HMM.

So, it's been about three weeks since my last blog entry and I'm sitting here asking myself, "Why have I not been blogging away about all my adventures in the last three weeks?" Is the answer because I've been busy? Well yes, I have been, but I've also had much leisure time considering last week was our fall break. Is the answer because I've been bored? Not at all, there have been so many blog worthy events to have happened to me! The answer to the question is, in all honesty, that I had begun to feel unoriginal. Ironic, right? A blog is supposed to be something unique to the person who creates it and spends their time gushing their inner most feelings and personal experiences to whoever cares to listen, er read. But yes, I began to feel as if I was describing the same feelings, experiences and emotions as every other girl or boy in my study abroad program and you know what, I'm right! But that's okay. It's interesting how similar we all are! In a world of facebook I can easily click onto a fellow classmates link to their own blog and read their sentences of nonsense exactly like mine-seriously YOU why are you reading this? Unless you're my mom, or my only friend Lauren Baker/Andrew Greenhalgh (they come in a package deal), then I feel sorry that I'm boring you with my nonsense. Regardless, if you are still continuing to read on, then help a sista' out and shoot me some ideas on how to spice up this blog and make it one of a kind. Not the carbon copy "Today I went to the Louvre... The French love baguettes... The Metro is smelly" rubbish. My lack of creativity and or drive is requesting some help from you Americans, French, Germans, Italians, and whoever else I've befriended on this journey so far. Merci beaucoup!
PS My feelings about how I'm feeling right now...

Barcelona, Louis Vuitton, Funfetti Cupcakes and Monet.

                                              (Lily pads from Monet's Garden)

So much to update on! First and foremost, I finally accomplished the touristy but essential event of climbing to the top of the Eiffel tower. The best part about it is that I got to do it with one of my besties, Chelsea Kane, from Santa Cruz. It’s always nice seeing a familiar face when you’re on the other side of the globe. Secondly, Barcelona! The UC Paris kids were taking over Barcelona, a group of around 20 of us went and it was such a blast! First night out we went to a club, the next day sightseeing and saw the wonderful Sagrada Familia and Guell Park. Later that night we had to complete out Spanish adventure with Tapas, Paella and Sangria. After dinner we headed out to the beach where we met new Swiss friends and dipped our feet in the Mediterranean. Our last and final day in the sunny city we sat upon some steps giving us a view of the town, while listening to a man play classical Spanish music on his guitar. We finished the day with a bike tour of Barcelona-one of the best decisions we made all weekend, and then let the sun go down while sipping on cheap beer on the beach. Haha. Putting the final touches on the weekend was going to the airport at 4am and getting nudged by a worker to wake the EF up after a couple of hours of snoozing on the airport chairs. Returning back to Paris was an interesting experience as it felt like I was “going home”. It’s odd to think that here is now where I call home, but also refreshing at the same time. I tend to like Paris more and more with every week that passes. Only 8 more weeks left in the city of lights then it’s time to head back to “Ole Rocklin”, as Peter calls it. Last week I went and strolled through the Garden of Tuileries for the first time, it rained creating a whole different look of the city. I actually like Paris more in the cold, than in the sun. It feels more “Paris-like” when it’s frosty outside and people are covered in pea coats and leather gloves. I also saw the Louvre for the first time (I know, I know I’m a little late on all this touristy stuff-I still have yet to go inside). Also walked down the Champs-Elysees for the first time where I found a cute yet modern sandwich shop off Washington St. called Cojean. After leaving Cojean I walked into Louis Vuitton to browse when the manager took me around the building to an art exhibition going on put on by Marc Jacobs. I got to go all the way to the top floor of Louis Vuitton and get a tour of all the artwork, plus a book containing pictures of all the pieces which inspired their collection. After returning home drenched from the rain, my host mother made a fire and some tea and I did one of the children’s English homework and he did my French hw…  The perks of living in a home stay. On Wednesday I took a cooking class where we made chicken kebabs, salmon samosas, and an odd cheese wrap with caramel and pine nuts inside. On the metro ride home I sat next to a gay couple who had a dog with a tattoo which said “bitch” inside his ear. In Cali that couple probably would have been given a lot of shit for animal cruelty, but hey we’re in Paris so I laughed. Thursday night I went out with Peter and J.J. for the typical steak and frites, afterwards we headed to a corner store where we got real classy and shot gunned some beers, and then went to a bar where we had reverse jager bombs… BAD IDEA. Clearly drawing attention to our American mannerisms, we met some locals and a French man bought me my first Parisian rose! Cliché but the trick worked… I have a date with the guy Monday night. To wrap this longgg post up, Friday went to the Salon du Chocolat chocolate festival, where we saw a chocolate fashion show, demonstrations and basically OD’d on all things chocolate. Later Friday night Pauline, the oldest child and only girl in my home stay had her 12^th birthday party. I made confetti cupcakes, a real American dessert, and all the girls began eating them with a spoon. They looked at me like I was crazy when I said “No no, eat with your hands!” Some even refused to… but in the end were all obsessed with the cupcakes and wanted to learn how to make them. Yesterday J.J. and I took a train to Giverny and then rented bikes and road to Monet’s garden and house; we were freezing from the wind but had a great time. Now, as it is Sunday and I have a midterm on Monday (tomorrow) on French Identity Issues which I haven’t done any studying for... I better start studying! A bientot!

