Still Doing Touristy Things!

I've lived in Paris now over two months, and I still have so many things yet to see!

The other day I went on a walking tour of the Marais. The Marais is the posh, upscale area in Paris right north of the Seine River. All of the kings and aristocracy lived there in the 18th Century, and ever since then...the area has kept it's reputation of high class. In fact, one of the main roads in the Marais is called "Avenue Francs Bougeoise"... The francs bougeoise were the rich aristocracy in Paris who didn't have to pay any taxes! Francs means without taxes....and bougeoise is the group of high high class folk.

Well, definitely upholding it's name...the Marais was gorgeous! Right now it's supposed to be fall in Paris...but Paris is still bleeding with spring and summer flowers! And, the Marais was gorgeous! (See picture above of garden design with crazy cabbage things and perfect trimmings)

There's a huge courtyard garden in the Marais open to the public called the Place de Vagues. (See picture below with fountain. The upper right corner of the picture is the apartment Victor Hugo lived in! What a punk!!) Used to be called the Place Royale, but after the French Revolution the name was changed because people hated anything that had to do with the Crown. It was changed to Place de Vagues because Vagues was the first region of France that paid the state taxes! Haha. How funny!

But, just at the edge of the Marais is the Ville Juif...Jewish Quarter of Paris. It was amazing! There were so many interesting restaurants and stores! And, this was on a Sunday, so everything was open! (Jewish Sabbath is Saturday...whereas, Catholic-the rest of Paris-has everything closed on Sunday) There were so many beautiful Jewish schools and people all over! The streets were so crowed...it was awesome.

After the Marais walking tour, I enjoyed another tourist site in Paris: the Auguste Rodin Musee. (See picture at the very top. That is a view of the museum from the front gardens) Rodin is famous for his sculptures, The Thinker, The Cathedral, and The Kiss. He was very scandalous for his time, and played with many themes and styles that were considered horendous to some! I loved him! The museum was in a gorgeous old "hotel"...which is a huge, old, private mansion. The gardens surrounding the hotel were lovely and the view was incredible! The Tour Eiffle and Invalides all in the same spectrum!

This past week has been lovely! So many funny things have been seen and done! Well, I'm off to the Gare de Lyon (my favorite train station) to reserve some seats on the train for me this weekend!!! Where am I going?! Well...it will have to be a surprise when you read my blog when I get back!! : )

Kind Eyes

I have this goal, here in Paris, to be mistaken...just once...for a real Parisienne. Now this is a hard task given the fact that Parisienne women are a breed of their own. One can look Parisienne by a certain style of dress or by a certain attitude that one walks with...but, the real trick comes when opening your mouth. The second a foreigner begins to speak French, the Parisiens are quick to ask you what country you come from. They definitely know the true Parisien accent. So, as you can see, this is a difficult stunt that I'm attempting to accomplish. (Don't fret, I have protective gear and a fireproof stunt mat.)

I can't even begin to tell you how many people have come up to me asking for directions, the time, or simply if I think rain is approaching! At first, I am so flattered because this person approaching me thinks me to be a Parisienne! But...as usual...I commence my French speaking and they ask me, "Are you from Holland? Are you from England?" And, I have to reluctantly say..."Non, je suis Americaine."

So, lately, I've been receiving countless people asking me for help on the street! Am I beginning to look more Parisienne?? Hmmm...I smile to myself...

I asked my friend Jamiyla what she thought. Do I really look Parisienne? She said....not really, but I have Kind Eyes. At first I was kinda sad that I didn't appear the mysterious Parisienne type...but, after a few shed tears (not really) I realized, I would rather be asked for help because of my Kind Eyes anyday!

It seems that a friendly pair of eyes crosses all international bounderies!

Well...tonight, my wish came true!!! I was on Bus 21 coming home from my class, and I was just chillin singing a little song to myself...when a woman behind me asked me (in French) if I could help her. I, of course, willingly began to explain to her how to use the crazy Bus System. As soon as I started talking, I was just cringing...hoping that she wouldn't spot my foreigness!

