L'examen final

Yay! Basically all done with classes now, except for two papers, but no more tests!

Unfortunately, the last exam also means the last day that everyone will be in Paris, sadness, : (

But the fun continues for 24 hours!

A couple of the girls got together for a last lunch at Les Temps des Cerises. It was yummy as usual, and the waitstaff was really kind. Since we were like the last ones in for lunch, the waiter actually took the large menu with lunch specials off the wall and brought it to the table in order to help us decide.

This evening we will be treated to some french dessert, merci Madame Dufresne, followed by a late night boat ride on the Seine. An excellent end to the travel study month here.

Le dernier minute

Only one week left of studies, which means everything is getting kicked into high gear from studying to super last minute apartment hunting.

Friday night we went to a tiny theatre near St. Michel to see 'La cantratrice chauve', a very amusing piece, but my medication started to wear off towards the end, and I started to pay less attention, and doze, but all in all an enjoyable evening.

Yesterday, we were at Chartres with our study group, and while I didn't feel like getting on a bus yet again, the trip was well worth it, mostly due to our guide. The old englishman who has been giving tours of Chartres for over 50 years, used his somewhat sarcastic sense of humor and ridiculous wealth of knoweldge to bring the idea and spirit of the cathedral and its history to life. He would take us through the stories in the window panes, without looking at them, just talking to us, while we gape at the edifice. The walls were basically all stained glass windows, which our guide explained was to bring to mind the heavenly Jerusalem, as the glass reminds all who see it of precious stones. Unfortunately due to reconstruction, we were not able to see the relic that made Chartres the pilgrim site it was and is today. Apparently a gift to Charlegmagne's grandson, and king of the region, the garment Mary wore when giving birth to Jesus is kept at Chartres. The garment's origins have been verified as the right time and place, but who could be sure? All in all, I would love to spend days in the church listening to Malcolm Miller present the secret beauty of the church, to sit and listen and discover all the stories in the art. As he explained, the building is a library of books that would take lifetimes to read. Hopefully I will have the chance to return and read again.

This morning I went to a small Baptist church I heard about in the 7th. Just an FYI they use real wine for communion here. After spent some time trying to finish up homework in the Luxemboug gardens, to no avail as people watching is just more fun.

The apartment hunt is going at high speed right now, as I will have to vacate our current abode in less than 5 days. I have a more expensive, but beautiful prospect as well as a less pricey, but SMALL one. Prayer please.

Love and ancient history from Paris!

les photos

my first day in Paris, a couple of us went to look at le Tour

Paris Plage has begun! France brings a bit of the beach to the banks of the Seine.

One of the students from the UCLA history program serenades in Pére Lachaise cemetery, before all of us and Jim Morrison.

Another funny piece of street art in Paris

Je suis malade

Unfortunately, a combo of not sleeping enough and metro riding has rendered me ill : (

Luckily, the French people have lovely Pharmacies everywhere, where you tell the white coat wearing staff what is wrong and they give you drugs. I am currently taking something, not exactly sure what, but it does make me a bit drowsy. So I am forced to start taking the day slow. Saw one apartment today, and am skipping our museum visit this afternoon to sleep and hopefully do some homework, maybe catch a free movie in the park later. Quite hard to believe we have only about a week left of classes, and finals are practically here!

The apt search is basically narrowed, both are in the 5th, one is with a lovely french girl in a more modern apartment, the other in a huge apartment shared between 2 to 3 people, rented out by a director. Please continue the prayers for clarity on what would be best.

Now I am going to post a great deal of random photos from the past couple of weeks, enjoy!

Sneezes and air kisses from my hotel room in Paris!

Moi, ça va

Cute stencil I found while walking around Place des Vosges, shopping Saturday.

