An American in Paris

SO so adorable!!!!

2009-09-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry to my English-only readers but I just HAD to share this video of two tiny kids who are "in love." It's totally charming, sweet and really just ADORABLE to hear how they talk about one another and how much they love each other.

Enjoy!

New Music Monday

2009-09-21T03:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not ashamed to hide the fact that I was choir nerd in high school. Well, if I'm being honest, elementary school, middle school, high school AND college!

There's something about amazing a capella music that still gets me and probably will for the rest of my life. Imagine my delight when I discovered Sam Tsui, a student at Yale who has made a few amazing videos of himself singing a capella. The editing is fantastic - you really think that's it a group singing when really it's just Tsui himself.

You've got to love the first video, a throw-back and tribute to Michael Jackson that features my favorite Jackson song "Man in the Mirror."

And don't forget to watch the cover of my new favorite show Glee's version of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'." If these don't make your Monday, I don't know what will!

Enjoy!!!

Paris area pools ban the "burquini"

2009-08-13T00:39:00.001-07:00

In what has become quite a hot-button issue in France lately, area Muslims who wish to wear traditional head coverings have come under attack on a variety of levels.

I was fascinated by this video (in French, sorry) of a Muslim woman who purchased a bathing suit known as a "burquini" that allows her to enjoy swimming without uncovering herself. Goodness knows the Paris summers are hot and sticky enough that everyone could use a little water refreshment.

She's been banned from the pools, who say that her suit does not conform to pool standards (that are apparently pretty strict around here - see my previous post!). She's filed a complaint claiming that she has been discriminated against - again, a hot-button issue, but a sign of the times here in Paris these days.

What do you think? Should bathers be able to wear whatever they'd like, or do pools have the right to regulate the type of swimwear permitted on the premises?

Breitbart.tv Paris Pool Bans Muslim Swimsuit

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Budapest break!

2009-07-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

Every so often, I love taking a trip to a new country and exploring and soaking in the new experience. Last year at this time we visited Warsaw in Poland and this year, our Eastern European city pick is Budapest. One of the main reasons why I love living in Europe so much is the proximity and accessibility to new countries and different cultures. It's the thing that I think I would miss the most if I returned to the U.S.

It's only been about 24 hours but already I'm loving it! We've been doing a LOT of walking, sightseeing and picture-taking, but have also have taken the time to relax.

It's such an adventure to use a new currency, discover new sights (including fabulous street art!) and just relax in comfy, quiet hotel rooms!

More Budapest updates to come...

9 reasons why...

2009-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

....I LOVE the American Library in Paris! Can't wait to get reading!

I'm still dreaming of the day when I can have a KEF library room of my own!

The calm before the storm....

2009-07-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Pizza? Or a cover for something more sinister..???

2009-06-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Check out this restaurant that I spotted while walking around Levallois just north of Paris the other day....

Made me giggle! :)

Mouth-watering

2009-06-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

As seen yesterday in the Berko cupcake shop nestled between the Marais and Beaubourg...

Cupcakes clearly inspire me...so check out what I have to say about this place here on Spotted By Locals - Paris!

Berko
23 rue Rambuteau
75004 Paris

PS 22 Chorus

2009-06-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I am a self-proclaimed choir nerd. After singing in ensembles for over ten years, I will forever have a soft spot for a good choir.

One of the coolest things I've seen in a long time is this NYC public school choir that covers songs beautifully from across the years. Although I've been following them since they've busted onto the YouTube scene, this song, Forever Young by Alphaville brought tears to my eyes - so beautiful and one of my favorite songs anyway.

Enjoy - and check out their YouTube page to listen to their cover of Journey's Don't Stop Believin', another favorite!

Love and hate

2009-06-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

I've been realizing more and more how much my relationship with my beloved adopted hometown can be likened to an on-again/off-again romantic relationship.

I've started to put this idea to words and hope to share something more concrete with you all in the very near future but in the meantime, isn't it uncanny how this city and living here invokes a feeling of a romantic relationship? Do any of you have similar feelings about your real or adopted hometowns?

I'm very curious....

....by the way, I NEED these shoes!!!!

Photo credit, designwallah

Asterix in the 13e

2009-06-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

While walking around the 13e arrondissement last weekend, I noticed a huge number of cartoonish thought bubbles all over the place...after a brief consultation with my resident France expert, it turns out these are famous quotes from the legendary French cartoon Asterix.

What a cool way to liven up an otherwise business-like area! This one says "It is fresh, my fish! It's FRESH!"

Follow me on Twitter!

2009-06-21T15:20:00.000-07:00

As a self-confessed social media nerd, I've been using Twitter for personal purposes for well over a year now - and I love it!

A couple of months ago, I decided to start a more general Twitter account for all to see based on Paris, the things I see daily, and travel writing in general. I'm proud to announce my Twitter account to all of you - EverythingParis !!! This is THE place to go for up to the minute updates on what I'm doing, what I'm seeing, and what's going on in my Paris. With well over 300 followers in just under three months, I am excited to be making the world of travel and interest in Paris even smaller by being a part of this community.

I look forward to seeing you there - please add me as follower and feel free to contact me directly this way...

Love it!

Fête de la Musique - Sounds of Summer - June 21st

2009-06-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

I've been lucky enough to be a part of Spotted By Locals - Paris for the better half of 2009. Spotted By Locals, as I've mentioned before, is an awesome website where European city residents share some of their favorite tips and ideas of things to do in their area. Check out my most recent article either here or on the main page. Enjoy!

Fête de la Musique - Sounds of Summer - June 21st

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Photo by agramainio

Spotted in the 15e Arrondissement

2009-05-01T15:08:00.001-07:00

While walking around and exploring this afternoon/evening, I came across a sign that made me laugh out loud...posted right in front of a public pool was this sign, explaining that bathing suits are required. I didn't realize at first that it meant no boardshorts or baggy swim trunks allowed - basically speedos only. I had a good chuckle for a minute wondering if people really needed to be told that they had to wear bathing suits to the pool!

But the real question is....why no swim trunks???? Anyone?

She's baaaaaaack!!!

2009-04-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

No, no need to adjust your screens and monitors....I'm really posting again. Yup, almost two months later! My hand is WAY better, stitches are out, physical therapy is ongoing, and gone are all the heinous painkillers and scary nerve drugs! Best part of all - I feel like the surgery really worked! Although I'm not at all at 100%, I finally feel comfortable to fall back into my routine of typing and computer use. Believe me - it's been a LOOOONG few months!

Here's an "after" photo to go along with the "before" from the last post....the photo quality isn't amazing, but you get the idea. In honor of May Day and long weekends in sunny Paris, I'm back with a vengeance! Thanks for all of your well-wishes along the way, and it's good to be back!

P.S. I know that I have a HUGE backlog of emails/correspondence to catch up on, so do apologize in advance if you've been waiting to hear from me!

Out of commission....