Well, much to my surprise, this woman did not ask me if I was from another country! Oh my! What is going on!?! We had a lovely conversation (in French!!) and I helped her off the bus, and was just grinning from ear to ear*!

She exited and I continued on my way two more stops to "Glaciere-Normand".


Mmmmmm....La-la-la-la-la-la-la Life is Wonderful**!


*Annie...remember that awesome musical?!
**Jason Mraz...Mr. AZ. Check it out!

Marseille

I just got back from Marseille, France yesterday. It was unbelievable. Marseille is a city in Southern France on the Mediterranean Sea. There are way to many stories and things to tell...but here is a glimpse of the weekend...

-I met my first offical pirate. His name was "Black Cloud." (See picture above) When commencing a little conversation with him, I saw that his mouth was pretty much a dark hole with one large front tooth! Haha! He pretty much looked like Johnny Depp from Pirates of the Caribbean!



-The houses in Marseille were so beautiful. They had so much flavor and interest to them! The whole city was just overflowing with a relaxed, international theme! The people were so beautiful. And, the men in Marseille....oh my goodness. I have never seen so many striking men in my entire life. They all had dark hair, dark eyes, and dark sking. And, their accents where so dashing!




-The Palais de Longchamps (above) was unbelievable! There was a huge, ornate fountain and a gorgeous pond gracing the area. Behind the palace was a huge park for kids to play in. But, it wasn't just a normal park...the park was a huge snake! Craziness! Just one huge, concrete snake that wrapped all around the back of the palace. I seriously felt like I was walking through one of Harry Potter's adventures!



-The sea was so peaceful. I went for a swim in it and just felt so rejeuvented. The water was salty...but not salty like the ocean. It was a smooth, fresh salt. Erin and I saw a few men just drop their pants and hope into the water. I was like...oh my goodness!



-On Sunday, Erin and I went to the fish market! It was crazy! There were so many crazy types of fish!!! And, all of the people selling the fish looked so worn and rugged! What a sweet life to live!

-Saturday night, Erin and I ate Boulliabaisse (which is pretty much just fish soup)...Marseille is one of only a few cities in the world where all 3 main ingrediants of Boulliabaisse can be found! It was sooo good!

-The smells of Marseille were uncanny. It had a fresh, salty smell at first...with an after-smell of a warm, burning bonfire. I can't even explain how romantic it was!

River Crusin for 50 Euros

So, I just ate lunch yesterday for 50 euors....equals $60.21. Yep, that's right... a $60 lunch. Ok...so, I think I need to explain this lunch a little more...

It was a river cruise on Bateaux Parisiens for about 3 hours down and around the Seine. The Seine is the glorious river that goes through the heart of Paris! We took a boat around the river and it was amazing! There was a French lady singing the entire time...it was beautiful.

During the cruise, we were served an amazing lunch too! It was 5 course meal! With lots of interesting food, drinks, and lil surprises!

We had an amazing time...and, although, that was the most money I've ever spent in my life on lunch, it was definitely worth it!

France vs Chypre

For my birthday, Erin bought me tickets to the France vs Cyprus World Soccer Game! Ahhh! Last night we went, and it was awesome!

The stadium, La Stade de France, is out of control! The dad we live with, Pajaro, used to be on the Brazilian World Team, and he told us that La Stade de France is the best stadium in the world....well, from my expert opinion with all of my experience in World Soccer Stadiums...I would have to agree with him! It was the world's best!

We had sweet seats, and could see everything. We, of course, sat by some crazy Parisiens...who made the game even that much more fun!

France vs Chypre was a fast paced, aggressive game! I have never seen a soccer game that amazing in my life! (Well, except watching my gorgeous sister play...)

The French were all decked out in their French colors and had their faces painted, hair dyped, wear waving flags...the works! Erin and I got two French flags...and, I'll admit, we were definitely yelling "Vive La France!!" right along with them!

France ended up kicking Chypre and winning 4 to 0! Alright La France!