Left my heart in Amsterdam...

What a wonderful weekend getaway with the girls! Amsterdam was such a blast. The Netherlands is absolutely beautiful; very different from the hustle bustle always around in Paris. It was quite the adventure getting there though, I must say. To start, we took a bus-bad idea-7 hours stuck in a large and slowly moving vehicle is not the best. Anyway, we arrive in Amsterdam at 6am and are stuck in the Central Station because we all can’t check into our hostel/rented apartment, so we end up catching some more zzz’s in the station only to get nudged and punched by the security. Apparently sleeping is not allowed, oops. Finally at 9am we head out to find Emilie, Emily, Jeannie and Diana’s apartment, I got stuck in the hostel I booked way too in advance across the city. The place is nice and we end up “napping” for way too long, Haha. Finally we decide to head out into the city, we stop by a “coffee shop”… or two :] and then eat like mad men. Unfortunately I got sick and had to end the night early. Saturday morning we started off fresh with a big meal at Barney’s and then did a little vintage store shopping which was fun. We also took a stop in the Heineken museum where we met some nice Canadians. Sunday; strolled the city for a while and then made my way back to Central Station where our lovely bus was waiting for us. Overall the weekend was an absolute success filled with laughter… and food. Hahah pretty much sums it up. We literally ate so much we would have made NFL football players proud. It was so refreshing to be around other English speakers, to see English magazines even! And of course to have the typical American breakfast of eggs, potatoes, bacon, etc. Yum Yum. I definitely left my heart back in Amsterdam, such a youthful atmosphere where the people are so helpful and nice. Now back to Paris, but just for 4 days and then I’m flying out to Barcelona on Thursday! Forget school and grades, I’m here to explore the world. Since I have no class on Tuesdays, usually I go out and venture different neighborhoods, today it was the Japanese neighborhood in Les Halles. Found some boba tea at a place called Zen Zoo, a rarity in Paris, which I slurped while doing my French Media reading. While wandering the various streets I found myself at an America Bookstore. I have to admit after being abroad for over 3 months now I am beginning to get America-sick! (As in homesick). But, when I think about it, I only have two months left in this exciting and upbeat city, only two months to be in Europe while the rest of my entire life, most likely, I’ll be in America, so I force myself to snap out of America-sick mode! Speaking of which, my host mother and I were discussing French toast today-Here it is called Pain Perdu, or “lost bread”, because they make it when their bread is not the freshest anymore. She was appalled when I told her it is a very popular breakfast item in the states. She said “They are liars! The French would never eat such for breakfast!” Hahah, apparently it is only for their “tea time” around 4pm. I’ve also learned that the French are very strict about their eating schedule! Breakfast only when it is breakfast time, lunch only around noon and dinner around 7-no in betweens! They don’t snack here! We also spoke about Halloween. Sadly, making me even more America-sick is how she told me the French actually view it as disrespectful to the Catholic religion, so they have created their own version of it called “holy-ween”. No costumes, no pumpkins, no Halloween themed TV shows or movies… Aye aye aye this is going to be a sad October 31^st for this girl… I’m already downloading Hocus Pocus on the internet so I don’t get too sad. :] On other news, one of my besties and absolute favorite girl from Santa Cruz is coming to Paris! The lovely Chelsea Kane, and I am so excited to see her tomorrow, this is going to be a wonderful week for me. To all you Americans-enjoy your pumpkin spice latte’s and Halloween themed everything and don’t take it for granted! Sayonara!

