When traveling Europe, one finds that English-speaking tourists are quite plentiful in big cities like Florence, Paris and Rome. In Paris especially, us Americans are basically a dime a dozen. But in the lovely French harbor town of La Rochelle? We were actually kind of a novelty. In fact my mom, little sister and I … Read more
Spring- a magical season wherever you may be, but one that feels particularly magical in Paris- do you know what a relief it is to feel sunshine on your face and squish grass under your toes after the dreariest, greyest winter of your life? In our own Parisian form of sun-worship, we headed to the … Read more
While driving south with my mom and 13-year old sister on our epic French road trip, we passed sign after sign for the châteaus of the Loire Valley.
“Want to stop at one of the Loire Valley châteaus, mom?”
“Sure. I think it would be good for your sister to see one.”
Thus began the most random road trip stop of my life- the Château de Chambord.
Spring is here! Seemingly overnight, Paris bloomed, bringing forth delicate blue forget-me-nots, chirping swallows and soft, greener than green grass. It has literally been sunny every single day for a week, and I can feel my spirits lifting each day. Winter, it seems, is over. May picnic season begin.
While it hasn’t made too many appearances on my blog just yet, the 10th arrondissement, or the Canal Saint-Martin, is actually one of my favorite Parisian neighborhoods. Gritty, residential and tourist-free, there’s nothing I love more than the canals in summer, when everyone comes out to drink wine by the water, listen to music, smoke and soak up the sun.
As an au pair, I work a relatively small amount of hours (30) but I work six days a week. So on Saturday, my only true day off, I try to squeeze as much goodness into it as possible. Like waking up to Indian food after a long night out at the pub… Sipping a … Read more
Like most things in Paris, accommodation is outlandishly expensive. And this spring, when my mom and sister booked their tickets to come visit me in France, I immediately panicked- where was I going to lodge them for four days? As I have worked here for the last six months as well as the last three summers, I have … Read more
So two weeks ago a long-awaited dream came true- my mom and sister came to visit me in Paris!
While my mother has been to Europe several times before, it was my 13-year old sister’s first time on the continent so I was particularly excited to give her a taste of life in Paris. And by taste, I literally meant taste. This is Paris we’re talking about after all.
My perfect day in Paris doesn’t involve the Eiffel Tower. It doesn’t involve croissants. And it definitely doesn’t involve gruyère cheese. What does it involve? Wandering. Taking pictures. Stopping for steak frites. Enjoying the rare and beautiful blue skies. People-watching. And discovering beautiful little details all over the city. Which picture is your favorite?
So one unremarkable night in January, something happened that so many had told me I would never see: It snowed in Paris. And Lonely Planet would kill me, but… it was magical. I also witnessed my first Parisian déménagement, which I had no idea was such a process. I guess how else would you get all of … Read more