After the game, there was a huge fireworks display with some sweet music! But, the weirdest part of the night... At the France vs Chypre World Soccer Game in Paris, France...the final song played was "Born in the USA"...what?! Oh there...you silly French folk!

Well, the night was so awesome!




Fun Phrases Erin and I yelled like crazy!

Jeu! (Play! Play!)
Allez! (Go! Go!)
Oh la la! (No! What a terrible play)
Feu Foo Leu! (We really couldn't figure out what they were saying...but we just yelled it!)

Loire Valley

Wow! Where do I even start! This weeked was unbelievable! I went to the Loire Valley on Saturday and Sunday and explored the "heart o France." People say that the head of France is Paris. The brains are in Paris...the mind is in Paris. But, deep in the Loire Valley is where you will find France's heart. Well...let me tell ya! I found the heart!

The Loire Valley is full of castles (chateaux) and gorgeous countryside. There are beautiful little villages gracing the land. It was fabulouos. The Loire is a river running through France. Paris holds the Seine River...while the countryside can claim the wide, picturesque Loire.

Many kings of France wanted to get away from the madness of the city of Paris...so they would have chateaux built for them on the Loire River. Lovely idea, eh!?!

We went to many chateaux and villages!

1.) Chateau d'Amboise.
Catherine de Medici chilled here...but...fun fact: She never used silverware because she was convinced that it was "of the Devil" Haha. Oh, silly Catherine! Charles VIII died here in this chateau on his holiday. He was walking (actually, he was probably running)...and he ran into the top of the doorway in his chateau and died! No way! He must have been going rather quickly to die from running into a door! Oh, silly Charles!

2.) We saw Leonardo Da Vinci's house!
Oh my! It was wonderful! He only lived in two houses in his lifetime: one in (of course) Vinci, Italy...and the other here in France! We got to see all of his crazy inventions in his home. They were amazing. He had a park in the backyard with a pond that he would just invent stuff and try it out. (See picture below) Not to mention...he painted like a genius!



3.) Le Chateau de Chenonceau.
Fun fact about this castle.... Henri II was married to Catherine de Medici. (That girl definitely got around!) But, his "favorite" was Diane de Poitiers...So, he created this very clever symbol that he engraved all over the chateau. It looked like an H with two Cs circling it...for Henri and Catherine.... But, silly Henri...the two C's also remembed two D's!!! D for Diane! So clever!

4.) Chateau de Chambord. (See picture below)
Wow. What a dream. Leonardo Da Vinci designed the staircase in here. It is two double spirals leading up...yep...pretty much a Double Helix. He was so dang amazing! And, I'm pretty sure I saw Sleeping Beauty stoll out onto the terrace.


5.) Chateau Nitray.
Here we did a wine tasting. (See picture below...yep, that's a Bin O Grapes...fermented might I add) It was so great! I learned all about different types of wine and how to smell, taste, drink, enjoy, hold...pretty much everything you could imagine about wine! I even learned how to make a barrel! (Ok...so, that's another story..) This chateau was more of a hunting lodge. It was unbelieavable!





I ate in an amazing traditional French restaurant for dinner on Saturday night...and enjoyed a lovely two hour meal! It was so nice to not be in a hurry and to just enjoy the company and the delightful food.

The hotel, Hotel La Herserie, that we stayed at was incredible. It was a darling country home with lots of little mini houses. I stayed in a room with my friend Leisha and we had the best view. The hotel is owned by a man, his wife, and their darling little red-headed daughter. They fed up an amazing, homemade breakfast in the morning. It was simply divine!

I don't know if anything could have made this lil excursion any better...oh ya....the weather was incredible and it's autumn! Evey time a new season enters into my life, I swear that it is my favorite! I think Fall has got to be my favorite season of all. The colors are just incredible. The leaves are lime green, magenta, raspberry red, grape, violet, gold...I swear it smells purple during the fall!

Point to the story: The Loire Valley is amazing and you should go!

Happy Birthday!

So, I've officially begun my 21st year of living. Oh, how crazy! Who would have thought the day I was born that in 21 years I would be chillin in Paris! Oh goodness!

