Au Revoir Paris!

My time in Paris has come to an end... but will be picked up again sometime soon, I can feel it. You know when you meet someone, and for some reason you just have a feeling you will see them again??? Being in Paris I have done everything my heart has desired, and redone and revisited my favorite places. There are of course more that I want to do, and things I will look forward to doing again. I hope the next time I am in Paris I am with someone who I can show Paris to... the way that I have seen Paris, and lived in Paris. I was given an amazing opportunity to live in Paris for a month, with some of the most amazing people... PARISIANS. I have ventured to places only locals know about, as well as the top tourist places. I have had wonderful recommendations by Naomi, Jake (TAs) and Teo who all have lived in Paris, as well as recommendations from my fellow classmates, and through this blog I have passed on many of these gems... keep the information flowing: Next time you hear someone is going to Paris tell them about the Louvre's secret entrance and Creperie de Josselin.
I am heading to Italy next, and I am so excited!!! Although part of me wishes I could stop at home, even for just a couple hours, I am reminded everyday: There really is no place like home. It has been tough being away from home, I have never been away without family, not even for a couple days (I realized this the first time I was overcome with the Homesickness flu). Thankfully, technology keeps all of you  a little closer, and Natalie always reminds me that Home is always Home, and it will still be there when I land on August 1st!!!! :)
Okay, enough of that mushy gushy stuff...

CHOCOLAT!!!!!

O'pera... by far the most beautiful building I have ever been in

We saw Harry Potter 3D... in PARIS, great experience

Oh, School Boys... a great reminder of the many picnics with the class

We were blessed with the most amazing TA's on our trip. They were always there with recommendations, as well as sharing special experiences with us. This picture on the left was from our dinner we had on one of our last nights in Paris. We had a whole room to ourselves (very rare in Paris) were we enjoyed a 3 course menu with the WHOLE class. It was bittersweet. I started this post about a week ago, but I have been pretty busy, so I will give a quick summary... Le' Go!

Our last night in Paris was on Bastile Day (I think I spelled that wrong, but I don't want to take the time to google it to figure it out) and there were celebrations all over the city. We went to the Eiffel Tower to listen to some music, but left before the fireworks show at 11... or maybe it was 11:30pm... to get  our last dinner. Then we headed back and by the time we got back the whole area was SWAMPED with people, CRAZY! The fireworks started and our view was "meh" so Naomi, Jake, Kailey, Calvin, Ray and I decided the view from Calvin and HBO's room on the 7th floor form our Apartment would be WAY better (just like Teo told us) so we booked it back to the Apartment and had 17 minutes left of the show... IT WAS C'EST MAGNIFIQUE! I will have pictures for you and videos when I get home :)
The last day in Paris we had time to kill till 8pm when our train for Italia would depart so Kailey and I decided to hit up our favorite places: Jardin de Luxembourge, Creperie de Jossilin, Cafe in the 6th for cappuccinos and one last stop at the Eiffel Tower... Amazing.

Then we were off to ITALIA!!!!!! I was going to pretend like I wrote this on the train (but we didn't have wifi (wee-fee) so I am actually in Venice now). Overnight trains are iiiinteresting. Kailey and I didn't know there was a Food Car on the train and were dying for real food (not our snacks we stole form the Paris complementary breakfasts) and thankfully we had already befriended the train stewardess and when we told him we were hungry he said "didn't you go to the food car?" Apparently where was a food car about 4 cars down, but it had already closed :( But not for us!!!! He were practically running behind him as he led us there, jumping from car to car. The food was terrible- I didn't even take a picture... weird, I know. But THANKFULLY they had WINE!!!!!
I hardly slept, but in the middle of the night there I woke up (because the train randomly stopped) and I looked out my window and saw these big mountains in Switzerland! I had no idea we were going onto neutral land, so I can say I have been to Switzerland now, right?!?!?!
Finally in the morning we arrived in Venice (although I guess I booked the train to the stop before Venice-- once again, good thing we were friends with the staff, so he let us stay on till Venice. Now we have had two days in Venezia. Last night we saw a firework show because there was a Festival (surprise for us) so the Islands were PACKED! Italy is sooooo different compared to France... but not better, or worst. It's still too soon to tell, but I think I love them both! We went on a Gondola ride via the only female Gondolier. She was really interesting and really nice. She has been giving rides on her Gondola for 17 years and she told us about a special "hidden gem" in Venice. See Pictures. It was windy today, so it was risky for us to go on a ride, but since we all knew how to swim we took the risk (true story). at many times we had canals to ourselves... VIP.

