When living in a city far away, there comes a point when distraction sets in and, for a fleeting moment, you forget about your life back home. I had several of those moments in the two weeks and I send my apologies for neglecting you all. Since last time, I have celebrated St. Patrick's day, gone to Chartres Cathedral, given a thirty minute oral presentation to my Institut Catholique class, and spent a lovely week with my parents.
St Patrick's Day:
A holiday much more exuberantly celebrated here than in the US, I assume because of the proximity to Ireland. It was quite nice, actually. It was the first time that most of our program all got a chance to hang out together outside of the classroom. An overwhelming abundance of shamrock pins, hats and singing.
Chartres Cathedral:
I have dreamt about visiting this church since I studied it in high school. Known for it's stained glass windows, Chartres is one of the oldest cathedrals in France and has the 3rd largest crypt in the world. The Cathedral was stunning even if the windows weren't as thrilling as I had expected. I think the most beautiful parts were the marble labyrinth on the floor and the gothic semi-circle wall around the altar. The windows, of course, were beautiful, but the intricate carving and decoration on the inside was really amazing.
It was such a pleasure to have my parents here this past week and to really so them my Paris. Although there were some hiccups, mom got sick and there were some sub-par meals, I think they were able to get a taste of how my life has been going here. The highlight by far was our dinner with Helene and Thomas. It was so funny to hear Helene speak in English, because she rarely does when we are at home. She prepared a fabulous aperitif which consisted of far more than appetizers. Thomas loved getting a chance to speak English and mom thought Helene was a hoot. We found out that Helene is a virgo and Thomas is a Tauren just like my parents, what a coincidence. At the end of the evening, seeing how much my mom enjoyed the Laduree cookbook that Helene published, gave mom her copy. She is really one of the most generous people. The sadness of having to leave her is already starting to set in.
We have spring break starting on Friday and I am beyond ready for a break. I am going to Nice with Laurel and plan on doing nothing but lie on the beach. I need some sun.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
One French entry
À cause de ce qui m’attend ce soir, j’écris tous ce blog en français. Ce soir, il y a quatre amis d’Hélène qui viennent ici (y compris son fils) pour dîner. Ma camarade de chambre est à Prague donc, je suis toute seule. C’était un bon weekend sans elle, mais dans une situation comme ça, je voudrais qu’il y aura une autre personne pour faire référence s’il y a un problème avec compréhension. Bref, j’essayerai et je parlerai ma meilleure française.
Nous avons fini les examens de mi-semestre cette semaine. C’était la semaine la plus stressant que j’ai eu en tous ce voyage. Je n’ai pas les examens beaucoup à Whitman parce que j’écris des comptes-rendus le plus souvent. J’ai eu 4 examens cette semaine dernière et tous en français ! C’était difficile. J’ai trouvé aussi que je suis obligé de donner un présentation de 30 minutes pour mon cours a l’institut catholique, devant une classe des étudiants élites et français ! Aidez-moi ! Nous devons présenter sur un sujet que la prof nous a donné. Mon sujet ? Les pouvoirs présidentiels dans les lois constitutionnelles en 1875. Mon dieu. Priez pour moi.
Sur une note plus léger, vendredi, je suis allée à la ville de Reims. C’est le centre de la production de champagne et le lieu de l’église Notre Dame de Reims. Notre Dame de Reims était là pour presque 800 années. Il est plus ancien, plus large et plus orna que Notre Dame de Paris. Mais, dedans, il y des fenêtres en verre souillées par Marc Chagall. Ensuite, nous sommes allées à un bon déjeuner de potage aux légumes, rôti de porc et crème caramel. Après, nous avons reçu un excursion de la maison Pommery, un producteur de champagnes. C’était très intéressant et délicieux. Quand nous sommes parties de Reims, nous avons vu la maison de Veuve Clicquot et Moët. C’a été une bonne journée.
Hier, je suis allée à Berthillon, la plus célèbre producteur de la glace à Paris. Et maintenant je sais pourquoi. C'était la meilleure crème glacée que j'ai jamais eue. C’est naturel aussi !
J’aime les Parisiennes et les Français mais, j’ai noté qu’ils sont les moins politiquement correcte gens en tout le monde. C’est génial de porter la fourrure, ce soir Hélène est en train de faire un plat traditionnel français avec le veau et ils mangent le fois gras tous le temps. Il me fait un peu inconfortable, mais je dois accepter que ça, c’est leur culture. Mais, je suis heureuse parce qu’Hélène fait du lapin pour dîner demain soir et j’aime beaucoup le lapin.