Sofia Coppola, Macaroons, Clubs and Waterfalls

                                     (Emily and I at the Parc des Buttes Chaumont waterfall)

Since I’ve last updated, 15 days ago, I have done a multitude of things. I’ve gone on even more thrift adventures, venturing into one of Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst’s favorite thrift stores in Paris called “Free ‘P’ Star”; bought a flannel shirt for 5 Euros. Next on my everlasting thrifting adventure was “Coiffeur”, right next door to the famous falafel place “L’As du Falafel”, where I purchased cut off Levi’s shorts for 10 Euros. Leaving the Marais and entering the Bastille neighborhood I headed to “Come on Eileen”, a store with a very friendly staff but on the pricier side. In here they had the largest selection of Converse high tops I’ve seen.  Quite often over the past week I’ve found myself walking down the streets in my own neighborhood (the 15^th arrondismont) and discovered a “mediateque”, basically a very nice and advanced library. After being directed to the English section by a staff member (a total of 3 books in English) I left having checked out E.M. Forster’s “A Room with a View” which I am currently reading.  Taking a full turn away from the library scene we have the discotheques I’ve been to in the last couple weeks. There’s “Mix”; good music and DJ however creepy elderly men who like to lurk and don’t understand our “get away from me” looks.  Another night we headed over to “Duplex” near the Arc de Triumph; nice music as well and lights from outer space.. I’ve never seen so many strobe lights and green lasers and smoke machines in all my life! We stumbled outta there half blind, half seeing in flashes. Backing up the statement I said about doing a “multitude of things”, I went and saw my first film in a French movie theatre. Unfortunately it was about as American as it gets…you know what I’m talking about, admittedly I saw “Crazy, Stupid, Love” with my friend Jessica. Leaving the theatre and feeling sad and depressed without the films Hollywood happy-ending we walked right into a macaroon store where I got rose, lavender and coco lait flavored macaroons. Continuing on with my search for the best macaroon I was recommended to go to Pierre Hermes, a famous macaroon shop where I tried an olive vanilla and pistachio macaroon-both were crazy out of this world delicious (also very expensive I must add-1.95 Euros for one!). The trek does not stop here (don’t worry this has been spread out over 2 weeks) Haha, anyway I was told I must go to the Eric Kayser bakery-so of course I did as was told and here I tried a prosciutto salad and hands down the best crème brulee I’ve ever tasted. Also in the past two weeks, I went to a fondue restaurant and had a wonderful dinner and met new friends who are also in the UC abroad program-we bonded over talking about The Bachelorette tv show-haha, it’s a guilty pleasure of mine :]. There was bread and cheese, meat with sauces, potatoes and green beans and then fruit with chocolate all for only 12 Euros-such a steal. While on the subject of food (with all the new food I’ve been trying I should have just made this a blog about where to eat in Paris!), but any who, while stumbling down a random street I found a bomb place called Patati Patata where they sell baked potatoes and fill it with anything you desire. I chose the chicken curry potato and it was heaven. Definitely recommend the place. My favorite occurrence that has happened recently is reuniting with my love and the greatest dance team captain ever-Megan Suttaby:] Passing through Paris on her post UCSC gradation euro trip of course we met up and enjoyed a wonderful night filled with wine, crepes and catching up on the Seine river bank. More recently, yesterday as a matter of fact, my lovely amie (friend) Angela showed me a gorgeous park in the 19^th arrondismont called Parc des Buttes Chaumont where we discovered a temple, a water fall and of course a giant cotton candy stand. As in awe with the park as I was, I had to pass along the amazingness to others and went back today.  We enjoyed the nice weather and took up our time picnicking in the park, learning how to roll a cigarette (thx Em!:]), and rock climbing. Of course being true to our American selves we had to end the day with an ice cold Starbucks drink and the 3euro thrift store near the student housing before parting ways and going home with our arms filled with thrifting finds (pour moi a beautiful white long dress with long slits and lace).. Which brings me to my next point-Brittany got a job! YES. Babysitting, of course what else would I do-I’m always around kids. It’s actually a really great experience and I have connections with 3 different families so I’m looking forward to having some cash inflow. I got paid 10 Euros yesterday just to pick up a kid from gymnastics class-wooo. Now I have something making up for my Starbucks iced white mocha addiction. Anyways, for those interested in my life I will try my best to update more frequently and with shorter posts as I know it must be exhausting listening to me ramble about my past two weeks. Je suis desolee. (I am sorry.) You can look forward to hearing about my trip to Amsterdam (next Thursday), Barcelona (the Thursday after that), London over Thanksgiving, and Sweden the beginning of December!