I must wrap this up so let me finish with 3 things:
1. Pizza
2. Gelato/ Gelati
3. Bellinis- Kim Kane... You would die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will fill you all in more later, but for now: Arrivederci!!!

Concert in the Park

The really nice lady working said this was her favorite... she has really good taste!

Mousse au Chocolat

O'pera Cake

They use all natural ingredients in their Gelati (Venice)

Bellini<3 Kim Kane, you would DIE!!!! They have it everywhere in Italia! I will have one a day for you ;)

Finally, Italia has Veggies!!

2,50 euro for a slice of really good Pizza... finally cheap food!

Venezia

The "Metro" for Venice is via boats

Gondola ride with Alex (the only female Gondolier) She was great, everyone should go to her a real experience

The "hidden gem" Alex told us about, it inspired many Fairytales

Gelati- we can make a whole blog all about the Gelato, its everywhere!!!

p.s. All the pictures are in random order because I am not techy enough to get the pictures to move when and where I want them to, they decide. I wrote this post over a span on about 2 weeks, so I am sorry if it make no sense, just enjoy the pictures, we will talk later.
xoxo,
KMG

Me, Naomi, Jake and Kailey

Robby, Kelly, Kailey, Me, Calvin and Manesh

Presentations in a park... This places doesn't even look like Paris

Views From The Top

Bonjour!

Reminds me of Nala from Lion King

It has been awhile, so we have a lot to catch up on! But first I wanna give a SHOUT OUT to all of those reading this from all around the Globe: We have those in Paris, California and PA!!!!!!!

Moving on... Friday night I ventured back to the Louvre and was able to see the Egyptian exhibit as well as Napoleon's Apartment. Let me tell you, that Napoleon guy designed his place for PAR-TAYS! A chair that sits 3, and a dinner table the length of a bowling lane, or longer.

I want.

Quick Tip: If you plan to go to The Louvre be sure to look for this Arc. There are stairs located just to the side of the Arc and lead underground. Follow the signs to Musee Louvre, you will be inside in a matter of seconds, NOT hours. We walked right by the 4 hour line (NO JOKE or exaggeration) and straight down the steps. We couldn't believe it, we bypassed the longest line known to mankind. All thanks to Calvin............ who is full of useful information. I was trying to come up with a cool name like: Master of Word on the Street or Calvin The Informer... Its a work in progress...

Calvin... Since I seem to mention him a lot, lol

Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel ---> Secret Entrance that way --->

View from atop the IMA

If you want a free view of Paris venture to the IMA or Institut de Monde Arabe and head to the top floor.

Saturday night Calvin, Kelly, Robby, HBO, Ray and I headed back to Chez Prosper for a French dinner and to finally try the Tiramisu au Nutella our TA's have been raving about. This time we were seated inside, which for Parisians like us is a downgrade :(
This time I ordered the Salmon dish which was the best salmon I have ever had. I ate it with my spoon because as soon as my fork touched it it fell apart. (That's a really good thing, FYI)

Salmon with an oil based sauce with some sort of chili pepper, but it wasn't hot. Maybe it was sun-dried tomatoes. But I don't remember if it tasted like tomatoes... But I DO remember it was YUMMY!

When is Paris, do as the Parisians do: DRINK WINE!!! I was so use to seeing red wine with dinner plates, so I ordered a glass of the House Red, and the kind waiter "un garcon" reminded me white wines are sweeter and go better with fish, red wines are drier and go better with red meat... I KNEW THAT! I really, really did!!! I just forgot... I really enjoy dinners at Chez Prosper, the service is friendly and the atmosphere is loud and fun, but this meal was a reminder to Americans of how cultures differ. In the States we have rare, medium, and well. Not to mention rare/medium, medium/well and well-well done... I never really got those, that's like at Starbucks when people would order drinks with 1/2 non-fat 1/2 soy... so are you lactose? or do you not want fat??? Either way you are failing... (that was for all you baristas out there--> I have realized how dealing with people before they get their coffee has trained me to be a kind and simple customer)
Ok, back to the MEAT: In France if you order your meat "well" they don't even know the word, so we say "The one that is after Medium" and it will still have some pink to it. Rare, as Calvin will attest, is close to raw.
Finally for dessert, I give you... TIRAMISU AU NUTELLA! It reminds me of a dessert you would see served at Claim Jumpers. This should be split between people, because too must of a good thing is still too much. There was no espresso, just lady fingers (I feel like there is probably a prettier french word for them) that are not soggy, so it is very different than Classic Tiramisu with a lighter, thinner, runnier nutella and topped off with the classic tiramisu creme and cocoa power.

