The Paris Days

The End

2010-04-28T23:45:00.000-07:00

My stay in Paris has ended so I'm back home in Los Angeles for the time being.
From now on I'll be using my other blog, A Jolly Good Time

Le Printemps

2010-04-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's been great to watch Paris come to life this past month

La Guerre

2010-04-23T14:19:00.000-07:00

I saw Johnny Flynn play a couple of nights ago. He switched between the mandolin, trumpet, violin, banjo, and both acoustic and electric guitars all in the same set. Needless to say, I loved every minute of it.

Saint-Denis

2010-04-19T12:14:00.000-07:00

Today I visited Saint-Denis Basilica where the majority of France's most important historical figures are buried. The 4th photo shows the graves of Louise de Lorraine, Louis VII, Marie-Antoinette, Louis XVI, and Louis XVIII. The following photo is the shriveled heart (yes, the HEART) of Louis XVII.

The 1st is a couple out of about a million bikes I admire every day on my way into town.

So I was actually supposed to fly home today but since all the airports in Northern Europe are closed because of the raging volcano in Iceland I will be here for an indefinite amount of time. Since it's going to be be at least another week I might as well make the most of it, right? ....Southern France or Germany anyone?

La Défense & Such

2010-04-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Montmartre & Versailles

2010-04-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

A relaxing last few days in Paris

Pompidou Center and Latin Quarter

2010-04-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

La Madeleine

2010-04-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Look at the beams of light coming in through the holes in the ceiling. WOW

Paris Walks: Walking Through Paris' History

2010-04-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

1. Paris in Layers

I've actually done this walk numerous times as it features some of the most monumental sites of the city such as Sainte Chapelle, Musée de Cluny, the Seine, the Palais de Justice, and of course Notre Dame. For some reason no matter how many times I wander around this part of the city I always feel as though I'm seeing it for the first time. The majesty of Notre Dame never ceases to blow me away.

2. Métro

This is a very useful walk seeing how you use the metro various times each day. It is very impressive that such an advanced underground railway system was constructed over a hundred years ago in the year 1900. Since familiarizing myself with the different lines by doing the walk when I first arrived and using it daily to explore new parts of the city I have definitely developed better feelings toward some metro stations than others. Some stations smell worse than others and some lines are slow or seem to always be down. I do however get pleasure from the different themes of each station, which make your ride in a packed train pushed up between the window and the guy with bad B.O. just a little bit more enjoyable.

3. A Walk in the Park

I'm positive this walk was meant to be done in the late spring or during the summer because when I did it in early February Luxembourg Park was cold, vacant, and dead. I did enjoy the statues and the beehives though.

4. Of Art, War, and World's Fairs

I'm pretty sure this was the longest walk in the book but it was totally worth it. The William Turner exhibit was going on at the Grand Palais so naturally I had to spend some time there, making the already long walk even longer. The statue of "The Thinker" surprised me (I had no idea it was at Musée Rodin until I saw it) and I got a kick out of the war museum in Les Invalides. I particularly liked all the ancient suits of armor.

5. Place de la Concorde

This one was pretty quick but it was nice to relax and watch the tourists in the Tuileries and see the president's house, U.S. Embassy, etc. And I think the 3,000 year old Luxor Obelisk is really cool and I want one.

6. Marcher Le Nez Au Vent (Madeleine)

First of all, I love madeleine cakes. I really like the Madeleine building also. The inside was breathtaking (after seeing cathedrals every day for 3 months that is a huge compliment) with the three domes letting beams of sunlight light in. I went against the books better judgement with regard to trying simple flavors of macarons at Lauderée. The fleur d'orange, cherry, and green apple flavors didn't really do it for me. Next time I'll go with chocolate and vanilla.

7. Marais 1

Because we spend so much time in the Marais as it is I felt like I was at home on this walk. The piece of Philippe Auguste's wall was certainly a site to see and L'église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis is stunning against the backdrop of Rue Saint-Antonie.

8. Marais 2

I love the Jewish Quarter! Not just because of the delicious falafels or the great hole in the wall thrift stores but also because of it's atmosphere. Unfortunately, Musée Picasso was closed for renovations.

9. Follow the Money

This walk had some interesting sights like La Bibliothèque Nationale and Bourse. The Palais Royal Gardens were nice too.

10. Playing Hooky in Le Quartier Latin

The Latin Quarter is undoubtedly one of my favorite parts of Paris so I did this entire walk twice and enjoyed every minute of it. It was interesting to see the narrowest street in Paris as well as Le Procope Café, it's oldest cafe, founded in 1686. Also the roast beef sandwich at Così is DELICIOUS!

11. Lutetia Pulchra Est: Musée National du Moyen...

I loved this walk too and took much longer at the museums than I should have. It was my first time seeing Roman ruins and medieval artifacts and it blew my mind. The Pantheon is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. I'm especially a big fan of the frescoes inside.

12. Time Travel, Tricks, and Treats Around Saint-Sulpice

Saint-Sulpice (the second largest church in Paris) was another one of those churches that made my jaw drop when I went inside, not because it was in the Da Vinci Code, but because of how spacious it is inside.

13. Seizième Arrondissement

Besides the excitement of seeing the Turkish Embassy (woo-hoo) the most memorable part of this walk for me was the Jardin du Ranelagh because there was grass to lay on. It had definitely been a while and it felt soooooo good.

14. Eighteenth-Century Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

I very much enjoyed Parc Monceau with its fake roman ruins and wealthy neighborhood setting. Musée Jaquemart-André was fun too. It's pretty nice place.