-Ciao amores!

Inception Bridge, Vintage Chanel and Inox Techno Music Festival

(Bridge from Inception)

Today I was awoken by my host family’s chimney sweeper-man. Waking up in a frazzled daze, once I discovered what the source of the noise was, I found it quite humorous! In the States the idea of an actual chimney sweeper seems as if from a cartoon or an old movie…(at least for me growing up in the town of Rocklin where people are lavish and have electric, faux fireplaces which do not require cleaning). After stumbling out of my room, the joyous chimney sweeper and my host mother excitedly dragged me to the side of the apartment where there was a long ladder up to the roof. After making the hike up the ladder, I finally arrived (in my socks and PJ’s) at the roof of this Parisian apartment building. IT WAS GORGEOUS. I could see everything from the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre Sacra Coeur to Montparnasse Tower. Unbelievable. After finishing my toast and tea I set off on my own exploration (considering Tuesdays I don’t have any classes). :] Stumbling around the various streets of Paris I found myself, by accident, at the site of one of the scenes from the American film Inception! It is the scene where Leonardo DiCaprio is teaching Ellen Page how to create dreams on a bridge. The mirrors from the scene were obviously solely for film purposes, but after strolling down the bridge I also found the building which is the dream training facility in the film. In real life it is actually just an old office building, but I found the graffiti shown in a shot right before Joseph Gordon-Levitt enters the building. (After getting home and doing research to confirm this was the bridge, I discovered that this same bridge was also from the Marlon Brando film, “Last Tango in Paris” where he is shown walking down it and crying.) After admiring the Hollywood-esque vibe from the bridge, I went on to search for a few vintage shops I had heard were the best in Paris. I uncovered a gem; the vintage store called Reciproque. Browsing the racks of vintage Chanel, Chloe and Prada I almost fainted when the woman working asked if I’d like her to start a dressing room for me. Pretending to be posh I replied with, “Bien sur” meaning “of course” in English (haha). There I was in this vintage boutique trying on 1,000 Euro Chanel blazers and 700 Euro Dolce and Gabbana dresses just for fun, admiring the labels and not even being able to afford a single stitch. Next, I searched for the thrift store Guerrisol where there were large basins full of sweaters for 3 Euros to old Levi jeans for 5. This store had a more Goodwill-ish vibe and was chaotic full of people of all ages searching for a good buy.  Leaving both stores having bought nothing but time I grabbed myself a tomato, basil and mozzarella cheese Panini and made it back to my home in the 15^th arrondissement. Right by my apartment, I could see across the street a cute little bakery ran by two young women. As I peered in I couldn’t resist the temptation to buy two petite macaroons, one Café flavored the other Pistachio. They were absolutely to die for-Don’t worry friends and fam, I’m bringing some home with me in December! :]

Well on other news, the Inox Techno Music Festival was one of the most fun days I have ever had... Music Festivals have such a fun, bohemian vibe that I adore, people are so care-free immersed in the music. I’m dying to go to another one! Bon Iver is playing soon with Lykke Li at the Pitchfork Music Festival-two of my favorite musicians… geeshh dream team right there. Welp, since I last updated I’ve seen many interesting sites; The Mosque, Catacombs, Le Pantheon, Shakespeare and Co. (where parts of Midnight in Paris were filmed and where Hemingway once studied), Versailles, Palais Garnier (The Opera House), Sacre Coeur, plus many more to come… :]

Officially in my homestay!

(my new room in Parii!)

