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
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.
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
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.
Though I did make time for some delightful shopping and neighborhood scouting on my trip to London, I have to admit- my itinerary was definitely bogged down by the dreaded, “Things You Have to See.” In travels past, “The Things You Have to See” have left me sweltering side by side with Japanese tourists at the … Read more
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, here’s an itty-bitty confession- I kind of want to move to London after my time in Paris is up. In nearly every way, it’s the perfect city for me at this point in my life: large, vibrant and nightlife-filled, located in Western Europe, and oh, yeah- I could get a real job due to the common language thing. Plus… boys with posh English accents live there. Love.
Though I’ve heard mixed reviews about London, for me it was nothing short of a very drizzly heaven. After months of feeling like I have no personality (my poor French reduces me to a shy but sweet, whimpering version of myself), it was such a blessing to socialize in my native language.
Escaping from France aside, there was so much to love about London, and I spent three days pocketing little moments of joy across the city. Here are a few of those moments.
“A lifetime isn’t enough to discover Rome” is an expression that also applies to its fellow former Roman capital, Istanbul, a city I found nothing short of magnificent.
I wanted to finish off my Istanbul coverage by recapping some activities that I strongly advise you not to miss. And while I hate the guilt that the word “must-see” tends to ascribe, here are some things to do in Istanbul that I really loved.