 

The next morning I went to Musee Rodin. The museum in surrounded by lovely gardens so I decided to be a little artistic and take some cute pictures of some of the roses for your viewing pleasure...

After leaving the Museum Kailey and I headed over to one of our favorite places in Paris: Jardin de Luxembourg for lunch. We got the plat de jour, it was tasty, but once again nothing to write home about... But here I am, writing home about it :) I just really like taking pictures of all my food now, I may run into a problem when I go out to dinner with friends to places like Chipotle and start taking pictures of my burritos...

Luxembourg Gardens!!!! I <3 this place! Notice the couple making out in the background, this is such a perfect picture of Paris, there are always people kissing in public... In the states its like "omg, get a room" but here is SUPER CUTE!!!!!! Except for when they BOMB your photo

Later that night we headed to La Tour de Eiffel to finally make our way to the top! When we were waiting in line I noticed how beautiful the sunset was with rays of light shining through from above. Usually when I take pictures of pretty sunsets they are hardly like how they look in person, but this time it is almost perfect.

View from the 2nd level

View from THE TOP!

It was quite the experience going to the top of The Eiffel Tower. It was perfect timing because we were able to see the view when the sun was still out AND the view of all the lights. The view from the 2nd level was my favorite because it was all open, no fence to block the shots, and by the time we got to the top that sun was gone and taking clear pictures was quite the task.

The Eiffel Tower light up

The Eiffel tower SPARKLING!!! Every hour, on the hour, for 5 minutes starting at 10pm and ending at 1am

On Monday our walk as a class was through the Montmartre district in Paris. This is where Basilique du Sacre-Coeur is (pictured below) as well as Moulin Rouge, also below is located. I thought Moulin Rouge would look really cool and antique-like, but its super modern. It has been redone and renovated (just like everything else in Paris) so it lacks authenticity, but I guess its cool to say you have been there.

Zoomed in view from Basilique. Since it is located on a small hill the view is really nice. This is another free view, but you can go to the top, where the Dome is and pay for perhaps an even better view!!! But I don't really know for sure if it is better... you let me know.

Non-zoomed view. I feel like I have to show what it REALLY looked like to the naked eye...

I am getting over writing so I will speed things up. One night a group of us went to see a Greek play in Paris, at the Comedie Francaise (where they now house all of the ballets). I figured it would be a great experience, so I said "Sign me up!" Once we got there EVERYONE was speaking to us in french, and since Kailey and I were late we were quickly trying to make it to our seats. Finally we sat down and realized the whole play was in French! We still do not know why we thought there was chance we would understand what was going on, but this play was ALL talk, hardly any gestures, no comedy and only one step up from Black Box Theater. The best part was when the lights finally came up and I was able to take a picture of the Hall. Pretty huh??

Another "view from the top" *wink*

Dinner that night at Le Commerce

This was one of my favorite meals in Paris because of all the veggies. These people do not eat veggies!!! Its always cheese and bread and wine. The wine I don't mind, I paired this one with a Rose.

One tuesday after class I joined a couple Jewish friends for lunch at Mickey's in the Jewish District. Remember that yummy felafel place? This kosher burger joint is right across the cobble stone street. It is a spicy beef patty (I usually don't like red meat because I am very picky when it comes to meat, but in Paris everything is so much fresher! Especially when it is Kosher!) then you have so lettuce, tomatoes, really yummy zucchini  mayo (that isnt ANYTHING like any mayo you know, it was more like a hummus or something) and topped off with an egg. They put eggs on EVERYTHING, and it is always a pleasant surprise. Seeing all the different pairing in the dishes here makes me very excited to get more creative in the kitchen, Julia Child here I come!!!
After lunch Kailey and I had a relaxing drink at a cafe on Rue de Saint Germain in the 6th. My favorite thing to do in Paris is sit at a cafe or in Luxembourg garden, relax with or without a book and just watch the people go by...

