Remember that one time I blogged about getting ready for my study abroad trip to Paris? It happened, I'm in Paris, I've been here for two weeks, and it had already changed my life.
I really want to blog regularly about my experiences (good and bad) and my adventures that I have on this adventure of a lifetime.
This post will serve as a catch up on my most important experiences so far. A lot has happened in the past two weeks so get ready, because this might be a long post...
Our Apartment:
Not what we expected, but I feel like it has made it easier to adjust to life in Paris being in such a typical Parisienne household (small, eccentric, but with an enormous balcony that has the most amazing views of the sunrise and sunset)
view of the rooftops
my first glass of wine in Paris
so beautiful any time of the day
YES ITS THAT PRETTY
EVERY NIGHT IT IS THAT PRETTY I AM NOT JOKING.
The First Week:
It seemed to go on forever. Lots of emotional and weepy phone calls home, many adult decisions to make (the worst), and an innumerable amount of new and slightly terrifying experiences that I tried to accomplish with as much grace and poise as possible (I did not always succeed with the grace and poise thing).
A guided bus tour of the city. Was nauseas and exhausted from the lack of sleep and food and the overwhelming amount of anxiety. I'm not sure how much I actually learned on that tour, but I did see the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
We had the opportunity to go on a boat cruise tour on the Seine River. Absolutely gorgeous views of the city and lots of new friends made this experience very special!
I can't wait to sit by the river and drink wine with friends.
(heart eyes emoji)
The sun reflecting of the water made this a fairytale.
Eiffel Tower, never not stunning.
Went to one of the amazing flea markets here in Paris and felt instantly at home. Was able to bargain with vendors in very broken French (but still French nonetheless) and bought some amazing articles of clothing along with a new necklace that I have been wearing every single day since I purchased it.
bonus points for that sweet couch in the background.
my new favorite accessory.
Parc Monceau is about a 5 minute walk from our apartment and I feel so lucky to have found it. This park is literally huge with a long running path, pony rides for children, a carousel (side note: I've discovered that the French love a good carousel. They're everywhere!), a puppet show theater, multiple ponds, and lots of space to lay on the grass and have a picnic, work on homework, or just relax.
How gorgeous!
I finally saw the Eiffel Tower sparkling during my second week. A few other girls in the program and I went and had a lovely dinner at Cafe du Marche and then walked to the Eiffel Tower to see it light up and sparkle just in time!
Yum!
So beautiful!!!
(heart eyes emoji X2)
On the Wednesday of my second week, I learned that it is probably best to not walk over 10 miles in one day. I also learned that I can deal with heat, but if you throw in humidity I cannot handle it.
I had my first visit to the Louvre. It was a tad stressful, but when I forced myself to stop and just
look, holy moly, that place is amazing...
i'm not very good at taking tourist photos seriously
I went on a walking tour of Montmartre, and update: I think it is my spirit place. The atmosphere is so relaxed and the street art on the walls goes to show you just how many artists thrive there.
street art example A.
beautiful sights around every corner.
Example B
Sacré-Cœur
I Love You Wall
Every wall is a masterpiece.
Goodnight, Paris. View from the Sacré-Cœur.
This weekend, I visited Champagne, France for some champagne testing (duh) and exploring of Reims, and I found a super chic and chilled out internet cafe along with a totally cool vintage store.
Champagne reminded me of my home in the Wine Country. And the lack of humidity was refreshing. Also, drinking a glass of champagne before noon is fun, but probably not the best idea..
The time when this photo was taken: 11:30am..
Champagne for breakfast with some new friends.
Napa. Or Mercier Vineyards in Champagne?
Us Wine Country Girls felt right at home here.
Would be a lovely picture if it wasn't for that giant construction thing in the very middle..
Gorgeous inside the Reims Cathedral
Every window was more beautiful than the previous.
Pretty flower shop found in Reims.
The internet cafe that was discovered today is called Coworking, it's in the 10th, and the quiet, and focused atmosphere and modern space is perfect for getting sh*t done.
Us, getting sh*t done.
And finally, I think I will be purchasing lots of vintage items whilst studying here. How can you not when you have a selection like this?
(swoons)
My new stomping grounds.
Okay, that was the last two weeks! I promise my next posts will be smaller and more detailed, but I figured this was the best way to catch up and continue into the next posts!
Goodnight from Paris,
The sunset tonight, even after a rainy day, Paris never dissapoints.
xoxo
Rowyn Wren
