End of Paris + Normandy

Here are a few favourite pictures from the end of Joe and my time in Paris, and our day trip to Normandy. We took a tour of Normandy with a hilarious Dutchman who hated Belgians and made really racy jokes, but was incredibly informative and knowledgeable on WW2 history. Despite it really being something I did for Joe, I ended up finding our day trip really moving and would recommend it even if you are not so fascinated by WW2.

One of many picnics, this on in the Luxembourg Gardens

 

paris with joe

So I clearly have been off the blogging thing for quite a while, as I adventured around France with JG. I left the laptop (and internet connection) at home and just soaked in the beauty of Paris, Burgundy, Provence and the Riviera. Life's pretty hard, right?

Thought I would post a few very nice pics we took with Joe's gorgeous SLR around Paris, with more to come from our time in the rest of France. Having already been in Paris for 3 weeks, we focused on giving Joe an exciting, full, yet not overly cliche first-time Paris experience.

We stayed in the Republique area, but in a nicer part then where I stayed with my school, right by the Canal St Martin. It was absolutely lovely, and we definitely recommend an apartment share in Paris when you visit, especially in this area. We really had a chance to experience the young, ridiculously hip Parisian scene there, and rented a really charming musician's flat with posters from "Breathless" and keyboards propped up against the wall. The only downside was the 4 floors of walkup, but at least it helped balance out the multitude of pain au chocolat and croissant we would eat every morning.

Walking to diner in the Marais, first night

Espresso first night

classing it up on rue rivoli and the palais royale

This week Rose and I had a very romantic friend date to shop in the Rue Rivoli/Rue Saint Honore area, and wander the Palais Royale, including the uber hip shop "Colette" and a very chic pop-up shop. We also sat down for teatime at the famous Angelina's, where Coco Chanel and Proust used to hang out.

Off Rue Saint Honore

New designer pop up shop had it clothes displayed in VW beatles

rodin, galettes + dancing

A cool day spent at the Rodin Museum

blarg.

I'm sick. In Paris. It sucks. In the meantime, 2 pics from Monday.

Macarons from my favorite place, Pierre Herme, at Galleries Lafayette location!

Pensive Amber outside Notre Dame

montmartre, tuileries, d'orsay

 

Peonies (or Pivoines en francais) in my room

Hanging out on the steps by Sacre Coeur in Montmartre

belleville, invalides etc.

Life here is sweeter each day. On Thursday evening, after my fun day at the cemetery and Canal, I had a super fun evening with some folks in my program. The night started with an excursion through Belleville, which is a really great part of Paris that is an interesting mix between the beautiful and the derelict, and old and the new. In some ways it reminds me a lot of parts of Brooklyn.

Graffiti in Belleville

The two guys of our trip- Dennis and Dylan

 

cemeteries, canals, hipster hangouts

View from my apartment window in the Republique

The first few days after I moved into my student residence were somewhat tough. While I was really enjoying getting to know the people in my program, I was super jet lagged Monday and we were in school all day Tuesday and Wednesday- meaning that I basically had no time to appreciate being in Paris, save for the walk by the Invalides on the way to class.

Today is a holiday in Paris, meaning that we don't have class today, or tomorrow because AUP (where our class is taking place, despite being an NYU class) has made it into a long weekend. Alors, last night we went out, first to a cafe (somewhat mediocre) and then for a beer (much needed) and a crepe (with sugar and butter- always good!). I have to say, however, that one of the best parts of the night was speaking french for the entire cab ride home with the cabbie and realizing that I didn't once feel confused or stressed about it. Already I'm feeling the language coming back to me, and I'm really looking forward to my continued improvement!

Crepe!

settling into paris

Bonjour from la belle Paris! I am writing from the living room of my family friends' flat in the 15th arrondisement. Yesterday, I arrived off the red eye from Toronto incredibly tired, but determined to last till at least 8:30 pm. After a lovely lunch with my hosts, I walked around their neighborhood, to a street called Rue Cler, where I found a lovely selection of food shops to browse. Oh and I passed somewhat noteworthy buildings..

Oh, hi there.

Delicious eats on Rue Cler