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