Café Time

We stopped for hot chocolate and croissants after the markets. This seriously may have been one of the best things I have ever had...

Le Marché

This morning we visted Le Marché-aka The Farmer's Market. The market was basically a supermarket on the streets. They sold everything from fresh fruit and veggies to makeup and clothes. The colors were so beautiful, and everything looked fresh. The grapes were massive and purple. Most of the French by their produce from farmers market. This was a great opportunity to experience day-to-day French culture!

The Best Day Ever!

I woke up so excited this morning because today was the day we were going to Versailles! This was the one place that I have been looking forward to going to, and it drastically exceeded my expectations. No group of adjectives can attempt to describe its beauty or size. The amount of history that the palace contains has made me so appreciative of the experience. Inside of the palace, the decor was extravagant. The colors were bold and romantic, and there was gold everywhere. The ceilings were so high, and everything was very spread out. It is really hard to imagine that place as house. The gardens were just as beautiful. Everything was so green and perfect!

After that, Dr. Desplaces noticed a Starbucks! Woohoo! We stopped there and he bought is drinks. I blame/thank my mother for my Starbucks addiction, but it was nice to have a non-fat mocha with whipped cream. It was also an example of an American company that is very successful internationally.  

Next was the American Embassy. This was another opportunity to discuss the culture f business in France. We discussed the US and France's relationship- it is weird to think that France is the US is oldest ally. We also discussed that the French economy is pretty balanced between tourism, agriculture, and imports and exports.

Notre Dame was next on the agenda. I have seen many amazing things in my lifetime, but this may be the best thing. Every detail was beautiful- the height, the sculptures, and the stained glass windows were extraordinary. I would have to say my favorite part of the famous cathedral was the contrast between the sharp details and round structure. Words cannot explain how grateful that I was able to experience this in person.

After Notre Dame, we went to Shakespeare and Company. Shakespeare and Company was a famous bookstore that artists of the “Lost Generation” used to hang out in. Some of these writers include of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Gertrude Stein. I absolutely love books and reading, so this was one of my favorite sights in the whole city. It was also one of the places that is in my favorite movie, “Midnight in Paris.”

We concluded our night with dinner at Dr. Desplaces' sisters house. The meal was delicious and the house was amazing! Everyone was enjoying each others company, and new bonds were definitely made. The house had an amazing view of the river. It is my dream to have an amazing house like that when I am older. Everything about this dinner was perfect! At the end of every day, I am so sure that it is my favorite day, but the next day always exceeds the previous! 

Embracing All Parts of French Culture

Today was extremely busy and fun. It consisted of learning in different areas of French culture. We started the day out by visiting the Montmartre- a massive church that's sits on top of a hill and over looks the city. I could use words like massive and huge to describe the cathedral, but they wouldn't give it justice. Once again, the architecture was amazing and left me wondering how the building was built to such 
perfection. The experience was amazing.

We then made our way to a cafe, where we enjoyed good conversation and hot chocolate. Our view was of The Montmartre, which made it much more enjoyable. This trip allowed us to experience something that most Parisians commonly do. It also allowed us to enjoy the leisurely part of French Culture. 

The next thing that we did was definitely my favorite. We were given the opportunity to experience French food through a French cooking class. We made Shrimp and rice and it was so delicious, but even more fun cooking. The lady spoke very little English, and we spoke essentially no French which made it more challenging and exciting. It was fun to have the hands on experience all while enjoying my culinary masterpiece.

 

After that was the Arc de Triomphe. If you want an amazing view of Paris, Arc de Triomphe is the place to go. The detail in the arc is incredible. We climbed the stairs all the way up to the top which may have been the most treacherous work out ever, but the view was completely worth it. I almost liked the view there more than the Eiffel Tower 

because I got an amazing view of the tower in addition to the rest of the city.

We then made our way to Avenue Champs Elysees, the Paris version of 5th Ave. It was here where we were able to discuss some of the French Business Culture. We mainly focused on Louis Vitton and their influence in the business world. Louis Vitton is a very high end store, is famous world wide, and is highly idolized in Paris. We discussed that it is able to keep up it's elite reputation because it is considered timeless, and if one takes a look at some of the facts, it is. Their logo remain has essentially remained the same throughout the majority of it's existence which allows for people to identify it's logo much easier. Louis Vatton is also recognized world wide and is almost the same in every country. It is because of those tworeasons why this company dominated the high end brands in business culture.

We finished the night by going to a play called "How To Become a Parisian Hour in One Hour. The one man show was about stereotypes and how they were demonstrated in Paris. " It was so funny and a great way to end the day! 

Bus Tour, Boat Tour, and Bonaparte

So today was my first full day in Paris and it was busy! We took a bus tour after breakfast. I liked the tour because we were able to get a view of the city as a whole. The tour made me realize that France is much more spread out than I thought it was. The movies and TV shows make it look like it is so close together, but that is not the case. 

The bus tour dropped us off at the Eiffel Tower, and that is where we went for lunch. The food that was served was amazing! The chicken was amazing, and the desert was delicious. It seemed unreal that I was eating lunch in The Eiffel Tower! Most people cannot say that they have done that, and I feel so grateful that I was given the opportunity to do so.

After lunch, we went on a boat tour throughout the city. The tour allowed us to get a different perspective of some of the sights we saw earlier and other sights that we didn't see. During that tour, I got a beautiful view of Notre Dame, which made me so excited to visit! Pictures do not give justice to it's complicated and detailed beauty.

After the boat tour, we went to visit the burial site of Napoleon Bonaparte. He is buried in Les Invalides in Musee de I'armee. The architecture was amazing, and it's structure vaguely reminded me of The Citadel. Everything there was massive. The buildings, stuatues, sculptures, and the tombs were so beautiful.

I would definitely call this first day in Paris successful. It was a great way to get an overview of the city before we go into details. I cannot wait to see what else Paris has in store for us! 

French Breakfast

Today was my first morning waking up in the Paris. It is cold, but nice outside! Breakfast was very yummy. There was all different kinds of bread, fruit, cereal, and juice. The tables were cute. It was very similar to an American
continental breakfast. Normally, my favorite meal of the day is breakfast, but I have a feeling that lunch on top of the Eiffel Tower will be my favorite today!

Bonjour Paris

I arrived in Paris today! I am so tired, but the fact that I am here makes up for the jet lag. The weather is actually really nice, but is not supposed to stay nice for the rest of the week. We spent our late part of the afternoon walking around, looking at the city, and eating. We ate dinner at a place called The Hippopotamus, where I ordered chicken. During dinner, we enjoyed good conversation and good food. However, it was very clear to the natives that we weren't French. When we walked into a market, people were clearly annoyed with our presence and interest in their daily lives. I found it humorous, but only time will tell if I will still find it humorous by the end of the trip. I am running on very little sleep, and am off to bed. I am trying to rest up for tomorrow because we are going to the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Overall, I am so grateful to be here, and cannot believe my adventure here has already started!