2009-03-05T02:00:00.000-08:00

I'll be taking a bit of a break but will be back soon!!!

-K

More Parisian street art - Latin Quarter

2009-02-26T08:20:00.000-08:00

I took a walk today in my neighborhood to run a few errands and was once again reminded of why I love walking in Paris - the random art that pops up all over street corners, buildings and really everywhere else is one of my favorite things to discover.

Today was no exception - here are a few of my favorites!

I especially love the Ghandi one.

Do you have any street art to recommend that I may have missed?

La Maire D'Eu

2009-02-25T06:24:00.001-08:00

Say it quickly and you'll see why I've got the giggles. Apparently, there's a little town on the border of Normandie and Picardie that's called simply "Eu."

Photo taken from the article linked below. (Charles Bremner)

Why is this funny? Well - first of all "eu" is the sound that's made in French when people are at a loss for words...kind of like "um" or "uh" in English. Could you imagine answering the question "where are you from?" with "Ummmm?"

I recently spotted this article which details the town's struggle not only to change their name because of its sound, but also because it can't be found in Google searches by tourists. Think about it - googling "Eu" will probably give you a whole host of hits regarding the European Union, conjugations of the French verb "avoir" and a whole handful of other things OTHER than this French town.

Although the name change is opposed by some residents, the Mayor is pushing to adapt the name to attract increased tourist activity - something that has been difficult in this internet age with a town name that's so hard to distinguish.

It's definitely a story I want to follow to see whether or not La Maire d'Eu succeeds in her quest.

MIss Tic Street Art - Perfect Timing!

2009-02-24T12:52:00.000-08:00

As my faithful readers know, I am a huge fan of the street art that I stumble upon accidentally every day here in Paris.

Here's another example of the lovely Miss Tic whose works seem to spring out at me exactly when I need them to. I posted one of her pieces a few months ago, which I also fell upon completely by accident.

While walking through the 13e arrondissement this afternoon, I was feeling a bit down, a bit overwhelmed by a handful of events that are happening in my life, and listening to especially nostalgic music on my iPod. I literally stopped in my tracks when I discovered this Miss Tic piece which translates to "It's life - this will pass." The most poignant part of all was the fact that someone, perhaps feeling the way that I feel lately, stopped to write "When?" underneath the piece. It's something I had been wondering myself and I was, for that moment, happy to feel as though I was not alone and that I wasn't the only person who passed this treasure and thought the same thing.

Picture post

2009-02-19T08:08:00.001-08:00

Just a quick picture today...because I'd rather be picnicking :)

Little discoveries...

2009-02-16T04:37:00.000-08:00

I love it when I turn a corner and stumble on a gorgeous site. It never gets old! Here's a view of the square (and La Fontaine Louvois) with the gorgeous fountain that I stumbled upon today on my way back from lunch. Beautiful!

Sunday Sounds

2009-02-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

First of all, here's a video of a song I used to listen to YEARS ago, long before I came to France. It's awfully silly and can be somewhat annoying at times, BUT I'm so proud because now I know ALL of the words. I used to just hum along and sing to the chorus because I didn't understand the whole thing. As most of the lyrics are slang or really familiar words, it took living here for me to understand it. I had a big smile on my face last week when it came back up on shuffle on my iPod after years of not hearing it. Enjoy - and see which words you can pick out! :)

Now for some serious music - I heard this one last week for the first time and thought it was so pretty. Here we go....

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-14T03:03:00.000-08:00

How can you not love this photo???

Thanks to Brent and MariLyn for it's use!

Fun signs!

2009-02-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

Would you shop here? I'd have trouble as a marketer promoting this place in English-speaking areas...

Cool website!

2009-02-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

Wordle - www.wordle.net is a really cool site that lets you create an image using the text on any website. I created this image with the text found on the front page of my blog. I think it's a really neat way to see the things I talk about the most and is a great representation of my blog content.

Paris Street Art - 6ème arrondissement

2009-02-04T03:07:00.001-08:00

Check out this little gem that I spotted just off of rue de Buci in the 6ème...see which celebrities you can identify! I personally am most drawn to the bald Britney Spears in the bottom left corner.

What a difference a day makes....

2009-02-03T07:51:00.000-08:00

I can never get a handle on Paris weather - it fluctuates SO quickly!

Case in point...check out the view from my window yesterday - beautiful snow, roofs all white, and dark, gray sky....

And, here's today! Note the sunshine gleaming off the windows and beautiful blue sky!

Paris Street Art - 13eme arrondissement

2009-01-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things about Paris is the random street art that can be seen at the turn of a corner in any part of the city. I've posted previously about my devotion to and love for the Paris Space Invaders, but here's a little taste of a totally different piece that I spotted this summer while walking in the 13eme arrondissement.

In this seriously FREEZING winter, I've been searching for warm memories! I love the phrases this artist used and they seem particularly pertinent - loosely translated as "Let's be happy while waiting for our happiness." And of course, "Poetry is an Extreme Sport!"

Spotted by Locals - Paris style!

2009-01-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

I am always on the lookout for good info on places to go in Paris - where to eat, where to drink, where to shop? The possibilities are endless!

I've turned so often to blogs in the past few years for information about my city and the cities I've been lucky enough to visit. Turns out that blogs have been the key to my getting around in my new home...

I am so happy to share a new blog that features all the type of information that I usually love to know about a city - from a local's perspective! Check out the Paris Spotted by Locals site for all kinds of cool info about where to go and what to do in the City of Lights! You may even find me in the "Interesting Links" section - in good company too, I might add!

Enjoy!

Where in the world?

2009-01-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

I am a huge list-maker and the end of any year always sees me making even more than usual. Lists of resolutions, lists of things to do, you name it!

I wanted to remember back to 2008 and the cities I visited - here's a list!

* New York
* Berlin
* Tours (and the rest of the Loire Valley really...)
* Warsaw
* London
* Minneapolis/St Paul area
* Lyon
* Strasbourg
* Reims
* Los Angeles/ SOUTH BAY
* Palm Desert

On my list for next year....I KNOW I have got to visit Italy again for the first time in more than a decade, but am not sure where exactly I will go. Would love to see another Eastern European capital (Budapest?) and of course go back to London! Spain is one of my most favorite countries, so that's definitely up there too! I've got to enjoy being in the middle of Europe with such ease in traveling for as long as possible!!!!

Any ideas?

2009, already??

2009-01-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie....it's always difficult to leave California but this time was gut-wrenching. Excruciating. I started welling up days before my departure just at the thought of leaving.

Of course I will need to get down to the bottom of all of that but wanted to share some of my "at home" views that make the integration back into Parisian life that much more difficult tonight as I sit in my apartment, the heater not working, shivering and thanking my computer for being warm :)

Over the holidays, I got together with friends for a delicious Italian meal at one of my old favorite "haunts" in the Marina. One of my LA-based friends from PARIS was there too and she and I took the time to make a list of things we love about Paris. Some were little things, some big, some pretty obvious and some obscure...it really helped though and put things in perspective.** Things are not all bad here, nor do I want to convey that as being the case...sometimes it's just nice to have some reminders of why you like your situation instead of focusing on the negative. That said, a wonderful, prosperous, happy and peaceful New Year to you all out there! Perhaps some inklings of resolutions will be posted up soon!