Aye aye aye where do I even begin!
Well, I have been officially accustomed to Paris and am now well adjusted to the many twists and turns of the city (for the most part). I have to admit that the first week was difficult (as well as the second). Additionally I must admit Paris was not what I thought or expected it to initially be. Let’s just put it this way... It was definitely not love at first sight; however, with time I am beginning to see why Paris is such a wonderful and unexpected city. It is definitely the small things you have to look out for which make Paris so unique. Everything has a special sort of feel with the various markets scattered throughout the city to the small clothing boutiques. My favorite things are the things you cannot find in California, like how small and close together all the streets and shops are from one another. Also, the bakeries! My oh my countless bakery's filled with delicious carbohydrates. The breads and sandwiches and croissants-Oh mon dieur (oh my god in French however it may be misspelled). I kept telling myself, "I WILL buy running shoes" since I’ve been here for two weeks and I just today finally actually did it. Now for the actual running part…
A few days ago I moved into my home stay with my new French family. When I first arrived they spoke not a lick of English and I was on the verge of tears. It is a couple, Madame and Monsieur Juy, and they have FIVE children. Once the children came home I felt much better and not because they speak any English but because they are petite actors! They are constantly in battle with one another to see who I can understand best. Whenever I finally understand they shout Gagne ("win" in French I believe) and become very excited. They are 12, 11, 7, 6 and 4 years! Madame has made me dinner every night this week and it has been TO DIE FOR. Quiche and green beans with tiramisu, salmon pasta (desert was hilariously yogurt and an apple), croque monsier (desert this night was grapes) and homemade pizza! I even tried ostrich… hmm don’t know how I feel about that one.
I am so happy to have chosen to live in a home stay rather than the dorms. This family is very genuine and I’m definitely getting the full French experience. I've been reading and hearing about the habits of the French since high school but it must be experienced to fully understand! I truly feel as if I have been shot back into time and am living in France in 1920! The furniture is old but gorgeous and the floors are wooden and creaky. During dinner the boys recite French poetry and after they play guitar and piano for me! Every morning I have the typical French breakfast; toast and tea and then I’m onto the metro and off to school! Speaking of the metro… there are too many good-looking men on the metro every morning in their designer suits and smart phones… eye candy! (hehe sorry M&D). Anyways, I’ve been doing many fun things with the family and little kids like playing Monopoly, Memory and also piling onto the couch and watching movies! Last night we watched Les Gendarmes en Ballade. It is a popular French movie from the late 60’s early 70’s I believe. I also taught the family how to give a high five; the French do NOT give high fives. Soon we are all going over to the family’s grandparent’s house. The French are very social and often eat meals with neighbors, friends and other family members-I love it!

A Bientot Amies!  :]

from Switzerland to Milan to Paris!

(Champs Elysees)

I have not written in so long I've been travelling all over! I feel weird blogging... Like I think I'm really cool that I need to tell everyone about my life. Oh wait a minute, I am really cool because I live in Paris! WHAAAT. (kidding). So getting to Paris was a little bit of a disaster... The ticket office for the train was closed so I couldn't pick up my ticket when I was in Milan so me and my friend Meredith who was also going to Paris had to print out our emails saying we've paid and beg them to let us on the train. After asking many different people they thankfully agreed and we got on. Once on the train we were cracking up at how tiny and close everything was. It was my first time on a train like this before, small rooms with 6 beds, 3 layered on top of one another (I was on the very top) and barely any room to move. With the occassional perks of being a 20 year old girl, Meredith and I got called back into 1st class by two guys who worked on the train and had some drinks, that was fun. After some time we went to sleep back in our cabins and when we awoke we were in the beautiful Paris! Last night Meredith and I checked out the Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. Purchased some sandwiches and champagne and made ourselves a nice picnic right in front of the gorgeous building. My favorite part about the Eiffel Tower was how it changes and looks different as the sun goes down. Once it is completely dark it sparkles and is a jaw-dropping sight. I could sit on the grass and stare at it for hours, unfortunately we got in trouble by the po-po for drinking alcohol (didn't know it was illegal there since everyyyyone was doing it) and we had to move to a different spot. Today I made my first purchase! A new pair of tan Parisan sandals, perfect considering my blog name :] Also I got a pedicure and sipped some Earl Grey at a cafe! I'm so local now it's ridiculous...I really hope everyone who reads this knows me and my sense of humor by now. Anyways, I check in to my school on Monday, looking forward to it, this vagabond lifestyle is moving way too quickly for me. Haven't stayed in the same spot since I got here! (Definitely not complaining though) I can truly say I have never been happier.
Au Revoir homies!