Fresh Air

This past weekend I went to Nocé to visit with my second mom, Anne, and her sons. She lives in a wonderful, old farmhouse amidst beautiful rolling fields. We all had a lovely time catching up and just hanging out with one another. The photo above is of some of her horses. They are magnificent animals, full of personality.

The job search continues and I understand the frustration French people have with the current set-up of the whole thing, as well as the high unemployment! But I am determined!!

How are you all?

Miam

"C'est un sacre nom ça...et dangereux!" (Translation: "That's one heck of a name...and dangerous!) This being the owner's response to hearing that my name is Eve. Gotta love it.

I ate at a tiny little place (and I mean, like, 5 tables...) just by the apartment called Couleurs de Vigne. The walls are covered in bottles of all kinds. You can get a glass of any of the wines he has for 2, 50 euros! And if you like it, you can buy it since it is quite affordable. I enjoyed a Cassoulet au Confit de Canard, which was a perfect dish for a wet, dark, and dreary day. And what wine did I enjoy with this classic dish? A St.Emilion (a small village in the Bordeaux region). I could not resist the pear tart for dessert, so I enjoyed that as well. And un café, bien sur!

I had such a lovely time. Being by myself, the owner brought me a newspaper while I waited for my food and we also chatted a bit. Turns out his brother lives in L.A., though it didn't seem like he visited him much. He addressed me by my name the entire rest of my time there and held the door and shook my hand on my way out. I'll be going back!

Last night I ate at the Bistrot d'Hubert with my aunt. There is a little bar area that looks over the kitchen, with three table settings. My aunt and I sat there, perched above the extremely well organized kitchen and chefs. The whole meal was delicious. I began with some foie gras and followed that with a Dos de Morue (a white fish)...and then some chocolate wonderfulness.

My days have been filled with exploring Paris even more, which means walking a lot! I've been figuring out the bus system as well and find that more enjoyable than the metro since you get to see everything!

Beautiful Day

Yesterday was a beautiful day - one of those days when you fall in love with Paris all over again.

One Week

One week since I have been in Paris and I have unfortunately been fighting a cold the entire time. After New Years, my cold progressed and I spent a few days and nights with a fever and body aches. I am feeling better now, though my sniffles and cough continue.

I made it out yesterday and wandered around the 6th, past Notre Dame, and to L'Hotel de Ville. The weather is in the 40's and overcast with the occasional rainfall. Below, is a photo I took of a scene I found to be so Parisien.

Finding a job is proving to be more challenging than I had thought. I was being my American, optomistic self. It's not what you know, but who you know, which seems to work best so reaching out to those I know here will be step one.

Happy New Year!

To think I left the party early!! It is now 3 am and I have been drinking champagne and dancing for hours in an unventilated room full of people smoking and sweating. Vive la France! Starting the 2nd it will be against the law to smoke indoors and judging from tonight I find that to be a splendid idea.

I went to C. Cafe in the 11th arrondissement. My neice's boyfriend is opening this club in a month and this was the preview party. I met a lot of their friends that I had heard about, but never met and everyone was wonderful. I even got to dance an Arab dance (with a little guidance), hands in the air, hips swaying...which is a rare find in Santa Barbara. The group I was with included a Russian, a girl from Martinique, a German, a Lebanese guy born in NY, and a bunch of Frenchies. The city is still alive with sounds of happy Parisiens and I am off to get the stench of smoke out of my hair.

I wish you all a very happy new year full of champagne and fabulous company.

My nieces on either side of me and one of their friends. The club has yet to be renovated before its grand opening in a month, so it will look much different...no more graffiti all over the place.
Artistic photo of my bubbly:

Bonjour Mes Amis!

I have arrived! My flight was a little bit late, but I got to change my seat to an exit row so I actually slept for the first time ever! The flight left at 9:30 PM and I was tired, so this helped out as well. My neices were at the airport to greet me and off to Paris we went.

At the apartment we shared a bottle of Bliard Champagne with my aunt and my friends Chris and Rachel who were staying in the apartment. Fantastic! Then off to dinner at the corner restaurant. I enjoyed a foie gras stuffed magret de canard accompanied by a gratin dauphinois and a few glasses of a Cote de Bourg wine.

I am now pleasantly full and off to get some rest! I can't believe I am here for 6 months!

The Apartment

Thought I would share a few photos of the apartment - located in the 15th arrondissement. I'll arrive there December 30th.





The view from the apartment, over the square below.

The living area, with my mom, aunt, and half-sister.

The dining area (other side of living area).