**Please note the top of the list (if you can make it out...) says K&K!!!!! :) Other items include Macarons, Paris at nighttime, public transportation, etc.

An alternate universe.....?

2008-12-08T13:59:00.001-08:00

I was floored to find 100 calorie pack Toblerone snacks at my local Champion grocery store. Have I stepped into an alternate universe? I am so surprised to see this trend popping up in France already! Mais c'est trop Américain, ça!

Sigh....

2008-11-04T20:42:00.000-08:00

I feel the weight of the last eight years already beginning to lift off of my shoulders. A sense of hope. The feeling that the "what if" has occurred, and an indescribable, unwavering and overwhelming feeling of pride. Proud to be an American. Proud to have believed in the impossible. Proud to have witnessed history.

I've been quiet on the blog regarding this election and will likely post no more on this subject than what I say tonight. At the end of the day, I am thrilled and reassured by the ability of Americans to see a situation and turn it around for the best. I am heartened by the strength and determination of not only the candidates and their staff but also the American people. And most of all I am deeply honored to have been witness to it all.

I thank you, Mr. President and cannot wait to see what our collective future will hold in the years to come.

Check me out!

2008-10-08T11:04:00.000-07:00

Although you wouldn't know by looking at it, I DO check my own blog almost every day. I'm not saying that I post - clearly - but just a quick once-over to see how it's looking.

I checked the stats today and was blown away to find that I had literally more than quadruple the number of hits I get on a normal day. What had happened? Did I become suddenly and unknowingly FAMOUS overnight?

Well, in a way YES! I am happy to say that one of the photos on my blog has been posted and mentioned on one of my FAVORITE websites: www.theparisblog.com! And, I've also noticed that some of my new Anglophone girls have posts up there too! Congrats ladies!

Check it out....totally fun! And thanks to Laurie for showing the love - of course you can steal my photos anytime! That's what they are there for!

A well-needed break....

2008-09-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to leave early from work today. I was supposed to go straight to the gym for some cardio and a yoga class....

Instead, I came straight home, had some snuggle time, made a quick, easy dinner, and shared a bottle of semi-cheap champagne. Just because. And I couldn't be happier.

New Music Monday

2008-09-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Instead of stressing about my crazy job situation, the insane economy, or anything else, I've decided to introduce you guys to what has been on my iPod these days...some old, some new, but alllllll good! It's really funny how easily I can escape into music and totally change my attitude. Hope you can do the same - Enjoy!

American Boy by Estelle feat. Kanye West
I cannot get enough of this song. LOVING it! My favorite is the lyric where Kanye references a "peacoat!" Amazing!

And this one....The Game feat. Lil Wayne - My Life. I've been in a gangsta rap mood lately which I don't mind at all! :)

And finally, my oldie but goodie that's been stuck in my head for about 3-4 weeks at this point after I heard it in the airport...
Stevie Winwood - Back in the High Life AMAZING!!! I think I could listen to this song on repeat for HOURS!

Stormy weather...

2008-08-07T12:26:00.003-07:00

We've been having some spectacular thunder storms in Paris lately...which I kind of LOVE.

Here's a view of the storm from our living room. If you listen carefully you can hear some of the crazy thunder. Enjoy!

Off to London!

2008-07-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just a week and a half after visiting the UK for fun, family and friends, I'll be back tomorrow for work.

I am getting really excited already - I have said for so long that I don't care for London but after my last visit I'm wondering how true that is...it's a BLAST!

It'll be just about 30 hours that I'm there but it will be a nice infusion of English speaking, fun, and a nice change of scenery.

I'll be back on Thursday for more Paris shenanigans. Hoooooray!

Book List - Part two

2008-07-07T14:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we're about a month and a half away from my deadline to read 50 books! Eeeeeeek!

I'm not done yet by any means but things remain do-able for the moment. The last time I updated you all on the list of books I've read since August 25, 2007, I had read 15 books. Here's the rest of the list for now, in the interest of being totally up to date and putting things out there so I'm more likely to stick to them. :)

16. Kite Runner (Hosseni)
17. Girl With a One Track Mind (Lee)
18. A Clean Slate (Caldwell)
19. Simple Genius (Baldacci)
20. Sammy's Hill (Gore)
21. Is Our Children Learning? (Begala)
22. 1,000 Splendid Suns (Hosseni)
23. Deer Hunting with Jesus
24. Starter Wife (Grazer)
25. Eat, Pray, Love (Gilbert)
26. Dear John (Sparks)
27. Prep (Sittenfeld)
28. The Weight of It (Wilensky)
29. The Other Boleyn Girl
30. The Almost Moon (Sebold)
31. Change of Heart (Picoult)
32. Ca Va Mal Finir (Leotard)
33. Me Talk Pretty One Day (Sedaris)
34. Doctor's Wife (Brundadge)
35. Babyville (Green)
36. Blame it on Paris
37. Second Change (Green)
38. Every Crooked Pot (Rosen)
39. Holidays on Ice (Sedaris)
40. Naked (Sedaris)
41. A Time to Run (Boxer)

Eeeeeeek - as you can see, lots of progress, but still NINE books left in the next seven and a half or so weeks. Can I do it? It'll be rough, but I am really really hoping to succeed on my little goal.

Stay tuned to see how I do!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

2008-07-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

My favorite holiday of the year!!!

Last year at this time I was an intern and spent my early morning in the hospital for a heart issue.

This year I'm a real worker at the same company and am spending my day acting like the American that I am, for better or worse. I have struggled since moving here with my identity - I often feel overly critiqued, stared at, different and criticized because of my differences with coworkers, and the French public in general. I often adjust my behavior accordingly. This is not to say that some degree of adjustment is unnecessary (as of course I have to be expecting to adjust slightly), but sometimes I go a bit too far in over-adjusting and changing who I am to please people here.

So today, if only for today, I am taking a break. Not scared to tell my boss that her sexual references and jokes are inappropriate in the workplace and are offensive to me. Not hesitating to wear blue and white. Not ashamed to wear a bracelet with the American flag on it - my standard accessory for Independence Days and national holidays when I was in the States.

Because, at the end of the day, no matter what I do to try to fit in, adapt, or hide it...I am an American. Proud of it. No reason to hide and happy to celebrate the birthday of my country! Now, I just wish I had a great Dodger game, hot dogs, friends and family to celebrate with...

C and J Restaurant Review #1: Anahuacalli

2008-06-26T02:17:00.000-07:00

For the inaugural restaurant review post* I am so happy to present Anahuacalli, an amazing Mexican restaurant in the 5eme arrondissement, nestled just off of Boulevard Saint Germain and in the shadows of Notre Dame.