C’est tout pour maintenant. À tout à l’heure !
Nous avons fini les examens de mi-semestre cette semaine. C’était la semaine la plus stressant que j’ai eu en tous ce voyage. Je n’ai pas les examens beaucoup à Whitman parce que j’écris des comptes-rendus le plus souvent. J’ai eu 4 examens cette semaine dernière et tous en français ! C’était difficile. J’ai trouvé aussi que je suis obligé de donner un présentation de 30 minutes pour mon cours a l’institut catholique, devant une classe des étudiants élites et français ! Aidez-moi ! Nous devons présenter sur un sujet que la prof nous a donné. Mon sujet ? Les pouvoirs présidentiels dans les lois constitutionnelles en 1875. Mon dieu. Priez pour moi.
Sur une note plus léger, vendredi, je suis allée à la ville de Reims. C’est le centre de la production de champagne et le lieu de l’église Notre Dame de Reims. Notre Dame de Reims était là pour presque 800 années. Il est plus ancien, plus large et plus orna que Notre Dame de Paris. Mais, dedans, il y des fenêtres en verre souillées par Marc Chagall. Ensuite, nous sommes allées à un bon déjeuner de potage aux légumes, rôti de porc et crème caramel. Après, nous avons reçu un excursion de la maison Pommery, un producteur de champagnes. C’était très intéressant et délicieux. Quand nous sommes parties de Reims, nous avons vu la maison de Veuve Clicquot et Moët. C’a été une bonne journée.
Hier, je suis allée à Berthillon, la plus célèbre producteur de la glace à Paris. Et maintenant je sais pourquoi. C'était la meilleure crème glacée que j'ai jamais eue. C’est naturel aussi !
J’aime les Parisiennes et les Français mais, j’ai noté qu’ils sont les moins politiquement correcte gens en tout le monde. C’est génial de porter la fourrure, ce soir Hélène est en train de faire un plat traditionnel français avec le veau et ils mangent le fois gras tous le temps. Il me fait un peu inconfortable, mais je dois accepter que ça, c’est leur culture. Mais, je suis heureuse parce qu’Hélène fait du lapin pour dîner demain soir et j’aime beaucoup le lapin.
C’est tout pour maintenant. À tout à l’heure !
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Fashion Week: the good, the bad and the ugly
As the tents and trailers and models and cameras rolled in this week for the Pret-a-porter shows, so did the tourists, the closed lanes and the traffic. Two lessons learned: allow 25 extra minutes minimum to get anywhere and always carry a camera. Just to scratch the surface of what I have seen this week: the skinniest women in the world, sky-high heels, fur coats and one silver metallic fingerless glove. But who am I to complain-I get to be in Paris for Fashion Week.
On Thursday morning we arose at 6:30 to see the sunrise at the Sacre Coeur- a church up on a hill which overlooks all of Paris. The weather had been clear all week so we thought the conditions were optimal. Regardless of the freezing cold, I think this is a necessary adventure for anyone visiting Paris. It was absolutely stunning and it lacked all the peddlers and crazy people who normally hang out in Montmartre. Outside the sunrise was glorious as was the church inside. Wonderfully peaceful, it was a fantastic way to start the day. Much to our surprise, the church still has a group of nuns (full habit-wearing nuns) who practice in the church and live next door. While we were walking through the ambulatory of the church, they were on the altar praying and then started singing. It was quite magical. After the sun had risen, we went to have breakfast in the Marais and got to school in time for our first class. All in all a very productive morning.
Friday, two high school friends came into town so I met them at the train station and took them to their hotel. It felt nice to actually be the knowledgeable one for once. Saturday we explored the area around the eiffel tower which I had not done yet. We didn't climb it because Paris on Saturdays is mind-blowingly crowded. I showed them the Champs-Elysees, Hotel des Invalides and the Louvre.
Today, Laurel and I went to a flea market. Suffice to say, I cannot let myself go every weekend or I will completely blow my budget. They are so cool! Everything from old prints, to clothes, to street signs and dishes. Everything you could every want, really. I got a beautiful antique map, shell dish and a silver egg cup. One stand had a vintage Chanel bag for 1500 euro. yikes. Tonight, Helene made dinner for Sonia's birthday which was on Thursday. I think it was one of the most French meals I have had so far.
Midterms start this week. Oh no....
