ciao for now: Paris

Day 1

After arriving in Paris late Friday night tired and somewhat lost we luckily met a "guardian angel" in the form of another study abroad student, Kaitlyn, who was studying in Paris for the year and she helped us navigate the vast Paris public transportation system so that we could safely make it to our apartment. Surprisingly, everyone in Paris was very helpful and kind, not what I was expecting after
all that I had heard about how much Parisians look down on Americans, especially Americans who cannot make even an attempt at French (me). Our apartment was so cute and perfect for the four of us, that we could not have gotten luckier. Especially after our airbnb debacle in Istanbul, I was very thankful that it worked out. Although it was very late, we couldn't go to bed without getting a crepe, naturally. We had millions of crepe stands outside our apartment so we all got Nutella banana crepes and fell right asleep (it was either pure exhaustion or a sugar coma...not sure which one to blame).

Day 2

Where to even begin? Wanting to make sure that we made the most of our days in Paris, we woke up early, took advantage of the Starbucks on the corner, and we're off on our mission to see as much as we could. First stop, the Lourve. Pinch the pyramid, see good ole Mona, walk through the halls that house some of the most famous art in the world. Check, check, and check.

Kinda close?

Next, the Musee d'Orsay. Train station turned museum, the Musee d'Orsay was one of the most unique and interesting museums I have visited. Housing numerous works by Van Gogh and Monet, I could've been there for hours and hours, but we were on a mission and our tight schedule did not allow for dilly dally (also, I, of course, had to leave loose ends so that I have excuses to come back...).

After the Musee d'Orsay we decided to take advantage of the sun peeking through the clouds and take a stroll through the Jardin de Tulieries on our way to the Champ Elysses. We could not have timed our walk more perfectly, we were strolling through the gardens just as all the Socialities, designers, and lucky guests were arriving for the ... show of Paris Fashion Week. This was probably my favorite moment of the weekend, if not my life. Seeing all the glamour ours, faboloys, and outrageous outfits was a dream come true. If only I could've been holding the "golden ticket" that allowed me into that mysterious white tent...but a girl can dream, right?

Channeling our inner fashion week

Vivienne Westwood Show

The Champ Elysees. Fifth Avenue on crack. I could've strolled up and down that street for days. I would need an unlimited credit card, though... We reached the Arch d' Triumph and took some more tourist pictures. We stopped in Laduree for some macaroon energy to help us keep going and then it was off to Notre Dame, to make our mothers proud ;)

Avenue Montaigne...slight spelling error

Notre Dame. No pictures will do this church justice, but I tried...

We ended our day at the Eiffel Tower, and we're lucky enough to catch the light show. I can now finally confirm that it really does exist, and it is really as magnificent as I've been told.

Day 3.

Another early day, but I can say it was much easier to wake up because I knew that today was the day we were heading to the St. Germain neighborhood to go shopping, and it couldn't wait to do some damage ;) Before heading shopping, though, we stopped to see the Eiffel Tower in its full glory thanks to the beautiful day. We headed to Allison, probably my favorite boutique ever. I think I could've nought the entire store, but due to some financial constraints (aka I'm poor...) I refrained myself and instead bought some gifts for my favorite mom and sister (you guys can thank me later...). After shopping, we headed to Cafe Jade, a trendy brunch spot with killer croque madames.