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First Days in Paris


Bonsoir! I am sorry I did not post last night, but was utterly exhausted. My plane ride over was not bad, but I couldn't sleep. Until, at 4:30 am I asked the flight attendant for a bottle of red wine, drank it while I watched a documentary and the next thing I knew they were serving me breakfast. (I think I just made my mom really proud). 

After I checked in to my hotel, I went to the Atelier des Lumières where they had art with motion and sound...it was the most awesome experience as it felt like you were inside the paintings. They had a set with Japanese art, then one with Van Gogh (I was only a little jazzed about that!) Each painting moved and morphed from brushstrokes to objects. For Van Gogh in particular, it was like being inside his mind as he was painting. I actually stayed to watch it twice, it was that amazing.





















After that I made my way to one of my favorite restaurants for duck confit. It was the perfect first meal in Paris. They sat a young (I'm guessing 25-ish) man next to me and we chatted through dinner - very nice way to spend the evening!

With a full belly and wine in my system, I nearly fell asleep on the metro. I was asleep by 9 pm - but not before I stopped at the market by my hotel and ordered two Fuji apples en français (all of it...did not use one word of English!)

This morning I went to the Grande Mosquée de Paris. I have wanted to see for years, but have never had the chance. It happens to be about 10 minutes from my hotel, so I made my way there. It was stunning. The gardens were still beautiful even though it is fall (no fountains running though...I will definitely want to come in summer to see that). There was also a memorial to the Muslim soldiers who fought in WWI (my photo did not turn out - sorry) and WWII. Monday was Armistice Day so there were fresh flowers there. Muslim soldiers contributed so much and received very little recognition - very comparable to our black-American soldiers in both world wars. Right before I left, I got to witness the call to prayer...it gave me chills.


















After that I walked through the rue Mouffetard. My goal was to see the markets, but most had packed up by the time I got there. I grabbed a gyro and sat in the Place de la Contrascarpe (literally right around the corner from 

Ernest Hemingway's old apartment). I dropped a couple of crumbs and was instantly the Snow White of pigeons...







I also took a macaron baking class today at Le Foodist on rue Cardinal Lemoine. Our teacher, Sarah, was knowledgable and entertaining! It was so much fun and I learned a lot. Of course the best part was tasting them...






Tomorrow I get to have breakfast with my dear amie Myriam and my friend Julie arrives in time for me to take her on a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. Until then...à bientôt!
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Location: Paris, France

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