Chateaux et Vélos

Back in Paris after a lovely couple of days in the Loire Valley. I honestly wonder if the residents ever tire of the picturesque beauty of the French countryside.
We left Paris Sunday and enjoyed some time in Blois that night, with dinner in a local Café Latino, who's decor included images of Che Guevara and sayings in spanish, followed by an interesting light show at their local castle. It was a decent, if chilly night, but most of our group decided we have been spoiled by Disney's idea of a lightshow, our bar is a bit high.
We arose early today to bike 11 miles to the Chambord castle. I squeaked along (the bikes were practically antiques, probably going with the historic theme) dodging cars, wincing through roundabouts, which can be very scary when you are on an ancient bike that should have long been retired. Despite my occasional worried glances at the chain, praying it wouldn't fall off, as some people's did, I did soak up some gorgeous views of post-card worthy abodes and fields. I actually picked out a cottage I will one day live in during our journey. Unfortunately I didn't work up the nerve to let go of the handles to pull out my camera until later, so few images from the ride exist.
Despite somewhat nervous beginnings, the view of Chaubord was well worth the stress and sore dérriére. The hunting lodge of many french kings, I cannot tell you which ones, was an intimidating sight, dominating the woods and little village. We wandered through for a while, marveling at what one could possibly put in ALL those rooms or how in the world you could navigate them, ate some lunch, bought country bread, then lazed in the field behind the castle reading (and getting a sunburn) before making the 11 mile bike journey back to Bloisn during which I was nearly pulled over by a french policeman for almost running a red light, even though there was no other cars for miles, just a french family crossing the street, followed by a 2.5 hour bus ride back to Paris. Now showered and tired, I am off to finish up some HW then to bed.

Kisses and sunshine from Loire and Paris!

La marché des Puces

Had an amazing shopping day yesterday! I made it over to the flea market early, which is now on my favs list for what to do in Paris. A huge variety of 'shops' spanning blocks, with everything from rickety tables selling old junk to hoity-toity antiques places where you are told to not touch anything. I found not only an amazing pair of boots but a job offer to work at a vintage booth. More details to come soon, need to get packing for our Loire valley trip to look at really old castles!
Hugs and cheap deals from Paris!

oh and still looking for an apt, prayer is appreciated : )

Faire la lessive

I finally ran out of random outfits and had to trek down to the laundry mat yesterday. I must admit to a little pride for not screwing up any clothes or machines.
That afternoon, our profs took us to Musée du Quai Branly, a rather controversial establishment, founded or funded or something by former French president Jaques Chirac. It was full of "art" from different early civilizations around the world. I use art losely because that is where the controversy comes into play. A friend of mine, art major and amazing photographer, explained that when people have come into contact with these people to ask them what they think about their art or what they do for art, the indigenous are confused. Everything they make serves a purpose. Thus, some believe that the museum takes objects, masks, statues, and clothes used for cultural or religious ceremonies, and westernizes said item into our idea of art. But I thought they did include a great deal of technology such as video and sound to demonstrate how people use the objects at which you are looking. Overall a very different experience, but I wish we had a guide or a quick study of the history of the pieces, I don't like going into museums blind, with no foreknoweldge.
A group of us then ventured to Flavela Chic, an amazing Brazilian place in the 11th, metro Republique, its on the list for one of my best nights in Paris thus far.
Apt hunting continues...
Oh and our travel study group will be biking approx 22 miles around French castles this weekend, pray nobody falls.
Love and samba from Paris!

Pix to come soon!

Tomber amoureuse

After seeing yet another apt, I headed to the 17th to meet up with a friend for a simple evening at a wine bar. With the sun finally setting around 9, I know, it stays light VERY late here, I just had a moment.
The place itself was amazing with mostly local clientele who all greeted each-other, invited people to their tables, enjoyed quiet, but intense chats, an older man engrossed in a novel in the corner, while a young couple whispered over a bottle of red wine. The gracious barkeep who offers a taste before serving, funny quotes along the wall, one made me giggle so I included it below, and the travelling guitarist who provided excellent jazz and traditional french songs.
I was taking this all in, while trying to explain what I am discovering in the city over cheese and a white wine, to the person to whom I will forever be in debt for showing me this place. Attempting to find the words to describe how walking the streets and seeing a city that is so different just a few blocks apart, the sense that one must live here, not incessantly work, take time to eat and enjoy afternoons in the park, hold hands, be confident, listen to people, say hello, eat ridiculous amounts of bread, watch the Seine...
All in all, I think I am beginning to love this city.

