunch...

... along the Seine with the locals. Complete with baguette and book. Come join!

pastries

As everyone knows... Paris is famous for its pastries. And I am taking full advantage, much to my health's chagrin.

This is a famous, modern Patisserie on the Left-Bank called Pierre Herme. Quite expensive for so small a treat, but worth each centime for those macaroons. Cece and I savored them outside in the Saint-Sulpice square.

P.S. I forgot to include my tarte peche pistache from Boulangerie Julien. Oh so yummy!!

First Week of Paris

I really need to update this, so my family has some more information on my life... Here are some pictures and descriptions!

First day in Paris! We were all desperately tired, hungry, and suffering from a lack of French skills. Slap happy.

This is my fabulous roommate Cecile Larsen (aka cece). We were living on one night of sleep, but jetlag was still weighing us down. After wandering for a little while, we found a pleasant little cafe, and had the most DELICIOUS meal ever. Maybe because we were starved, but we were quite excited about the food and the adorable accommodations.

On top of the Arc du Triomphe! The weather was not amazing, but the view was breathtaking, along with the pleasant breeze.

This was just after we left our first day of church. The building was built in the 17th century, complete with cobble stone courtyard. And this is where we have our classes as well, so it ain't half bad.

Liz and I beneath the arch. Cute.

While walking around the Musee d'Orsay, I saw this American couple. Both with informational mp3s in their ears, they tilted their heads to "truly" take in the busts in front of them. Completely comical to me, sharing the American heritage, but the tilted heads against the three statuesque heads was the perfect juxtaposition. Thoughts?

It's Paris. How could I blog without including at least one picture?

This was taken in the Tuilleries while trudging to the Champs Elysees. I simply glanced to my right and caught the glances of all three men on the bench. So of course, I needed to capture it with the camera. Naturally. The more I look at this photo, the more I like it. The three just looking out on the tourists, while we return the favor with mutual glances. Love it.

This was a lovely little street with fruits, vegetables, antiques, meats, and no cars (though there is one parked there, but nothing moving!). I loved the varying ages along Rue de Cler, from kids just out of school for the weekend and older gentlemen taking their lunch breaks in their crisp suits. The culture of Paris is amazing, and I loved to be away from the commercialized downtown for a day.

Cece and I with some amazing pastries from a famous pastry shop... and I'm blanking on the name. Starts with an L. Oh well, the only thing that matters is it was absolutely amazing. Couldn't even finish it, because it was so good!

After a long day of seeing paris. I'm excited for everything that can happen in the next 3 months!!

xo

First Photography Assignment

One of my classes in Paris is French Civilization through Photography, and here is my first entry. This is the official assignment if you want to understand its reasoning. Hope you like it!

Movement: I would say it is a universally accepted fact that Paris has unlimited opportunities, both for the laid back local or the naïve tourist. To the wide-eyed student from the western United States, we feel as if we are standing on the brink of something new. Something exciting. Something new. Indulging in the occasional pastry, walking along the Seine, or gazing upon a critically acclaimed Monet, the possibilities are endless.

But even as I desire to see and do everything, I feel that Paris is constantly moving. Each car, train, and person is in motion, anticipating the next destination. Personally, I am relentlessly exhausted with all of the movement! I guess it will become natural, and my body will become accustomed, hopefully.

As you can see, my party and I were making our way down the Champs Elysees on an overcast Thursday. We had yet to make it to the top or even stand beneath the Arc du Triomphe, and we only had but a free moment to accomplish this goal. Trudging along with our sights set on the arch, I stopped. Amidst the chaos of commerce, one woman stood out to me. Frozen in time. Arms outstretched for acceptance of money and perhaps for herself. Her meager form is a striking contrast to the height of the surrounding crowds and historic architecture. She seems not to be in the rush that matches the rest of the city. Each person in the scene was marching to his own beat, probably in a hurry to shop or to get home. I assimilated myself with them as I too had a destination and the preoccupation of mind to just get there. But in her simplicity, my breath was taken away.

First Day

I have arrived in Paris!! After eight months of weighting, I am here. And let me tell you, it is lovely. Here are just a few pictures from our boat ride alone the Seine, without editing.

Isn't that the most fabulous face?

Friends of Paris! I will complete my update soon.