We've passed this restaurant MANY times and have always wanted to give it a try - unfortunately we seem to always pass at lunchtime, and the restaurant is closed for lunch, except on Sundays.

After a particularly hard work week, we decided to head over there on a Friday night on our way home from the movies, and we were not disappointed.

Immediately upon entering, we were greeted very warmly by the hostess who later ended up being our server. She was extremely friendly and welcoming, and made room for us at a great table, despite the fact that we didn't have reservations. Note - it would be a good idea to reserve a table in advance, as the place was packed already around 8:00pm when we were there but became increasingly crowded as the night went on.

Our server spoke impeccable French, Spanish, and English and seemed to want to speak English with us as she overheard us discussing the menus in English. Upon being seated we were presented with delicious chips and (spicy!) salsa as we perused the menu.

We of course decided to start with margaritas which were to die for - certainly the best I've had in Paris.

When we first arrived, we thought of getting a PITCHER which I'm really glad to have not done. The one margarita packed quite a punch on its own. No need for anything else or a second round.

My partner in crime who we'll call "FINO" ordered guacamole as a starter. As some of those of you who have known me for a while understand, I pretty much DESPISED all that was avocado-related until about....oh, five minutes ago. I'm new to the guac scene but have to say that this was pretty delicious.

Finally, for the main course, I hesitated between the enchiladas rojas and the tamale. FINO and I have a running joke about tamales in Paris - another Mexican restaurant that we love in the 5eme has tamales on their menu and I try to order them every time we go, and EVERY time they've run out or are not available. I don't know if it's all a lie or what - are there or are there not tamales? Maybe they're just so good that they've run out by noon, a half hour after opening(???)

Anyway, my chicken tamales were delicious although a bit on the dry side. I was happy to heap spoonfuls of salsa onto my bites to give them that extra "kick!" I sampled FINO's enchiladas as well and they were delicious! I may have to try those next time.

All in all, a GREAT place to get your Mexican food fix in Paris - one of our favorites so far.

Anahuacalli
http://anahuacalli.com/
30 rue des Bernadins
75005 Paris
01.43.26.10.20

* Please excuse the cell-phone quality photos. I'll try to do better next time! :)

New blog feature...

2008-06-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I'm excited to introduce a new feature to my blog that I'm hoping to make semi-regular. It's going to be based upon something that is near and dear to my heart as an American in Paris...

Get excited for.....THE C AND J RESTAURANT REVIEW FEATURE!

Named after Cindy and Jerry, who love dining in Paris and know more about it than anybody I've met (despite the fact that they live all the way across the world in California!), the C and J Restaurant Review will be an opportunity for me to post about and review restaurants that I visit in the City of Lights. I've been to some great ones, so this is going to be lots of fun!!!

Stay tuned for the inaugural installment - to be worked on and hopefully be completed today :)

Work, work, work

2008-06-09T13:50:00.000-07:00

Yes - I am still working at 10:45pm - see my screenshot for confirmation....

And yes - I am drinking an amazing glass of Bordeaux and eating REAL, imported KRAFT Mac and Cheese at the same time. It's the little things that keep me from going totaly mad.... :)

P.S. Please note that the photos are poor quality as they were taken with low light with my old, antiquated, last-year's version, not so sexy iPhone. Anyone have $199 to spare?? Or actually $299 for the cute, white 16gig model...I've got to benefit from all of this madness somehow, right??? ;)

P.P.S. Didn't I LEAVE politics to not work until 11:00pm at night anymore??

Only in France

2008-05-22T01:21:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share this shot of Chateau de Breteuil that I had the pleasure of visiting for a friend's wedding reception last week. It was unbelievably gorgeous and SO "typically French chateau" to me that I had to share. I have to also admit that I'm proud of my picture-taking!! :)

Only in France....

Space Invader of the Day

2008-05-22T01:20:00.001-07:00

I stumbled upon this guy on a lunchtime walk yesterday. Up close and personal!

Lunchtime!

2008-05-20T05:42:00.000-07:00

This is what I gazed upon while nibbling on my home-brought lunch this afternoon.....I swear, I couldn't even make this stuff up! Unbelievable!

Drive-By Space Invader

2008-05-20T02:01:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to show you all the BIGGEST Space Invader that I've ever seen...taken from our moving rental car in Champigny-Sur-Marne, a suburb east of central Paris.

Not the only American in Paris....

2008-05-16T00:52:00.001-07:00

There's a statue of George Washington in the square immediately in front of my new office. Nice to know I'm not the only American around these parts for once! Maybe I'll go share a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with him one day and revel in the fact that I'm not made fun of....well, not made fun of for the peanut butter, but maybe for the fact that I'd be trying to feed it to a statue! ;)

An office with a view...

2008-05-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my company moved offices this past week and we are finally located in Paris. This changes my life (positively) in SOOO many ways, not the least of which is the fact that my commute is now 30 minutes each way and on only one bus. No more hour and a half, walking 10 minutes in the pouring rain or falling snow, no more waiting for the bus on the freeway, muggings in the RER in the middle of nowhere, mandatory team lunches in the cafeteria every day, etc etc. I can already tell that there's been a change in my mood when I get home from work which is awesome!

I have much more to say but since I actually have to do some work from this new amazing location, I'll leave you with two quick snapshots that I took from my desk....can you believe the view??!?!

Loire Valley Extravaganza

2008-05-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

As many of you know, I have old friends in town and we've recently returned from a long weekend in the Loire Valley. I'd never been to this region at all and have to say I was blown away by the castles we visited, the tiny towns we drove through, the meals we had, and the hospitality and friendliness that we encountered along the way (save for one couple but that's a story for another time...)

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite pictures to give you an idea of what we saw. I had a BLAST!

Azay-le-Rideau was one of my FAVORITE of all the castles we saw, and was kind of off the beaten path. I loved the grounds and the little town surrounding the castle and really loved the time we spent there.

Chenonceaux was perhaps the coolest castle, with the long gallery/hall stretching across the river. It was awesome, but very crowded. We called it the "Disneyland of castles" since the tour buses filled the parking lots and there were TONS of people on the grounds and in the castle itself. I would have loved to have visited when it was a bit more empty and even a bit cooler outside. We spent a good part of the morning there and once we left, the entrance was deserted, so it's definitely something to hit up either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Of course, we had tons of great meals and even better wine! My favorite meal was in the little Medieval town of Chinon where we ate at the Musée Animée du Vin, an awesome all-you-can-eat, all you can drink place with hilarious owners. Would definitely recommend this place, as it was one of the most fun and BEST meals that I've ever had in France.

All in all, it was an amazing weekend and I cannot wait to go back and explore more again soon. Have any of you been to the region? Any recommendations for next time?

Why Friends from Home Are Amazing, Part 1

2008-05-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

Please see the LOOT that I got immediately upon the arrival of two of my oldest friends last week....note the plethora of amazing American items that I received. God bless Target.