"Quand ma verre est vide je plains, quand ma verre est plein je le vide." -JO

Bastille Day and cocorico

Bastille day was definitely an event! After sleepin in, watched a bit of the morning parade from the comfort of my bed. I had no idea the french had that many different military groups, being a peace loving nation and all. We then walked around our neighborhood forever trying to find an open store that sold bread for our picnic. Finally got everyone together and out the door to enjoy an evening on the Champ. It was an excellent day for lazing in the sun, little too warm but thank heavens for ice cream, listening to some free concerts and finally the momentous fireworks, accompanied by opera music! Overall, very classy, and a most beautiful experience.
The return home was a different story, mobs of people, I mean literally mobs. I felt very revolutionary walking around the streets of Paris with thousands of others. We finally stuffed ourselves into a metro and arrived home tired, safe and inspired to become french citizens.
oh and study because our midterm was today, blah exams.

Les Pompiers

The day before Le Quatorze Juillet, France's Independance day, made for an abundant amount of adventure. I braved the morning drizzle to take some time for quiet repose at Place des Vosges, beautiful park in the 4th. It was lovely to sit and enjoy people watching, read, journal, daydream, etc. I then wandered around a bit, only to discover a harp player next to a door that led to another park, pictured to the R. I even found a café with euro coffee. A morning of awesome discoveries.

Afterward met up with some girls for an organ concert at Notre Dame. Indescribable, the music vibrating through the long church and through your body. It is incredible what God can inspire.

As the rain continued to threaten a few of us watched our first french movie. Only understood about 80% of the dialogue, but still a cute one.

Finally prepared for Les Bals des Pompiers, or Firemen Ball, where all the fire houses in paris open for a night of dancing and festivities. We did some research and decided on the 6th. We arrived to find a line around the block, most decided to stick it out, and after 2 hours we found ourselves in a packed courtyard with much drinking, little dancing, and lots of people. We laughed through about an hour and decided to head home, an adventure in itself involving two buses and a couple blocks walking. Overall not all it was hyped to be... But still a learning experience.

We didn't get up in time to catch the parade today, but will soon be off to picnic and enjoy fireworks near Le Tour Eiffel.

Apt search continuing, might have found THE place, but will have to wait til she gets back from vacation, keep the prayers coming : )

Much hugs and love and cocorico* from Paris

*cocorico: excessive or ostentatious patriotism

La Hamman

Quick update!

Culture:
Heard abou La Dame aux Camélias, a beautiful ballet at the Palais Garnier from a few girls and decided to go. As the show had been sold out, we arrived early the day of and crossed our fingers for rush tickets. After a little nervous fidgeting and praying we arrived to the window, greeted by a somewhat surly older woman who informed us that only seats left were horrible. We decided that 7 euros would be worth seeing even half the stage and found ourselves in a little alcove, reminisce of a bat-cave, at the TOP of the theatre. Turns out we had fairly good view if you leaned on the balcony just right, and didn't mind the occasional person accidentally wandering in to see what could possibly be in such a small hideaway. Overall an amazing piece, although admittedly Angela and I were a little lost for part of it, and had to google to get the whole story, turns out that Moulin Rouge is roughly based on the ballet based on a play.

Eating:
Roomie and I did some shopping around Mouffetard today (I accidentally bought a candle when I meant to purchase perfume, luckily the woman was really nice and let me exchange), and decided to eat at the nearby Mosquée de Paris. Its a true Mosque used for religious services, I'm pretty sure, with a restaurant-tea house. The atmosphere was lively and warm, with birds flying in and out of the windows, which were covered with rouge silk curtains. Felt as if you were far east of paris. All in all, while more on the pricey end, it was yummy, or as Ana puts it nyum nyum. ; )

before and after shots of the table

hugs!

La société coopérative ouvrière de production - à captial variable

For June and July it seems UCLA flocks to Paris, giving me the opportunity to join the history program on a beautiful walk through Père Lachaise. Its an old expensive cemetery in the 20th arrondisement where one can find Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde (le plus important, selon moi). The walk was amazing, and Teo is one of the best profs at UCLA, he deeply cares about the history and students appreciation of it. I had such an excellent time (thanks to Mlle Park who invited me along). Only sad side was I left quite early in the morning and was told that thunderstorms would rage the whole day, and dressed for the worst, leaving my camera behind, only to discover blue skies and a relentless sun. I will simply have to return again, and bring lipstick for Wilde's tomb.

The evening brought more walking, indoors this time, at the Louvre.


