1 year later...

Well, unfortunately not only did I create a large gap in between entries but I never concluded this blog. In my final two weeks or so of Paris things got pretty busy with: moving out, traveling, final exams, canceling contracts, and finishing up work. But I've decided to tie this little adventure up with one final post.

On a nice sunny and warm day a couple of friends and I decided to go try out the row-boats on a lake in a town called Vincennes which is connected to Paris via Metro. The weather was perfect that day and it was a lot of fun rowing across the water and even idling to people watch.

In my last two or three days I attempted to re-visit some of the places that I thought I would miss the most including Musee d'Orsay.

(the walking bridge to the d'Orsay via Jardin des Tuileries)

Unfortunately my last days also coincided with the beginning of summer which means tourist season! The line was too long for the museum so I decided having been there multiple times before I could spend my time doing other things.

And so I met up with my friend Linda for lunch! We both ordered a Nicose Salad. Yum! Sardines, tuna, hard boiled eggs, and green beans.

I went to a couple of my favorite parks. Place des Vosges mainly because it was so close to my house and in my neighborhood so therefore, "my" park.

Had a farewell dinner at my friend Colette's where I stayed a few nights. We also celebrated my birthday at the Pont des Arts bridge which was amazing. It was crowded with people, the sun was setting and the Eiffel Tower was in clear view. I couldn't have thought of a better way to spend my 21st Birthday :)

I took the train out of Paris on June 5th to England where I spent the day with my family. And then flew out of England the next day to San Francisco on June 6th. Jet lag got me for a few days (wanting to go to sleep at 7pm and wake up at 5am) but I pulled through.

Now it's September and I'm back in school at San Francisco State University. It's strange to think that this time last year we were all moving out of the hostel and adjusting to Paris. In my final weeks there my friends and I still find ourselves exploring the city even having been there for a year. I honestly thought I would experience "reverse culture shock" or be downright depressed at being back in the states but a part of me firmly believes that I will go back to Paris one day and so I know it's not over yet :)

Thanks to those who followed this blog through this past year, it was an amazing experience and I'm glad I was able to share what I could with you. Whoever you are.

Bisous et Au revoir!
Michael Suyeda

(My first entry for this blog was on August 22nd, 2010 the day we all arrived in Paris.)

Day Trip: Giverny

Hey everyone!

My program organized one last day trip before the end of our year and this time it was to Giverny. A small town about an hour and a half north of Paris where Claude Monet lived and worked. This is the place where his most well known pieces of art were inspired.

We had some time to explore his gardens and the pond for pictures and then toured the inside of his house.

Monet himself! Jokes. Anyways, this was a pretty fascinating trip. Being able to see the inspiration behind one of the most celebrated works of art was a surreal experience.

Speaking of surreal, my days here in Paris are dwindling down. I can't believe it! Let's not talk about it.

Until later,
Michael

Shakespeare & CO.

Hello everyone!

I'd like to talk about Shakespeare and Company for this entry. This is one of the oldest and one of not many, English bookstores in Paris. It is located in a small corner tucked away very near the Notre Dame. One could easily walk by it unless you knew what you're looking for.

There are many great things about this bookstore. For one, they have weekly events for readings and book signings. I myself got the latest edition of Le Petit Prince signed by the translators. A Mom & Daughter duo from Great Britain. Also, another interesting part of the bookstore is that they house struggling writers in their upstairs room.

This is one of the two small beds upstairs. There are also a couple desks around. The place is absolutely stacked, wall-to-wall, with books!

It really is a reader's paradise. They have a great and very up-to-date collection. I went just yesterday via VELIB which is a bicycle rental system here in Paris (what a rush!!) and bought Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.

Until next time!
-Michael

Montmartre

Hello!

One of the things I love most about Paris is the ability to find something to do everyday. On a day with nice weather I do whatever I can to be outside. My friend Linda and I decided to check out the Artist's Square near the Sacre Coeur in the area known as Montmartre. One of Paris' most historical quartiers.

So near the Basilique du Sacre Coeur there is a weekend event that takes place where a group of artists crowd this small square and either sell their own works or offer to do portraits/caricatures of those passing by.

After walking around a bit we found a place near lunch in the square and had fun people watching. A great hobby to have in this city.

Sacre Coeur poking out!

Going home so soon, can't believe it :(

-Until next time!
Michael

Day of Gastronomy

This past weekend I had a wonderful day of FOOD.

My first stop of the day for lunch was at an indoor market called, Marché des Enfants Rouges (Market of the Red Children). Don't worry, there aren't weird red kids running around, the name just references the general area; Quartier des Enfants Rouges. There used to be an orphanage in the area where the children would wear red coats and that's presumably how the name was created.

I managed to get there at the perfect time! I explored my options a little, there was the regular market selection of meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables but also surrounding the market were little restaurants. I happily chose a Japanese one which seemed to be making sushi that resembled the kind my Grandma makes for Christmas.

Eventually people began to surround me as a probably more appropriate lunch hour approached.

Voilà! Bon apetit indeed! It was the perfect lunch and in a great environment. My next stop for dessert actually wasn't too far off. About a 15 minute walk later I was at Stohrer. One of the oldest bakeries in Paris, founded in 1730.

I ate the pastry I chose too quickly for a photo. However, it was called a "Religeuse." Essentially a creme puff but filled with a very thick coffee flavored almost pudding like filling. I examined the inside of my mouth with my tongue for a while after finishing it. It had a very lingering taste and sensation.

Later that evening I gathered up some troops and tackled Pink Flamingo, a small French pizza restaurant chain.

A small but creative menu, I opted for Le Gandhi. A pizza that substituted the usual tomato sauce with Sag Paneer (curried spinach) and was topped with Baba Ghanouj.

Upon reservation, or good timing one can sit in the Volkswagen van parked outside the restaurant. With a reservation nearing the time my friends and I had sat down we decided to stay inside.

 Les pizzas!

Very content at then end of my day of fine dining.

-Michael

Aix & Marseille

My sister, her husband, and two of their friends came into town the day after I got back to Madrid so I was busy them for a good 6 days! We did all the tourist stuff possible. I kept them busy and well-fed :) And then my sister and her husband, Kris and I headed down to the South of France for a few days to a town called Aix-en-Provence.

A very cute and small provincial town. Our allergies were apparent but that didn't stop us from eating to our heart's content. On our second day there my friend who is studying abroad in Aix for the year took us to Marseille, a port-town 20 minutes from Aix.

 Bluest and clearest water I've ever seen!

Beautiful!

I've been exploring some new spots in Paris since my time is almost up so I will be blogging about my new finds soon :)

-Michael

Madrid: Day 3

So, on my last day Sarah took me to the area she was moving to called Plaza de Espana. This is near Grand Via which is probably one of their bigger and more commercial streets. We grabbed some tapas nearby and walked around enjoying the warm sunshine.

After lunch we headed to the modern art museum, Reina Sofia. With artists like Picasso and Dali.

I was excited to see Picasso's La Guernica, but of course, there were no photos were allowed. Although, here is one of the Dali pieces.

After the museum we hung out outside of it for a while which was fun. We got to people watch and Sarah and her friend Nia spotted a British celebrity from a T.V. show they had actually been telling me about earlier that day so they were pretty excited about that.

After wards we killed time until about 9 when we thought it would be socially acceptable (by Madrid standards) to have dinner. Paella!

The next day I slept in once again and eventually made my way to the airport and took off back to Paris. Excited for the next day when my sister would arrive with her husband, and their two friends. :) That's coming up next!

-Michael