15. Saint-Ouen's Labyrinth

This walk was not what I had expected. After passing the gross ghetto market in the parking lot we got deep into the market where we found every color bead imaginable, newspapers from the 1800's, and oh so many antiques. I'm not gonna to lie, the antique furniture from the 17th century was a little overwhelming.

16. Montmartre Walk

This was the first walk I did and absolutely loved it. Sacré-Cœur has wonderfully unique architecture and there is a small square behind it filled with painters making magic on their canvases. Actually Montmartre has been very influential in Paris' art scene for a long time. Picasso, Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh all lived there.

17. La Défense

This is a very unique part of Paris because it's so modern. I suppose it is good to have a modern outlet close to the city. All the tall buildings reminded me of home and for a while I didn't feel like I was in Paris at all. I still can't get over how weird the giant thumb is.

18. Grands Boulevards

L'Opéra Garnier is breathtaking. It's the theater where Phantom of the Opera takes place and there really is a small lake underneath it! We tried to find it but a security guard caught us sneaking around and told us that visitors aren't allowed to go down there. At least we gave it a shot.

19. Parisian Necropolis

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise is by far the coolest cemetery I have ever been to. With the graves of Georges Seurat, Jim Morrison, Chopin, Géricault, Oscar Wilde, and Georges-Eugène Haussmann, how could it not be? The old cracked tombstones and statues make it look like something straight out of a horror movie.

20. La Route des Manifs

I was astonished to find out that only seven prisoners were freed during the storming of the Bastille. Anyway, when we started this walk there was a protest going on about the French State banning the wearing of burqas in schools. They even climbed up the statue of a woman in the middle of the round about and put a giant burqa on her. I personally thought it was pretty creative.

21. Get Lost!

I can't count how many times I've gotten lost in Paris with and without trying to. One of my favorite occasions I wandered around the town of Saint-Germain (technically outside of Paris). I really like the town as well as it's castle, neatly trimmed garden, and forest. It also has a fantastic view overlooking Le Vesinet and I was able to spot my house!

Hooray for Paris Walks!

Loire Valley

2010-04-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Catacombs

2010-04-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

...and it went on for 2 km

Things I Am Going to Miss About Paris

2010-04-08T16:05:00.000-07:00

مغربي

2010-04-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

Every weekend just gets better. Morocco is by far one of the coolest places I have ever been. I could spend a lifetime wandering the narrow streets of Fez's medina. Founded in 808 A.D., it's believed to be the world's largest contiguous car-free urban area.

Italia

2010-04-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

Hiking the Cinque Terre then exploring Florence and Pisa = the perfect weekend

Nanterre et Saint Germaine

2010-03-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

Le Dôme des Invalides

2010-03-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

Chartres

2010-03-02T14:33:00.000-08:00

"Chartres Cathedral (full name Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres) is located in the medieval town of Chartres, about 50 miles from Paris. Not only is Chartres Cathedral one of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture, it is almost perfectly preserved in its original design and details. Chartres' extensive cycle of portal sculpture remains fully intact and its glowing stained-glass windows are all originals. Chartres is thus the only cathedral that conveys an almost perfect image of how it looked when it was built. In addition to its architectural splendor, Chartres Cathedral has been a major pilgrimage destination since the early Middle Ages. Its venerable history, exquisitely preserved architecture, and centuries of fervent devotion make for an atmosphere of awe and holiness that impresses even the most nonreligious of visitors. According to tradition, Chartres Cathedral has housed the tunic of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sancta Camisia, since 876."

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/france/chartres-cathedral

Take a Walk

2010-02-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

My camera and I took a nice long walk alone this afternoon. I can't get over the light in photos 2&3.

The Largest Flea Market in Europe

2010-02-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

Le Quartier Latin

2010-02-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

The Latin Quarter has quickly become one of my favorite parts of Paris. It has a very fresh atmosphere while remaining home to many impressive historical sites. Le café Procope, Paris' oldest café, for example was founded in 1686 and has been a local hang out spot for revolutionary philosophers such as Rousseau and Voltaire.

2 - Fontaine Saint-Michel

3 - La rue du Chat-qui-Pêche, the narrowest street in Paris, is on the right side

4&5 - The inside and outside of l'église Saint-Séverin, hidden in the clutter of cafés and outdoor markets

7&8 - L'Académie des beaux-arts has produced France's greatest artists

Opera National de Paris

2010-02-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

L'argent

2010-02-17T14:25:00.000-08:00

Mind the Gap

2010-02-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

Went to London for a few days

Mornings

2010-02-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Every morning when I open my shutters I feel a sense wonder and amazement because the cold air touches my face and this is what I see.

Cupcakes & Versailles

2010-02-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

Waiting for the Train

2010-02-06T05:29:00.000-08:00

The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.

-Henry Miller

Forgive Me Paris, For I Have Sinned

2010-02-04T10:26:00.001-08:00

Greatest Meal EVER!

2010-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday

2010-02-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Storm the Market!

2010-01-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

We went to a street market at the Bastille and saw everything from a horse butcher to an Obama shrine. Food find of the day = La Robiquette (sausage wrapped in a buckwheat galette) Too good for words...or pictures. There was also a little boy taking on a hanging mannequin leg in a boxing match. He turned around with a shocked look on his face at the exact moment I took the picture.

Notre Dame n' stuff

2010-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

The second day of classes was pretty good. Afterward we went out for some hot chocolate and walked through the Notre Dame cathedral.