Well, my birthday was pretty hilarious! I'll let you in on the highlights.
Let's just say it was a day of firsts:

1.) My first "Metro Strike". This is where all of the Metros (trains), buses, and RERs (other trains) are on strike! So, one must walk everywhere! (Oh take a taxi...) *

2.) My first time eating raw salmon. The Canzani's made me a lovely birthday dinner! It was soo nice! We had a crazy raw salmon dip, tomatoes/mozza**, salad, bread (of course), a really interestingly good potato dish, lemons, raw salmon, an awesome homemade tarte, and some delic red wine! Ok, so the raw salmon was actually really good! I have to admit I enjoyed it!

3.) The first time a guy asked me out in Paris! (Hopefully they'll be more of these!!) A guy from Senegal, Africa asked me to go out with him sometime! And...it gets sweet...His name is Muhammed! Nice! (Actually, that's surprisingly an incredibly common name) He's in my International Economics class with me! I said, mmm, ok sure. Haha



4.) My first ridiculous Parisian Birthday Card! (See picture) Erin got me this adorable card with bear ballerinas on it with all different types of French dance terms. It's ridiculous! But, the best part of the card is that when I was in elementary school...the wallpaper on my walls was disturbingly similar to this card! And, Erin got me tickets to go see Pink Martini*** in Paris! Oh my! I can't even believe it! I'm definitely way pumped!

5.) My first Birthday Present from a postal worker. So, my dad sent a totally ridiculous box full with fun party stuff! Such as, streamers, a crown, party hats, chocolate coins (yeah I didn't really see that one coming either...) ...lots of fun random stuff! Well...there was a little party sack with balloons taped onto the outside of the box. Inside was a note from "Deb-The friendly Postal Service Worker" She said on a little card, "Happy Birthday! Here are some balloons!" I almost died laughing! What a funny lady! And, I bet she had no idea that she was going to be written about on some crazy girl's Blog!

Well, I'm pretty sure being 21 feels very similar to being 20! Mmmm....interesting...Erin and I and some other random foreign folk are going to this acoustic concert thing in a cafe tonight to officially celebrate!



*I'm a little weary of the taxi drivers...
**My absolute favorite thing in Paris! (well, as far as food is concerned)
***Google it...

Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche: prononced "Nweee Blonshhhh"

Nuit Blanche is one night in Paris where everything, and I mean EVERYTHING!, is open from 7pm-7am on a Saturday night. Well, Nuit Blanche was Saturday, October 1!

A nuit blanche is basically a French way for saying a sleepless night. Kinda clever! Direct English Translation: White Night

Well, Erin and I decided that we needed to experience this...so called Nuit Blanche! So, we dressed up in our coolest, Parisian clothes and headed out!



We started up by the Hotel de Ville. It was so beautifuk! There was this huge piece of art/video game up in the courtyard entitled Evacuation. (see picture above) It was about 200 x 100 ft and was basically a modified version of DDR.* The screen had images of colorful rectangles and circles all over the place. Then, the best part...people would run all over the ground chasing this little lights. It was bizarre! But, how hilarious watching lil French people run like spastic maniacs! I'm sure the artwork had some huge, deep political meaning...but I just laughed at the whole thing!

After the Hotel de Ville courtyard, Erin and I walked to the Georges Pompidou Centre. There was this huge Brazilian dance party/light show/concert/art going on outside! There were thousands of people surrounding this awesome display of plants/colors/whatever up front! I felt like I was in the Amazon Rainforest! People were dancing and singing! It was awesome!

We then went to Notre Dame Cathedrale and walked through the church. It was so romantic and beautiful. There was only candlelight illuminating the cathedral. I was in awe. It was just so massive and unbelievable. It's crazy to think that someone actually created it to honor and praise God. Outside Notre Dame there was music and fireblowers and dancers! It was sweet!

Nuit Blanche is definitely something that needs to be experienced! My pictures do not do the night justice!

Bon Nuit!



*Dance Dance Revolution...duh!