On Sunday morning, I woke up early and feeling refreshed, and quickly ran out the door to head to mass at Notre Dame cathedral. I had passed by the beautiful yet imposing building many times already during my visit, warily eyeing the long lines and anticipating this moment. I took the metro, purchasing a... Continue Reading →
Circuses and an Origin Story
I was arguably most excited to visit the Musee des Art Forains, a private fairground museum in the Beray neighborhood of Paris. The museum had rebuilt a European fairground from La Belle Epoque, and given my fascination with old circuses, carnivals, and fairs, I had to see it. After a rushed breakfast, I hopped... Continue Reading →
Versailles, Opulence, and an Itchy Goat
Friday was Versailles, the Trianons, and Marie Antoinette's Hamlet and farm. It was incredible, though a number of things did surprise me. Unfortunately, the parts I looked forward to most (the Queen's chambers and cottage), were closed for renovations, but that just means I'll have to go back. Quel dommage! The journey to Versailles is... Continue Reading →
30,000 steps, 75 floors, and a Large Dose of Nostalgia
On Thursday I headed straight for the Eiffel Tower upon waking. Another stop I had not planned, but I was making great time with all my sites and had time for more. It’s such an iconic landmark, it seems bizarre to actually be next to it. As you walk towards it, you can catch glimpses... Continue Reading →
Famous ladies stuck in artwork
I woke up to an empty apartment. Anais was on her way to NYC, and the apartment was all mine. She had been so excited the night before to go to America. It did make me appreciate my familiarity with it a bit more, but then I felt silly about all my gushing about Paris,... Continue Reading →
Old Tombs and New Wines
I woke up around 8:30am with a solid 10-11 hours of sleep. The sun rises so late here, I was confused for the first few moments. The mattress was directly on the floor, something I actually really appreciated. I enjoy sleeping close to the floor. For some reason it makes me feel more safe, more... Continue Reading →
Leaping headfirst into the unknown – and raw meat
It was cloudy when I landed at Charles de Gaulle airport on the afternoon of October 24, 2016, so I couldn’t see much of France from the air before we landed. That didn’t stop me from staring at the landscape around the runway and convincing myself that what I was looking at was French grass,... Continue Reading →