Au Revoir, Paris

My time in Paris has come to an end - I'm coming home today! I've decided that it's best for me to be in CA at this point in my life. I'm not saying that I wont be back to live in France at some point, but for now, it's not the place for me. In these last 5 months, I have learned a lot about myself and what I am seeking out in my life. I've spent a lot of time with my family and friends on this side of the Atlantic and it's meant a lot to me to be able to spend more quality time with them.

I hope that you all have enjoyed this glimpse of Paris (and beyond). I leave France with a heavy heart, but look forward to turning the page and starting a new chapter in my life.


Au revoir, ma "douce France, cher pays de mon enfance..." A bientôt!

Veuve & Lacroix

Last night, my aunt invited me to join her (through her friends invitation as a patron) to an art showing at the Christian Lacroix store by St.Sulpice. The art was very unique and colorful, much like Lacroix's creations. I fell in love with a dress, but at 1800 euros I thought it best to resist the temptation (!). I also found a black purse, but found it quite special because it was square and had aquamarine colored lining inside it. At 590 euros, I resisted once again. They had a fantastic catering company that made wonderful little mouthfuls of flavors and with a little Veuve Clicquot, life felt quite grand! And to top it off, Christian Lacroix came in to his store to see the show! He breezed through, examining the art, and then disappeared. I stood within a meter of him! Crazy.
After a few coupes, we all went to the Deux Magots restaurant, located in front of Eglise St.Germain. There were all sorts of characters out and everyone you see at this place always appears to be quite an important person. Their demeanors and the way they speak to one another and the waiters is always fun to watch. Quite enjoyable indeed!

Brunch in Paris

Yes, you heard me - brunch in Paris! It exists here, as I discovered today. It's a Sunday and I decided to find a restaurant that's open. And I found one! La Toque Saint Germain, it is called. I sat down and they asked me if I would also like to see their brunch menu. Amazed, I said, "Yes!" Well, "oui!" Though other items on their menu were tempting I decided to have myself a Brunch menu, which I photographed for your enjoyment.
Now, this made me laugh, they give you the pancakes (with Canadien maple syrup) only after you've finished the "main course" since they look at it like a dessert, I suppose. They also offered coffee (filter coffee - American style) and tea with refills! And you could choose between sausages, bacon, or smoked salmon. Though they forgot my fresh fruit and the service was slow and disorderly, the atmosphere was quite pleasant and the food of good quality so I'd go back.
After brunch, I decided to take advantage of such a delightfully warm, gorgeous day in Paris and rented a Velib' (bikes you rent from stands all over Paris). I rode along the quais, which they close to car traffic to, to allow people to have their leisurely Sunday strolls in peace. I rode all the way from the Citroen gardens to the Pont Alexandre III by the water and then rode all the way back to the apartment.
See the Eiffel Tower in the distance?
One of my favorite view points of Paris on the Pont Alexandre III bridge with its unique lamp-posts and a view of the Eiffel Tower and the American Cathedral.
And a little Indiana Jones to polish off a very wonderful day.

Steinway in Church

In one of the oldest churches in Paris, St.Julien-le-Pauvre, I attended a piano concert las night. A fantastic pianist played Chopin on a Steinway and it was an amazing experience. He had chosen which pieces to play so as to match the ambiance and actual space of the church - a very interesting combination. Only half the seats were filled and it felt as though you were getting to enjoy a private concert.

The weather is significantly warmer in Paris than in the countryside and it's vacation week for Parisians so the streets were filled with people strolling along and the terraces were packed.

Below is a view from one of the zillion little roads in the countryside of the l'Orne. The yellow rape-seed plants are out in full bloom and the fields are literally glowing.