I will draw your attention to the fact that I got THREE, count 'em, THREE new pairs of shoes, along with a bag of enough permutations and varieties of ranch dressing to last a whole year, gum galore, shirts, etc etc.

LOVE IT!

THANK YOU L&L....

Many more "three American girls and a French guy in France" stories to come...

"Correction" is the same word in French AND English.

2008-04-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

Just a little recount of a conversation I had with a colleague recently....

Colleague: "KEF, il y a quelque chose que tu dis assez souvent et tu dois vraiment l'arrêter." (KEF - there's something that you say often that you really need to stop saying)
KEF : (Uh oh....here comes more criticism!) "Oui???"
C: "Tu dis toujours que tu fais des fautes en français mais franchement je n'entends rien du tout comme ça...tu parles français mieux que nous parlons anglais, c'est sûr. Donc, il faut arrêter de t'excuser!! (You are always saying that you make mistakes in French but honestly I don't hear any at all. You speak French better than we speak English, so you need to stop excusing yourself!)

Maybe something IS clicking in my head after all???

I was just so shocked to not be corrected and criticized that he left my head spinning! HOOORAY for little victories....

"Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dreams..."

2008-04-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

We arrived together, wide eyed, scared and excited 18-year olds. Worried about what to expect, who we would meet, and where we would live. Is college going to be as fun as they say it is? Are these the best years of our lives? Will I find my new best friend in one of these strangers?

It was 1997, and I moved into my dorm at UCSD along with seven other girls. Our little suite was to be home for the next year...and we had no idea what to expect. Little did we know how much fun we would have and what adventures were in store for us....

Here I sit today, thousands of miles away and fighting back tears, with the terrible news that one of my suitemates passed away last week. Though we had lost touch over the years, she will always be an integral part of my college experience...one of the eight who was there through the confusion, the elation, the hard times and the easy...we created our little family together and in my mind all of these women will always hold a special place in my memory.

I'll be playing Karma Chameleon by the Culture Club in your honor today, Jaci....just the way you would like it! The song will always remind me of our time together in the suite and the madness that was Freshman year. Your energy, smile and determination will be sorely missed.

Oh.My.Goodness...

2008-04-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Are you kidding?!?!?!?

Take a look at this video from a Japanese train platform....

I am officially not allowed to complain about being a "sardine" in the Paris metro trains ANYMORE.

Woah.

Why am I so bad at blogging?

2008-04-15T04:43:00.001-07:00

I always say I will be better, I will post more, etc but it never sticks!

I wonder why?

Things here have been pretty "quotidien" or "every-dayish" lately. I've learned that our office is moving FOR SURE on May 13th, so I have less than a month left of my hellish commute. That makes me more and more excited by the day, especially seeing as how all the May holidays will have me out of the office quite a bit. At this point, I only have to take RER B to work 13 more times.....ever. I just might bring champagne on the last day....

Otherwise, I've been doing a lot of reading, not enough exploring, and just a little bit of Anglo friend-meeting which makes me really excited actually. I think that I have been really missing the U.S. so much lately because I've been feeling a bit out of touch in Paris. Not only out of touch literally with friends and family, but also out of touch with my surroundings. My French is getting better which is great, but there is still so much missing...the little jokes, cultural references, etc. that I'm not sure if I will ever understand. It's hard sometimes but I'm trying to have a good attitude about everything.

Anyway, that's my brief update from over this way....hope everyone is well and looking forward to a few more April updates!! :)

A little out of control....

2008-03-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Went to an awesome English book sale yesterday and it looks like I went a bit crazy...please note that three of the books are library books (also picked up yesterday...) and TWO are for S. But still....

Looks like I have plenty of material to help me reach my "50 books by August 25th" deadline! :)

My favorite section of the wall at East Side Gallery

2008-03-29T14:09:00.001-07:00

My favorite section of the wall at East Side Gallery
Originally uploaded by KEFINPARIS

Seeing the Berlin Wall (what was left of it) was amazing. I remember when the wall came down and a boy from my fifth grade class brought a piece of it in that we all passed around.

I never dreamed I would actually see the place for myself one day!

Riding on the metro!!!

2008-03-29T14:07:00.001-07:00

Riding on the metro!!!
Originally uploaded by KEFINPARIS

Got back from Berlin on Tuesday and miss it already...it was an awesome trip!

I'll be posting a few more photos in a few minutes to give you an idea of what I saw - it was an awesome city filled with so much history.

Enjoy!

Pretty architecture

2008-02-10T11:26:00.003-08:00

A view from one of my walks this weekend. I LOVE the sculpture above each of the windows...

Strange Parisian Advertisements...

2008-02-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

I've decided to start a new semi-regular feature on my blog that showcases the strange advertisements that I come across in Paris. The following has started popping up in the metro, on bus stops, and includes a HORRIFYING commercial that has started popping up in movie theaters.

Check it out...

It's an ad for Coke Zero that translates to "the taste of Coca Cola with zero sugar" which seems tame enough at first. But look closely - there is a huge TONGUE with elephant-style legs and an eyeball with legs. SO SO strange.

You think that's weird.....

Check out the ad that's been running in theaters!!!

It's a bit much to translate, but just to give you an idea...the tongues think they are drinking regular coke...the eyeball tells them it's Coke Zero, then the tongues get mad and make fun of the eyeball, taunting him and saying that he can't taste because he doesn't have a tongue. WHAAATT????

I can't even get my head around it.

One word...

2008-02-05T02:35:00.001-08:00

I'm off to do so this evening at the American Church in Paris and then to two election parties! I cannot wait and am looking forward to updating you all on what it's like voting as an expat.

FUN game!

2008-02-02T08:25:00.000-08:00

This was so much fun - but it's HARD. The crazy thing is how many countries I forgot! Some of them I knew immediately upon seeing them...some I had never even heard of before!!

Try it - what's your score???

As seen from the train....

2008-01-30T02:46:00.000-08:00

So, this morning, I was in transport hell (as usual lately) and happened to be looking out the window more than usual....and I noticed something I've never seen before....

A Hotel named Mr. Bed City??

I don't know why but it cracks me up!

And why hadn't I noticed before?

Thank goodness for a good book and a fully charged Shuffle....

2008-01-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

So......it took me THREE hours to get to work this morning. THREE. When normally it should be 50-90 minutes.

There was a problem with the train lines ONLY going out of Paris and to the south....exactly where I needed to go. Perfect!

It made me crazy for a good hour or so until finally I had to give up on the stressing and just shrug...because, what can you do???

"Tant pis!" Maybe I'm becoming more of a Parisian than I thought????

Podcast crazy!

2008-01-20T05:58:00.000-08:00

So, I admit it...I think I'm addicted to podcasts. Literally. I am obsessed.

I go on iTunes daily to get my fix and am currently subscribed to TWELVE!

