Weekend Update!

This past weekend was AH-MAZING. On Saturday a few friends and I went to Rock En Seine, which is a three day music festival in Paris. The Black Keys headlined, and I was in heaven. I have unsuccessfully been trying to see them in concert for the past couple of years, but due to massive scheduling issues, it has never happened (drama queen party of one, I know). We also saw Of Monsters and Men (incredible live), Caravan Palace (crazy French band, the crowd was going insane), and Noel Gallagher (I heard someone refer to him as the British Jack Johnson, hmmm...).

On Sunday night I went to the last Cinema en Plein Air (outdoor movie theater) with a couple of friends. It was in the Parc de la Villette, which will be explored in a later post for all my fellow archies! Anyways, we watched "Hair", which was originally a musical. I'm not a big musicals-adapted-to-movies kinda gal (Mamma Mia got a 2 minute trial run before I changed the channel... sorry ABBA fans), but I liked it! So all is good in the world.

Okay okay enough talking...

Megan, Me, Clayton, and Tony. When in France, do as the French do - drink wine at concerts!

Of Monsters and Men

The Black Keys!! Big moment people, BIG moment. 

Most boring picture in the world, but that screen literally inflated before our eyes. Had to share.

With Jesse and Aubrey before the movie! Don't judge the squints - this is the best of many attempts with a bright flash in the dark!

Hope you're having a great week!

L

Paris Plages

Every summer from mid-July to mid-August, a small oasis in a sweltering city forms along the right bank. Tourists and Parisians (those not lucky enough to escape the city for a coastal retreat) alike flock here for a little staycation of their own. A few friends and I decided to check out the beach on its last day. There are areas reminiscent of boardwalks, while ice cream and beverage vendors offer refreshing treats to quench thirsty beachgoers. And of course, in true Euro fashion, plenty of speedos dot the "shoreline".

I'm now wishing I got more pictures of the things I saw which made it so unique - the random scattering of enormous beach chairs, small pick-up bands playing beachy tunes, and a little "water park" to cool off since swimming in the Seine would be the equivalent of swimming in the Mississippi. Again, novice blogger - bear with me for a moment :) 

There are also rumored to be kayaks/canoes/paddleboats if you fancy a ride on the Seine as well as pools which extend over the river. I am a little bummed we didn't see these things - but if you are in Paris at this time, you should check it out!

Descending on the beach with the Conciergerie in the distance.

Bonjour!

Well this is quite an overdue BONJOUR from Paris! This past week has been both parts crazy and relaxing - and I guess it's fitting that I make my first post on my one week anniversary in Paris! (Let's just go with it...)

I don't think my arrival could have gone much smoother, which was fabulous. Cheers to all my luggage making it across the pond! I'll spare you the mundane details of traveling and just give you my favorite moment - I was taking a taxi from the airport, there was that oh-so-typical Parisian drizzle outside and "La Vie en Rose" came on the radio. We then crossed the Seine and I looked to my right to see the one and only, Notre Dame. I wish I could have captured that moment. It was truly magical (ok enough cheese for the rest of this blog, well that kind anyway... hehehe).

Summer ended in a bit of a craze (moving, packing, work, a special wedding, and squeezing in as many sentimental moments with family and friends as possible, etc.), so this past week I have been taking the time to relax in between getting situated in Paris & taking my french classes. Our professor is the exact opposite of what I expected (so he's entertaining and keeps us all engaged which is amaaazing when you have a four hour class everyday). He wears shirts that say things like "Kill the Beer" and has made Beatles and AC/DC references. Me likey! I'm surprised at how much I remember and don't remember at the same time. It will all come together!

Since there's not much to share yet, I will leave you with some of my favorite summer memories!

Last dinner in Lawrence with some great friends! Yokohama -- I strongly recommend going here if you are ever in Larrytown.