Notable Meals:
Sunday
Lunch: Mushroom and cheese crepe from a stand at the flea market. So amazingly delicious. Galettes (savory crepes) are made out of buckwheat flour instead of white and have a rich, earth taste. With the mushrooms and cheese it was absolutely etherial. And only 3.50 euro
Dinner:
Salad of spinach and arugula with shrimp and mushrooms with Thomas's famous balsamic vinaigrette.
Boeuf bourguignon with polenta. (I had never had this dish, though I have heard so much about it. It fulfilled all of my dreams about it)
Chocolate fondue.
During dinner Helene was asking if we ever ate lamb or rabbit, which of course I said yes, so she said she will make her rabbit ragu with gnocci soon. I cannot wait.
On Thursday morning we arose at 6:30 to see the sunrise at the Sacre Coeur- a church up on a hill which overlooks all of Paris. The weather had been clear all week so we thought the conditions were optimal. Regardless of the freezing cold, I think this is a necessary adventure for anyone visiting Paris. It was absolutely stunning and it lacked all the peddlers and crazy people who normally hang out in Montmartre. Outside the sunrise was glorious as was the church inside. Wonderfully peaceful, it was a fantastic way to start the day. Much to our surprise, the church still has a group of nuns (full habit-wearing nuns) who practice in the church and live next door. While we were walking through the ambulatory of the church, they were on the altar praying and then started singing. It was quite magical. After the sun had risen, we went to have breakfast in the Marais and got to school in time for our first class. All in all a very productive morning.
Friday, two high school friends came into town so I met them at the train station and took them to their hotel. It felt nice to actually be the knowledgeable one for once. Saturday we explored the area around the eiffel tower which I had not done yet. We didn't climb it because Paris on Saturdays is mind-blowingly crowded. I showed them the Champs-Elysees, Hotel des Invalides and the Louvre.
Today, Laurel and I went to a flea market. Suffice to say, I cannot let myself go every weekend or I will completely blow my budget. They are so cool! Everything from old prints, to clothes, to street signs and dishes. Everything you could every want, really. I got a beautiful antique map, shell dish and a silver egg cup. One stand had a vintage Chanel bag for 1500 euro. yikes. Tonight, Helene made dinner for Sonia's birthday which was on Thursday. I think it was one of the most French meals I have had so far.
Midterms start this week. Oh no....
Notable Meals:
Sunday
Lunch: Mushroom and cheese crepe from a stand at the flea market. So amazingly delicious. Galettes (savory crepes) are made out of buckwheat flour instead of white and have a rich, earth taste. With the mushrooms and cheese it was absolutely etherial. And only 3.50 euro
Dinner:
Salad of spinach and arugula with shrimp and mushrooms with Thomas's famous balsamic vinaigrette.
Boeuf bourguignon with polenta. (I had never had this dish, though I have heard so much about it. It fulfilled all of my dreams about it)
Chocolate fondue.
During dinner Helene was asking if we ever ate lamb or rabbit, which of course I said yes, so she said she will make her rabbit ragu with gnocci soon. I cannot wait.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Dinner with friends, Louis Vuitton and OFII adventures
Though is was largely and uneventful weekend, it did have some notable nuggets. My host mom was out of town and it was actually nice to have the apartment to ourselves. I had some friends over for a relaxing dinner on Friday night. We made fajitas and just sat around laughing. On Saturday, Sunni and I went to Musee Carnavalet in the Marais. While the actual works of art housed in this museum are not that exciting (the theme of the museum is Parisienne history), the building itself is an old mansion. It is absolutely beautiful and sort of crazy that it used to be someone's house. The real reason we went was because it was the last weekend of the Louis Vuitton exhibit. Vuitton is not actually one of my favorite designers, but the exhibit was fascinating. It documented how and where he got his start and went through his career and his legacy. They had some of the original trunks and pieces from each decade. It was quite awesome.
This week commenced with our OFII appointments. In order to stay in France for more than three months, one must have an appointment at l'Office Francais de l'immigration et l'integration. This appointment consists of lots of paper work, a quick chat with a nurse, measurements, eye check and a chest x-ray. Basically, they want to make sure you aren't spreading tuberculosis around the country. One of the weirdest parts is that they let you keep the x-ray. So, I now how a sizable x-ray of my lungs. Alright...new wall decoration? The most annoying part is that they make you pay 55 euros to put this great big sticker in your passport. The French make you pay for everything. At least it was good to know I'm nice and healthy. And aside from asking the desk manager if I was dead instead of if I was finished, the appointment went without a hitch.
In addition to delicious pastries, every boulangerie produces fresh meringues everyday. I have taken to sampling ones that look good and trying to find the best blend of crispy outside and chewy inside. I have yet to find the perfection I am looking for.