ABC News
Anderson Cooper's 360
Best of YouTube
Comedy Central Stand-Up
The Hollywood Podcast
Katia and KylieMac
MTV News Daily Podcasts
National Geographic Video Shorts
Meet the Press
This American Life
VH1 Best Week Ever
VH1 Celebreality

It's a little bit out of control but I love being able to stay connected to U.S. news and some of my favorite shows and issues.

My newest discovery is the katia and kyliemac podcast which is created by two women (an Australian and American) living in Paris. Their stories are hilarious and they offer tips of things to do and places to go in Paris. I love their perspective and their stories about an Anglo person's wild experiences in the City of Lights. While I only discovered this podcast last week, I've already downloaded all 110 episodes and have listened to 18 of the half-hour episodes. Lovin' it! For anyone who would like to hear of crazy Parisian adventures from a perspective similar to my own, I recommend you check it out!! I personally will be listening to several episodes today along with some other podcasts in an attempt to clear a bit off my hard drive. I'm a fiend! :)

A Day in the Life....

2008-01-20T05:46:00.000-08:00

This will be the first in a series of views into my daily life in Paris. I've decided to take my camera with me to capture shots of the various things I see during my everyday errands, work, play, etc.

So, to kick it off - here's a few shots of what I saw while running errands (actually while coming back from getting my work visa) a few weeks ago.

I decided to walk from the visa office to the library instead of taking public transport. It was about a 40 minute walk but the weather was great for January and it was great to be back in the midst of Parisian architecture.

A free merry-go-round, courtesy of the City government.

An old, abandoned metro station. I wonder which station and line it was?

A glimpse at the Eiffel Tower...I still never get tired of seeing it.

A Paris velib' bike station - offers free bike rentals ALL over the city. I still have yet to try it but should check it out and let you know...

My book list

2008-01-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's totally self-serving, but I am going to list the books I have read since August 25th as a way to keep myself on track and have a reference online as to what I have accomplished towards my goal so far. Here goes in format Title (Author):

1. In Cold Blood (Capote)
2. Trading Up (Bushnell)
3. 60 Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong (Nadeau)
4. I Know This Much Is True (Lamb) ** please note this one was nearly 1,000 pages! ;)
5. Ninteen Minutes (Picoult)
6. Catcher in the Rye (Salinger) ** YES, I've read it before but missed it and wanted to read it again....which is technically cheating I suppose. Now do I have to read 51??
7. American Short Stories 2007 (Patchett)
8. Shopaholic and Baby (Kinsella)
9. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (See)
10. Science of Shopping (Underhill)
11. Street Lawyer (Grisham)
12. Pardon My French (Hapka)
13. Diry Girl's Social Club (Rodriguez)
14. Straight Up and Dirty (Klein)
15. A Long Way Gone (Beah)

So, as you can see, a good mix but heavy on the girly fiction. Next is Kite Runner and then a big trip to the library for some more.

Please keep the suggestions coming - I am loving it. And, wish me luck! :)

Another resolution...

2008-01-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Back in August (on my birthday), I also made a set of "New-Years-like" resolutions for my 28th year. Many of them are personal but the one that may take the most time was that I resolved to read 50 books before turning 29. These would be books of my choice, and ones that I had not read previously.

Now, maybe it was my birthday margaritas talking at the time, but when I got back from Spain and really sat down and thought about my resolution, I realized I was a bit crazy!

50 books in a year means one a week more or less, which is lofty, especially considering that one can't feasibly take the time to sit and read every week consistently. Or, at least, I can't.

Compound this with the fact that I made a good friend at work and she and I began to ride the train an hour (or more) each way, which meant that I was enjoying conversation two + hours a day and my reading time went out the window.

That said, I am now nearly done with my 15th book since August 25th. The book is amazing - "A Long Way Gone" by Ishmael Beah. It's a true story/memoire of a young boy growing up in Sierra Leone in the 1990's who is separated from his family and made to be a soldier. That's all I will say for now but I highly recommend the book.

So, this is where you come in - are there any "must read" books that you can suggest? Perhaps I should list what I have read so far this year in another entry. At this rate, I have to read 35 more books in the next 34 weeks to meet my goal. INSANITY!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2008-01-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!

As usual, I have been reflecting on the year past and the year ahead and have come up with a few resolutions for 2008. By writing them here, I am hoping to be more accountable and will be able to look back here during the year to check on my progress.

So, here goes!

* Travel more around France and outside of France (Normandie, Reims, Lyon, Dijon, Marseille, Rome, Berlin, Prague, are among those already on the list)
* Way more exercise - no excuses! I have no car and just my feet to get me around...
* Try the Paris velib bike rental service
* Learn a LOT at work (HTML, other web design, etc) Just wait until I know these things - kefinparis might look WAY different!
* Be better at communicating - no more leaving weeks between receiving an email and answering it!
* Take advantage of my new phone plan - more calls to the US!
* Make new friends in Paris
* Write on the blog more frequently!!
* Be more creative in the kitchen cooking-wise

That's quite a lot to think about but I've got a whole year to do it!

Check back for updates!

Back in Paris

2008-01-05T08:13:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm back again after an amazing two + weeks in the U.S. For some reason I always have a hard few days of transition when I arrive in either one of my "homes."

My jet lag is worse than it's been in recent memory and I slept for FIFTEEN hours last night. Needless to say I am a bit out of it today and it's already afternoon!

I am starting my new job on Monday and actually succeeded in getting my work visa taken care of yesterday, albeit after two and a half hours of waiting outside in the rain and the typical French bureaucracy. When one of the people working behind the desk and a fellow immigrant got into a shouting match in front of the whole room, I knew for sure I was back in Paris. :)

Thank you to all who were a part of my wonderful time in California. I really had such a great time and it was harder than ever to come back, which I take as a good sign for the quality of my trip.

I will keep you better updated in 2008 and hope you will still check back here often.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

2007-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

I find it funny that after a whole year (and then some) that I have yet to share some of my favorite things in Paris.

Here they are, in random order...

Enjoy a brief tour through my eyes! :)

Breakfast in America
My favorite spot in Paris for homesick days...nothing that a pint of Stella, plate of Nachos and fun friendly American wait staff can't cure!

San Francisco Books
This is where I buy and sell all of my English books.

UGC Cinemas and my unlimited movie pass for 18 euros a month!!

L'As du Falafel
Totally old article but informative since there is no official website. Usually there is a long wait, but totally worth it. Plus, the awesome sandwich only puts you back 4.5 euros. YUM!

Pierre Herme
My favorite place for sweets and treats. DELICIOUS!

Jardin des Plantes (Garden of Plants) and specifically the ZOO
The site's in French but you'll get the idea...The primate exhibit is AWESOME and it's a 5 minute walk from home.

Frog Pub
A perfect spot, with free Wifi and GREAT homemade beers.

___________________________

**** List in progress ****

Gotta run :)

Saturday

2007-10-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

Well, after finding out some bad news yesterday I am a bit crazy today....for a year now I have been living under the assumption that my end of school thesis and report on my internship (memoire et rapport du stage) are due at the end of December. So, I have been very lazy about it knowing that come Halloween I will be unemployed with plenty of time to research, read, write and be a good student.