I hope I didn't lose you guys at the end there... Thanks for holding on! I am a few days behind, but I will fill you in sooner or later. There are only 2 more night in Paris, then I am off to Italy!

Pied-à-terre = A second home.

Bonsoir les amis mon!
I have been hearing more and more from many of you that you have been reading this blog of mine :) I am delighted to hear that, although maybe that means you are just all really board... I would like to think that reading this can be informative to those who may someday find themselves visiting my second home: Paris, France. **That is a silent "s" and a long "a" sound** FYI. 
Now on to the good stuff:
 Kailey and I set out to Champ de Mars for another picnic.

I was inspired by Natalie's pictures of the tower, so I did a little photo shoot, but notice I made this picture smaller- that way you can't turn it into your screen saver... muhahahaha

Pretty walk way/ garden where there once was a railroad

Multilingual menus are all the rage! But sometimes they forget about English :(

Japanese noodles in "J-Town"-- that's what the cool people call it... I am learning via Calvin

Picnic with the class on Pont des Arts

I have found many new things that I love, and I never knew I loved before. PICNICing (apparently not a word, so I put the verb in all caps, still not a word, but it kinda looks like one) is by far the one I am most excited for. Pont des Arts is a bridge- the French picnic anywhere AND everywhere. The bridge is full of adorable lockets that couples write their names on and lock them up and throw away the key... kinda cute.
Dust off your wicker baskets and clear your afternoons, because when I am back in da LBC I will be dragging you all out to the parks and beaches! Speaking of "da LBC" the Ghetto Swag that I so readily flaunt is not widely accepted here. I let Krippin' come out one night outside of a bar (in a playful way, I haven't had to use Krippin' for protection... yet.) and the french boys were so shocked, their reaction was "look, she is just like how they are on TV" and I was thinking to myself, 'no foo, I aint frontin'. I'm da real thing. You don't see swagga like dis on the TV screen, you see this ish on the corner of Long Beach & Anaheim!

Okay, moving on... 

Patisseries in a beautiful grocery market called: La Grande Epicerie

 And I thought Bristol Farms was fun...


One night Brian, HBO, Kelly, Robby, Calvin, Kailey & I went to Chez Prosper for dinner because our TA's love the restaurant and frequent it when they are in Paris. Half way through our meal guess who me saw??? Our TA's! Mind you, this place is 11 metro stops away form our apartment, but Parisians always run into people they know ;) I got the Chicken Tandoori for dinner with Zucchini al gratin (here it means "thinly sliced" not "with cheese" although it was with cheese...) it was really tasty, and I was happy to eat a meat other than Jambon (ham). For dessert we all wanted to try the Tiramisu au Nutella but our waiter Frederic sadly informed us that they were all out :( So I got the Chez Prosper special, there was vanilla ice cream from Bertillon with almond slices (my fav) chocolate sauce (my fav) and a meringue cookie... my other fav, topped off with Chantilly! I, however, had no clue what Chantilly was so I kindly asked the waiter, who asked the "English speaking" waiter who said "oh, Chantilly is also Chantilly in English... same thing!" I was excited to try this Chantilly that I remember seeing on many of the menus since I have arrived in Paris... it was so delish! ---but let me teach you some French my friends, Chantilly is what we call in the States: "whipped cream."

Chef Special au Chantilly

So many things about Paris make me long for my bestest friend and dearest Sissy Natalie. I have decided if there was only one place to take you for the best meal in Paris is would be here: Creperie de Josselin. You would love love love it!!! It is so cute and little, and combines all the best of Paris. The service is always amazing (this was the 2nd time we came here) and the crepes are the best Paris has to offer, not to mention their Cider-- the alcoholic type ;)

Sausage, tomatoes and cheese on a galette crepe

Nutella and Banana

 Calvin got a lemon crepe that has sugar and lemon juice... Oh-em-gee, Natalie I will try to make you one for your birthday... I promise.

Today we went to a market, and this was my lunch, it was good, nothing to write home about, I just took a picture because I think pictures with baguettes are so funny looking... am I right?!?!?! I hope you all enjoy reading this. I like to keep you all posted, and it helps me remember all that I have done... you all know how bad my memory can be.... Wait. What was I just saying??? Anyway, I am off to the Louvre- its free tonight from 6pm-10pm for "young adults."