Erin and Bianca are coming into town next weekend and I can't wait! And the weather report shows straight sun!
This week commenced with our OFII appointments. In order to stay in France for more than three months, one must have an appointment at l'Office Francais de l'immigration et l'integration. This appointment consists of lots of paper work, a quick chat with a nurse, measurements, eye check and a chest x-ray. Basically, they want to make sure you aren't spreading tuberculosis around the country. One of the weirdest parts is that they let you keep the x-ray. So, I now how a sizable x-ray of my lungs. Alright...new wall decoration? The most annoying part is that they make you pay 55 euros to put this great big sticker in your passport. The French make you pay for everything. At least it was good to know I'm nice and healthy. And aside from asking the desk manager if I was dead instead of if I was finished, the appointment went without a hitch.
In addition to delicious pastries, every boulangerie produces fresh meringues everyday. I have taken to sampling ones that look good and trying to find the best blend of crispy outside and chewy inside. I have yet to find the perfection I am looking for.
Erin and Bianca are coming into town next weekend and I can't wait! And the weather report shows straight sun!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Bon Weekend Parisienne
There is nothing like spending a weekend with old friends like Monet, Raphael, DaVinci, Caravaggio and Praxiteles and new friends like Laurel Rory Mitchell. This weekend commenced Friday morning with a rendez-vous in the Marais with Sunni and Laurel to get falafels and explore. Suffice to say, best falafels of my life...see explanation below. After a long walk along rue de Rivoli past the Hotel de Ville, the Louvre and Notre Dame in the distance, we wandered into Musée de l'Orangerie. Knowing in advance that it housed Monet's "Water Lilies" I enjoyed their glory and was wonderfully calmed by their presence, but one of the best things about Paris? There is always a famous piece of art lurking around the corner. We continued to explore the museum further and found that it houses the majority of the high impressionist painters like Renoir, Matisse, Cezanne, Picasso the list goes on and on. Among them, one of my favorite impressionist works, "Deux Filles au Piano" by Renoir
After a wonderful day of culture, I joined Laurel and her visiting parents that evening for dinner at La Gare. A train station turned restaurant located in the 16th Arrondissment of Paris. The building itself was a joy to behold. In the summer, the ceiling opens up so the patrons can dine "en pleine aire". The food was delicious as well.
Saturday poured rain all day long without stopping. Thus, I started the day off with a gym visit, some shopping and then lazing around the house. Helene has commenced to calling me one of three things: the most common is "la grande sportive" considering I am the only one of the two of us who works out. The next to are interchangeable: cuckoo or ma belle. I like ma belle, but I cannot speak to the reason for cuckoo.
Sunday, I woke up and headed to the Louvre toute-seule. The bus that stops right outside of our apartment goes straight to the Louvre so it is a very easy trip. My French student ID gets me into virtually any museum for free so I just spent my morning exploring the first of three wings of the Louvre. I could never have imagined the immense size of this museum. I decided to start with the most popular of the three because it wasn't crowded. This wing of the Louvre holds the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre two most famous works. However, upon mounting the stairs I was greeted by a lovely surprise. Never had I known that the Louvre houses my second favorite sculpture the Nike of Samothrace (only second to the Artemision Zeus, housed in Athens). It was a grand surprise.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the Mona Lisa. I have heard for so long that it is unexciting, even ugly in person; Small and dark. It, however, is not as small as people have made it out to be. She is quite lovely actually. If it hadn't been surrounded by a crowd, I would have lingered in front of it longer. I could have spent hours wandering around the museum, but Laurel pulled me back to reality for tea at Ladurée. I think this is something everyone should experience once in their life. Simply exquisite pastries, with actual flavor, a rare occurrence is works of art. It's sort of like disneyland for tea, but so much fun.
Notable Meals:
Friday-
Lunch: Shwarma and Falafel (we all split) at L'As du Falafel. There are no words, just the best of everything
Dinner at La Gare
-Pumpkin soup over baby greens with parmesan/prosciutto crouton. Great flavor, could have been a bit hotter
-Barbet over roasted chestnuts in a spinach puree with sauteed chanterelles. Ethereal
-Chocolate cake with banana caramel ice cream and a homemade marshmallow. Marshmallow was amazing, dessert was trumped by another dessert. Mirabelle and pear crumble.
Sunday:
Helene made chili and cornbread! And a truly delicious chili and cornbread at that. Super spicy with nice big chunks of bell pepper and kidney beans.