I got back to my desk from lunch yesterday and opened the email that will change my life for the next month or so....it read somewhat like this...(in French of course)

"Dear students, Please be advised that your complete projects are due at school no later than COB November 26th!"

WHATTTT????

So, a few freakouts later, I am on track, albeit a bit frantic. However, I went to the library today planning to work and research a little bit only to discover that you have to PAY to use the library in Paris. WHAT AGAIN? Thirty-five euros for a year-long card, knowing I may very well be kicked out of the country in a few months?? No thank you. So I left.

Now, of course, knowing me, I will be back there tomorrow, 35 euros in hand, ready to pay for the card as the convenience of the library and allure of "free" research is a big deal.....but for now I am wallowing in my disbelief and annoyance and enjoying the pint of beer and free WiFi in the British pub next door. :)

I'm still alive...

2007-10-11T01:50:00.000-07:00

....but a HORRIBLE blogger.

Life lately has consisted pretty much of the following :

* Riding the bus, the train, the bus again and walking to and from work...
* Being a happy homemaker in my spare time...
* Looking FAR AND WIDE for a job in Paris (my internship ends October 31 and the clock is ticking)...
* Stressing out, sometimes to the point of tears (see above)...
* Seeing movies with my UGC Carte Illimite (PERFECT for a student with dwindling means...best 18 euros a month I could ever spend!)...
* Missing the U.S. a little bit...anyone want to FedEx me some good Mexican food? Some magazines? Some books? Some friends? ;)

I will do my best to be better at updating (if anyone is still reading) and will definitely have TONS of time after Halloween when I am officially unemployed.

Rain, rain, go AWAY!

2007-08-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

It's raining in Paris.....

......again......

It's always raining - July and August have shown me the rainiest summer in life, and it's not over yet!

Looking SO forward to my first trip to Spain this weekend, where I HOPE to catch some sunshine!!!!

YESSSS!!!

2007-08-05T23:24:00.001-07:00

On a non-Paris note....

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-sci-rosacea6aug06,0,1305081.story?coll=la-home-center

SO happy. Please note this was discovered at UCSD! Of COURSE! :)

I miss summer in L.A......

2007-07-30T05:53:00.001-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-plaschke27jul27,1,2792757.column?coll=la-headlines-sports

WISH I could be there, but I still would have no idea what to do....

Heard on the train this morning...

2007-07-24T00:45:00.000-07:00

"Si vous decidez de me donner une carte bleu, n'oubliez pas de me donner le code secret...."
("If you decide to give me your ATM card, don't forget to give me the pin number!")
- A beggar on the train this morning

Nothing like a little laugh in the morning....I take what I can get. :)

A week later....

2007-07-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

Bastille Day was last weekend - July 14th, and I celebrating by braving the crowds and heading towards the Eiffel Tower to watch the fireworks across the river at Trocadero. To be honest, the fireworks show was up there with the ones that I praise at Dodger Stadium...but the musical selection, not so much. I mean, they played the theme from Star Wars and songs from the Baz Luhrmann film Moulin Rouge to celebrate their national holiday...

I mean, could you imagine the uproar at some celebrations in the U.S. if "La Vie en Rose" started blaring out of the speakers amid hot dog eating contests or apple pie tastings???

View from the Balcony...

2007-07-22T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, after months of awful weather (I'm talking DAILY rain...what is this, Seattle?) it has finally become summer in Paris. Here's a view from my balcony to commemorate the occasion. :)

Amazing Street Art

2007-07-22T11:27:00.001-07:00

Please note the awesome street art I happened to notice yesterday on Rue Moufftard. Amazing!

I have yet to share it with the fam, but I have a feeling we are going to get a good laugh!

Back in Paris

2007-05-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

Well, after a crazy, hectic few weeks all over the U.S., I am back in Paris today and I feel so strange, to be honest...

For the first time, I kind of feel like a visitor in BOTH countries....like I was not fitting in the way I used to in the U.S. but I do not feel 100% at home here in Paris.

Some of the things I LOVED about the U.S.:
Family
Friends
The freedom of my car
Seeing the ocean
Food
Space to spread out
Customer service!!!! (This was huge)
Not being pushed (haha!)

Some of the things I MISSED about Paris:
Friends
The scenery
Food
Metro
Walking
My "routine"
Being complimented on my language skills (haha!)
My balcony

I could go on and on but I know that while I am happy to be back I also am missing L.A. in ways that I don't think I have before...maybe it's because I've never been away for this long?

My cousin's wedding and grandpa's birthday were both SO much fun...pictures to follow once I get over this jet lag. :) It's back to work tomorrow!

Lazy Saturday at the Louvre

2007-04-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday at the Louvre and had such an amazing time- it's been literally almost TEN years since I first visited the museum, which is crazy, and it was a wonderful trip.

It made me want to go back more often, and I think I just might....

The weather continues to be absolutely gorgeous so it was almost a shame to spend the Saturday inside...

Here are a few of the highlights of what I saw, without overwhelming you with photos. Enjoy!

More views from my walks...

2007-04-19T11:43:00.000-07:00

P.S. I GOT AN INTERNSHIP!!!!

2007-04-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to keep you all up to date!

Although I am not going to post exactly where I will be working on the blog (see www.petiteanglaise.com who recently got fired from her job and went through extensive legal proceedings because of her mention of her employer on her blog) because in France you can never be too careful about this stuff......but let me just say that I am sooooo excited! It's from late April to late October, a HUGE American company, a marketing job, they hire Americans, and I will be SO thrilled to be getting a discount on their products!!!!

Email me to find out the company- I am so glad the search is over!

New Space Invaders

2007-04-17T02:17:00.000-07:00

The Oscar the Grouch one is probably my favorite of all time!!!! I found him over by Les Halles, near the HUGE crazy mall that I tell everyone about. :)

P.S. I recently discovered that there are TONS of Sesame Street clips on YouTube. I have been having a FIELD DAY watching some of the old favorites! SO awesome!

Walking in Paris

2007-04-17T02:12:00.000-07:00

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous again (although borderline too-hot) and I have started trying to walk EVERYWHERE.

Not only is the scenery amazing, but I am enjoying learning my way around town ABOVE ground and out of the metro, and I have been enjoying the exercise too!

The other day I decided to walk to the movies- about 45 minutes away, and the view was gorgeous.

Just thought I would share some of what I see....

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

2007-04-08T09:25:00.001-07:00

Some scenes from Pere Lachaise

2007-04-07T16:08:00.001-07:00

I finally took the time to visit the beautiful Pere Lachaise cemetery in the 20th arrondissement in Paris...it's well-known for being a place where famous Parisians are buried but it's also where Jim Morrison from the Doors is laid to rest.

