Weekend Update

Friday:
A truly gorgeous day in Paris, started off the morning by going to Basilique St. Denis in the north with my Art and Architecture class. This church, a good deal older than Notre Dame, houses all of the tombs of the early French kings beginning in the 4th century spanning to the Revolution. It was both eerie and fascinating at the same time. All of the crypt is still intact.
After that, Sunni, Laurel and I went to a Japanese restaurant right by school. It is now one of my new favorite places. Very well priced, it reminds me very much of Asahi Ramen back home. After lunch was a visit to Le Petit Palais to do research for my language class. We were required to go see the photography exhibit of Pierre and Alexandra Boulat. This exhibit contrasts the work of Pierre Boulat and his daughter Alexandra beginning in the 50s and continuing with her work after his death. It was such an interesting show. Monsieur Boulat's photographs are truly awe inspiring. He photographed Paris during occupation, many famous New York stars in the 60s and even documented the first couture show of Yves Saint Laurent. His daughter's photographs, while spectacular as well, did not hold the same allure for me as her father's perhaps because they were mostly present day pictures. After the museum we walked along the Champs Elysee, which I had never done. Admittedly it was beautiful, but I am not one for the major touristy activities; it was kind of like Disneyland.

Saturday:
Woke up bright and early. Headed to the gym for a quick 6K then explored our local outdoor market. Being a true Santa Monica native, I love our farmers market but it does not hold a candle to this one. While it is a bit smaller, it has an astounding selection. Everything from produce to multiple fish stands, meat vendors selling every cut of meat imaginable including whole pigs ears, mushrooms, nuts, sweet meats, honey, eggs, clothes and the list goes on and on. It was so fun to go and explore something the United States would never allow because of all the health regulations. At 5, Laurel and I went to see Black Swan. I had already seen it, but she wanted to and I didn't mind seeing it again. I'll tell you, going to the cinema in Paris is very worth the experience and I would do it again. The huge theater is right across the street from l'Opera de Paris. It is less expensive to get a ticket and popcorn than it is to buy one ticket in LA. Not only is the price right, the theater is lovely! Spacious, comfy seating and clean. For dinner, we went to Les Pietons Laurel's tapas bar (she was here last semester). New. Favorite. Place. The food is fantastic, it is affordable, the staff is absolutely lovely, great music and the Sangria is the best I have ever tasted.

Sunday:
I had a nice lazy day today. The gym is closed on Sundays so that is my day off. I do enjoy giggling at the differences between my parents and Helene and Thomas sometimes. For example, on the weekends H & T will frequently make a pot of coffee and lie in bed lounging until noon. My parents are up and at 'em by 9..no later. Helene's friend from her theater group came over for dinner. We had a lovely time discussing all the museums we must go to while in Paris. In addition, we got to see some of Helene's actress-side displayed. I can assure you it was quite a treat.

I had a very reassuring weekend. I received two compliments on my French speaking abilities. One was from our neighbor, an elderly man who, after about 6 minutes of conversation, told me I speak very well. Another from a couple of girls we met a the Tapas place on Saturday. We were talking to them about how long we had been here etc and one girl looked at me and said (in french) "You've only been here a month?? How long have you been taking French? You speak so well!" Coming from a Parisian, I was pleased. Hurrah!

Notable Meals (and food):

Thursday:
-My friend Laurel was showing me around the new mall Printemps. We stopped in and split one of the delicious concoctions I have ever tasted. It was from the famous macaron bakery, La Duree. Called a St Honoré, It was a pate a chou base, pumped with a bit of raspberry jam, with rose flavored whipped cream on top and raspberries. I'm pretty positive it was a little piece of heaven.

Saturday:
Tapas included:
-very yummy olives
-one of the most flavorful gazpachos I've ever had
-country bread with avocado and Serrano ham
-croquette

Sunday:
-my favorite pumpkin soup of Helene's invention
-a sort of shepherd's pie but duck instead of beef-amazing. the duck was cooked and seasoned to perfection, then came a layer of tiny chopped carrots, then topped with a puree of potatoes and some parsnip covered with breadcrumbs and baked. delish
-confit of oranges, cooked in honey, candied ginger and sugar. Absolutely amazing. Sort of a more flavorful version of the pre-stage of mom's candied orange peel.