Heart of Paris

 Another wonderful day in Paris. The weather was cooler today than it has been, which is more than fine with me. I was too cozy in bed to get up early, but after a quick breakfast headed out. Went to see Notre Dame cathedral. It was big, impressive, and solemn . We were there during a service so had the amazing experience of walking in Notre Dame to the sound of organ music. Then we ventured underground to see the Roman ruins that were on the ile de la cite. One of the two natural islands of modern Paris, it is where the Iron Age Gaulic tribe called the Parisii settled. The ruins were amazing and awe-inspiring. Afterwards, we met up with the group to take a boat ride along the Seine. Many of the most famous buildings of Paris can be seen from the river. It was cold and cloudy, but very fun. Once back on dry land, a few of us went to Shakespeare and Company bookstore, in the Latin quarter. A heaven-on-earth place of jumbled books, narrow passageways, and worn wood. I could've spent days in there, but Paris awaited. Went back to my neck of the woods to go see Napoleon's tomb. The complex of Les Invalides is a huge monument to the military history of France. I was thrilled being so close to one of my favorite people in history. Cooked dinner, and must must must study.

Notre Dame

Roman Ruins

Paris from the Seine

Famous Parisian bookstore

Interior of Shakespeare and Co.

Les Invalides

Napoleon's Tomb

Manic Monday

So, instead of studying last night I walked the ten minutes to the Eiffel Tower. I had originally wanted to refuse to go, making a stand against tourism etc., but I do live right next to it... And it is the most recognized symbol of Paris, and France. Went, saw, and can say that I did so, and yes, it was pretty impressive. Very, very busy and packed full of international tourists.  Alas, my tourist excursion cut into studying time. Today was the first day of classes. Lauren, Sam, and I miscalculated travel time, and the metro stop we should have gotten off at was closed, so we were late to class. The quiz was already in progress, and was pretty rough: very date heavy. Pointless memorization and I do not get along. Oh well. After the quiz, we had a break for lunch so we took the metro to the Parisian version of Chinatown. Of course it was more Vietnamese, thanks to colonialism. Had some pork skin noodles, steamy buns, and egg custard desserts. It was much quieter than other Chinatowns I have been to, but had fantastic Asian markets and really tasty bakeries. Then went to meet the rest of the group at the Louvre, made sure to be early. We focused on French neo-classicism and romanticism: David, Girodet, Drouais, Ingres, Gros, Canova, etc.. It was amazing to see the works of art, which I have been learning about my whole life, in person. I adore David, so was geeking out pretty hard over all of his beautiful canvases. Afterwards, went back home for a nap, then had my first authentic French dinner. Very cozy restaurant, homestyle cooking, packed full of locals, and really friendly waitresses. I had oeufs au mayonnaise, confit de canard, tarte aux fraises, un plat du fromage, et un verre du vin blanc et un cafe. Best cafe I've had in Paris, best duck confit I've ever had, and delicious strawberry tart. I didn't take any photos for fear of revealing myself to be an American tourist. Strolled back home in the twilight; Paris is leaving me in a constant state of bliss.

Me and La Tour Eiffel

Entering the Louvre

Lots and lots of people

Under the Pyramid

Le Premier Week-end

It's official. I LOVE PARIS. I love my neighborhood. I love shopping at the market. I love that the city feels like you're walking and living in art. I knew that I would like it here but this is above and beyond my expectations. So, my first weekend in Paris. Saturday morning I woke up early to buy some bread from the boulangerie next door. Best baguette I've had. Wandering around, holding my baguette, I saw a market being set up literally across the street from the apartment. Sam, Lauren, and I spent the morning at the market shopping, gazing at the beautiful produce, and loving the French. I defiantly developed serious envy for the cute carts all the Parisian market-goers had. After dropping our gorgeous produce at the apartment, we hopped on the metro to meet everyone for lunch at the 3rd arrondissement. It just happened that there was a HUGE antique market going on in that district. Was a little disappointed in the Moroccan food we had at lunch but c'est la vie. After lunch, attempted to walk to the Grand Palais but got lost with Val and Amy and ended up taking the metro after 2 hours of glorious wandering through Paris. The Anish Kapoor exhibit was there and it was mind-blowing. Very interesting and very very innovative. Today I was determined to buy one of those fabulous carts, found one for cheap and walked all the way home smilling like a fool. But must spend the rest of the day studying. Hard to focus on school work while living in such a fantastic place. 

View of Tour Eiffel from the corner

View of the Dome Church from my apt.

Park outside the apt.

My home!

Anish Kapoor exhibit (interior) 

Anish Kapoor exhibit (interior) 

Anish Kapoor exhibit (exterior)

Anish Kapoor exhibit (exterior)

Bonjour Paris!

 Arrived in Paris at 6h10 the 26th and am in love. The first order of business was pastries. A few too many later, I went to spend the first night in a hotel near my program's building. The hotel wasn't anything special but Marit, Rosemary and I had a room with a spectacular view. After at late lunch Amy, Marion and I wandered around Tuileries Garden. Passed out relatively early. Today was all orientation, then this afternoon I moved into my apartment! I'm at 67 Avenue de Breteuil with Sam and Lauren, in the 7th arrondissement. Will probably go exploring later, dinner first. Au revoir!

Patisserie 

Tuileries

Tuileries

Hotel balcony view

My room in the apartment

Pre-departure

This summer I will be on the study abroad program Art in France, where I will be learning about 19th and 20th century art. I arrive in Paris on the 26th of May, where I will live and study for five weeks! This blog is where I will be keeping track of my life while in Paris. I'll post photos, anecdotes, ramblings, and drawings here for attempted entertainment.
Amusez-vous!