Due to the tardiness of our arrival, our guide practically ran us through some of the rooms, stopped at some of the big paintings (yes Mona Lisa too), and constantly shushed everyone around us, then would repeat words in english a great deal, even though we repeatedly assured him we wanted the tour in french. Yet, he was very knowledgeable. I will need several more trips to take in even a small portion of what is there.

Oh, and today my roomie and I lunched at a co-op restaurant, hence the title of the blog, Les Temps des Cerises on rue butte aux cailles. I'm often reminded at times like this how much vocab I lack, staring at the prix fixe menu, deciphering. Luckily a kind older gentleman, with an air of intellectual, leftist radicalism, but in a proffesor way, leaned over, although he didn't have to go far as we were seated at a picnic table style setting, and offered to translate. Unfotunately he left before dessert, but it was actually fun ordering that blind, I mean it is hard to order a bad dessert. Generally, it was tasty and the staff...well honestly they poked a little fun at the american tourists (us) but it was in a friendly manner, I think we'll wander back tonight.

Again, kisses!

Le Caveau des Oubliettes

Hier soir (yesterday evening) I once again enjoyed some Parisian jazz. I am starting to think I have had more jazz encounters here than the states. Somewhat odd considering the origins of the genre...
Anyway, Le Caveau des oubliettes was suggested to me by both my guide book and a jazz musician, so a couple of us went out to enjoy the small jazz club in the more touristy area of St. Michel (near Notre Dame). It was small but in a cozy way, the music was fun, the bartender sweet (one with the crazy hair) and could carry more glasses than any person I have ever seen, the audience was half made up of musicians and the other half were people who truly appreciated the music. Overall, it was by no means an undiscovered gem, but a good outing for a low key evening, and free admission with purchase of at least 5 euros. My roomie, the lovely Anastasia, and I sitting in the somewhat sweltering caveau.


During the day I was hunting down apartment listings throughout the city and came by the Shakespeare bookstore, once again a suggestion of the guide book, and as such, was a bit crowded. Despite that, it has a different atmosphere completely. It has been soothing to find that every bookstore I have been to is a calm oasis. Stepping from the bustle around Notre Dame to the shakespeare was night and day. I will definitely return soon to explore more. A great deal to read not only in the books but along the walls...



As far as the apt search, it continues...
As of today, I have seen exactly 5 places none of which have been the perfect combo of cute and low cost... Although the most recent is quite tempting despite its expensive pricetag. The search will continue to 3 or so more this week, and hopefully it will come along soon. Although I may have found a babysitting job for a cute new baby. Thank you for all the support and prayers during this process and please keep it coming : )
The kitchen of the VERY cute apt near rue mouffetard


I found this amazing velo during our jaunt around the neighborhood before stopping by the apt, love the inscription on it,
'It's amazing...with the blink of an eye you'll finally see the light! It's amazing, when the moment arrives, when you know you'll be all right!'



hugs and love!

La Musique

A fellow American, who I met during the long journey over here, is studying music composition for the month. And as a music connoisseur, introduced me to a beautiful park in Paris where there is a jazz festival the entire month of July. Skies above the city threatened no rain, and the wind kept it cool, making for an exemplary day to sit and enjoy talented musicians. Having vowed to become more educated in the realm of Jazz, I will definitely return soon, but with the makings of a picnic this time and maybe some study materials.

La Lumière

Paris has been amazing thus far, so much to do and see from museums to churches, shops and eateries. As a Parisian explained why he loves the city "Parce qu'elle bouge" or is alive/moves.

I have started class; but it is difficult to remember that I am here to study when there is the Arche de Triophe, the Galleries Lafayette, Musée d'Orsay, and of course the Tour d'Eiffel to be seen.

Today our travel study group actually got out of the city and headed about 2.5 hours (by really slow bus) north to Honfleur, a city in the northern area of France, known as Normandy where the Seine river meets the Atlantic. It is a cute seaside town with plenty of great ocean breezes, excellent gelato, and postcard worthy scenery, see photo.

To finish the day, a couple of fellow students and myself had a Parisian picnic beneath the Tour d'Eiffel. Due to France's new post as president of the EU, she was lighted with blue, and at the top of every hour, she sparkled. I am sorry the picture does not do her justice.