After a wonderful day of culture, I joined Laurel and her visiting parents that evening for dinner at La Gare. A train station turned restaurant located in the 16th Arrondissment of Paris. The building itself was a joy to behold. In the summer, the ceiling opens up so the patrons can dine "en pleine aire". The food was delicious as well.
Saturday poured rain all day long without stopping. Thus, I started the day off with a gym visit, some shopping and then lazing around the house. Helene has commenced to calling me one of three things: the most common is "la grande sportive" considering I am the only one of the two of us who works out. The next to are interchangeable: cuckoo or ma belle. I like ma belle, but I cannot speak to the reason for cuckoo.
Sunday, I woke up and headed to the Louvre toute-seule. The bus that stops right outside of our apartment goes straight to the Louvre so it is a very easy trip. My French student ID gets me into virtually any museum for free so I just spent my morning exploring the first of three wings of the Louvre. I could never have imagined the immense size of this museum. I decided to start with the most popular of the three because it wasn't crowded. This wing of the Louvre holds the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre two most famous works. However, upon mounting the stairs I was greeted by a lovely surprise. Never had I known that the Louvre houses my second favorite sculpture the Nike of Samothrace (only second to the Artemision Zeus, housed in Athens). It was a grand surprise.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the Mona Lisa. I have heard for so long that it is unexciting, even ugly in person; Small and dark. It, however, is not as small as people have made it out to be. She is quite lovely actually. If it hadn't been surrounded by a crowd, I would have lingered in front of it longer. I could have spent hours wandering around the museum, but Laurel pulled me back to reality for tea at Ladurée. I think this is something everyone should experience once in their life. Simply exquisite pastries, with actual flavor, a rare occurrence is works of art. It's sort of like disneyland for tea, but so much fun.
Notable Meals:
Friday-
Lunch: Shwarma and Falafel (we all split) at L'As du Falafel. There are no words, just the best of everything
Dinner at La Gare
-Pumpkin soup over baby greens with parmesan/prosciutto crouton. Great flavor, could have been a bit hotter
-Barbet over roasted chestnuts in a spinach puree with sauteed chanterelles. Ethereal
-Chocolate cake with banana caramel ice cream and a homemade marshmallow. Marshmallow was amazing, dessert was trumped by another dessert. Mirabelle and pear crumble.
Sunday:
Helene made chili and cornbread! And a truly delicious chili and cornbread at that. Super spicy with nice big chunks of bell pepper and kidney beans.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
1 Month!
I have officially been away from home for one month. It both feels longer and shorter than that time. One one hand I feel like I have been away forever however, on the other I already feel pressure to step up my exploring game. The one thing I don't want is to leave here without accomplishing my bucket list!
We went to the Louvre for my art history class today, I had never been. It was absolutely incredible and we only saw a very small part of the sculpture department. It is such a privilege because we get to just come back next week and go through all the sculpture we have not yet covered in class. I really could not get over the building much less the art. The set up of the building and the contrast between IM Pei's modern Pyramid and the old architecture is stunning. I cannot wait to go back. My art history student id card gets me into any museum for free!
Little things about this culture always make me giggle. Even grocery shopping is amusing. They also seem to celebrate food than many other cultures. Monday was European Nutella day and this month seems to be Brioche month, last month was Galette des Rois month. Every bakery that was making all kinds of Galettes des Rois last month is cooking up all shapes, sizes, and flavors of Brioche. Apparently there is a different type of brioche for every region.
Notable Meals:
Only in France would your host mother serve you a crepe casserole made with buckwheat crepes, mushrooms, ham and cheese. It sounds weird but it was so tasty.
We went to the Louvre for my art history class today, I had never been. It was absolutely incredible and we only saw a very small part of the sculpture department. It is such a privilege because we get to just come back next week and go through all the sculpture we have not yet covered in class. I really could not get over the building much less the art. The set up of the building and the contrast between IM Pei's modern Pyramid and the old architecture is stunning. I cannot wait to go back. My art history student id card gets me into any museum for free!
Little things about this culture always make me giggle. Even grocery shopping is amusing. They also seem to celebrate food than many other cultures. Monday was European Nutella day and this month seems to be Brioche month, last month was Galette des Rois month. Every bakery that was making all kinds of Galettes des Rois last month is cooking up all shapes, sizes, and flavors of Brioche. Apparently there is a different type of brioche for every region.
Notable Meals:
Only in France would your host mother serve you a crepe casserole made with buckwheat crepes, mushrooms, ham and cheese. It sounds weird but it was so tasty.
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