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!)