The whole thing was absolutely gorgeous and the dark rain clouds that were looming over the city just made the setting even more perfect.

I took a TON of photos but here are a few that I wanted to share....

NEW Space Invaders...

2007-04-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Boy, have I ever had a Space Invaders FIELD DAY!!!! Seriously, it seems like now that I am looking out for them, they are everywhere I go!

Here are a few from my walk in the 5th and 6th arrondissements last week with old friends L&L. One was above a video game store near the Sorbonne and the other over right by Luxembourg Gardens.

Enjoy!!

By popular demand....

2007-04-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

Just a little post to let you readers know that I am still alive, happy, well, and having a BLAST with three different groups of visitors here this week. Plus, the weather is absolutely gorgeous- almost dream-like, and I am really enjoying being outside.

I have been taking a TON of pictures so please check back in a few days...as much fun as it is to have visitors, I am all over the place (literally) and don't have much time to be online.

Can't wait to catch you all up with everything!

Bye for now. :)

New hobby...nerd alert!!!

2007-03-17T02:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I will begin the post by making it clear that I in no way wish to dispute that I am totally nerdy about some things....geeky even. For example, when I lived in D.C. a friend came to visit and we spent the entire weekend in 100 degree + 100% humidity chasing around town to find and photograph the donkeys and elephants (50 of EACH)!! (No that's not me and D in the photos...ours are better!)

Needless to say, I am a big fan of street art.

So, here in Paris we have "Space Invaders"- basically little mosaics that look like they come straight out of a Nintendo game that pop up everywhere on the side of buildings. I have been seeing more and more of them lately so I have decided to take pictures and see how many I can find! Looks like someone has beaten me to it, but it will still be plenty of nerdy fun for me!!! Woohoo! Do I have too much time on my hands??? :)

Here are a few to start...

Gorgeous!

2007-03-17T01:57:00.000-07:00

The weather has been totally amazing lately and I have been enjoying it by walking around a lot more and enjoying the scenery. Here are a few photos of my everyday surroundings...enjoy!!

Amazing!

2007-03-13T14:54:00.000-07:00

A picture's worth 1,000 words....

"I bought a ticket to the world...."

2007-02-18T03:46:00.000-08:00

"....and now I've come back again!"

I miss Boardwalk 11 and karaoke soooo much.

It's nearly been five months since I moved here and I still have yet to meet a karaoke partner.

Anyone....?

Trop malade!

2007-02-18T03:27:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought I was getting better, I am awakened this morning with MORE of the heinous flu-like symptoms I have been battling for now nearly a week. I have pretty much exhausted the last hangers-on from my American "pharmacy" and now have only one packet of TheraFlu left. What I wouldn't give for some NyQuil....

In the meantime, I have been holed up in the aparment doing a whole lot of nothing. However, I am venturing out every so often to use my shiny new UNLIMITED MOVIE PASS! What an awesome idea- for the price of less than three movies a month, I can go as much as I want!

I've recently seen:

Bobby
Blood Diamond
The Holidays
Pursuit of HappyNess
The Last King of Scotland

I may go out again today to see either the Good German or the Hannibal Lecter flick (which may be too scary for me! Haha!) The weather is beyond gorgeous- I am so disappointed to be stuck inside!

Only on Al-Jazeera

2007-02-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

101 East: An HOUR of televised broadcasts regarding American servicemen and their reputation overseas. Does the justice of another nation apply to an American servicemember while serving overseas? LOVE it.

Seeing as how I have only about 3-4 TV channels in English, and that sometimes I just don't feel like concentrating/don't want to work in French, I have developed an unhealthy obsession with Al-Jazeera English...sooo different from the news I'm used to from the U.S. and seriously has the greatest selection of topics....

Don't worry, I'm already convinced that my FBI file is so large that it will have to be delivered on a truck. I'm not scared. :)

I'm Johnny Knoxville, and this is Versailles.

2007-02-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

I had a friend in town last week and had the most amazing time. Although much of the week itself was hilarious, perhaps the best time was the day trip we took to the Versailles castle. It was cold, rainy, and a bit dismal when we arrived....but we had no idea how fun it would be....

We first took a tour of the castle, which was so immense and gorgeous that I can't even describe it. Beautiful!

Anyway, after our tour, we went outside to look at the grounds, which went on and on forever. There was a little shack just outside the castle advertising golf cart rentals for 28euros an hour. We wondered if it was worth it, shrugged, and decided to go for it. What ensued was literally probably the funniest thing that has happened since I have been in Paris. There were a ton of potholes so my friend insisted on hitting them ALL at our highest speed. We were out of control and the shenanigans made me laugh so hard. For those of you who are Jackass fans, the afternoon was straight out of a Jackass episode. Seriously.

I highly recommend the golf cart rentals to all who may be going to Versailles. SO worth it.

I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!

2007-01-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness......years after visiting my sister in the Czech Republic, I've found an imitation of what I've been looking for!!! For the uninitiated, in Prague there is amazing "street food." The sister and I not only enjoyed traipsing but she also taught me to enjoy such food...and by far the BEST thing was the "Smazny Syr," which I tend to describe as fried cheese with mayonaise in a white bun. Nasty, but oh so great.

Well, I am delighted to report that the French fast food chain Quick is carrying an imitation syr. No, it's not the same as the fried delicacies that I may or may not have enjoyed with the sister at 3 in the morning while finding our way home from a 25 cent beer paradise.... BUT, it's pretty darn close. I have to be careful to not devour them all the time!

Yessss!

Bobby

2007-01-26T04:38:00.000-08:00

The movie "Bobby" about Bobby Kennedy just came out here yesterday and I am dying to go see it. I think that's going to be my outing for today because tomorrow (Saturday) I have an all-day trip to Angers planned for school. Literally- I have to meet at the train station at 7:00am (!!) and won't get back until 10pm. Ugh.

Anyway, I am having the hardest time finding the movie in VO (Version Original)/English and the thought of watching a dramatic story about Bobby Kennedy's assasination dubbed in French seems really odd to me...I may just have to try though??

I've been inspired...

2007-01-25T08:34:00.001-08:00

So, you all are probably shocked- two posts in two days? Is she okay? What's wrong with KEF?

Well, after some great conversation with my most recent visitor Britt last week, I have been inspired to really put in an effort to write more here. Why? Because as my wise friend put it,(she spent a year overseas as well) a blog actually turns into a GREAT diary that I will be able to look back upon in the future. I really got to thinking about how pitifully I have been keeping track of my time here....I mean, who gets to a foreign country the day before her classes start???

I have been running around like a crazy woman since then and am just now finally feeling like I have my "sea legs" and beginning to have a sense of permanency. Also, my new school is a bit on the SLOW side compared to last semester so I am finding myself with more free time (which is SOOO much better than the NO free time I had last semester...believe me!)

So, all that is just to say that you will all hopefully be reading lots more from my end in the near future! It's my New Years Resolution- 25 days late....look at me- I'm turning FRENCH! :)