Monday, November 26, 2012

Noël sur les Champs-Elysées









Ever since we heard there was such a thing as a lighting ceremony of the Champs-Elysées, we had been counting down the days until we could watch the entire street light up for the first time of the Christmas season.  Although Alyssa had to run to catch a flight to Rome (not too shabby, right?), I was able to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Christmas market with my family (who arrived that morning) starting at the huge ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde, and finishing at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. 

Giving Thanks in Italy

View from our balcony where we ate Thanksgiving dinner.

The Vatican on Thanksgiving Day.

The Colosseum.



The site where Caesar was actually murdered was just a block away from the apartment we called home. Our building was a part of the remaining ruins of the Theatre of Pompey, and the actual site of the murder took place above. Today, the ruins have become a refuge for the homeless cats of Rome. I can only imagine how Caesar feels about that.

Best friends at the Trevi Fountain.

Truffle oil gnocchi. Need I say more?

The stunning Duomo.

Four different flavors of chocolate gelato... before dinner.

View from the Piazza Michelangelo. 

With an influx of my peers' families visiting over Thanksgiving break, including Kylie's, I decided to continue traveling Europe and spend the holiday in Rome and Florence. My partners in crime were Tori and Kari, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Incidentally, it was the best Thanksgiving away from home I could have ever imagined. We were lucky enough to stay with a colleague of Kari's father, which led us to enjoy a hearty American dinner with around 12 American graduate students, their friends, and significant others. We dubbed ourselves the Thanksgiving refugees, and a random group we were. The meal was mind blowing to say the least, and I think I ate an entire pecan pie. I still feel so blessed that I had the chance to bond with so many welcoming strangers over a true American holiday abroad. It was a honestly an unexpected experience I will always appreciate.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Porte de Vanves








Just two metro stops from our apartment, we have the fantastic marché aux puces (flea market) at Porte de Vanves. Although it requires getting up early (the market opens at 8 am and finishes by 1 pm), it is well worth it.  We easily spent three hours sifting through the hidden treasures of the over 200 traders set up there and walked away with some amazing Marie Claire magazines from the 1930s for just 4 euros a piece.  On a second trip back with my family this weekend, I stumbled across a table of vintage jewelry and bargained for a gorgeous gold necklace I haven't been able to take off since (I got to practice my bargaining skills in French too!).

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Galeries Lafayette







Galeries Lafayette is already our dream come true.  It is quite possibly the most amazing department store in the world.  So you can only imagine how we feel about it at Christmastime when the fantastic window displays and Swarovski crystal Christmas tree make their appearance. Here's hoping we don't spend our life savings in our final three weeks in Paris...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

L'Opera Garnier


The film The Phantom of the Opera is based on the Opera Garnier, and this is his box.



Monday, November 19, 2012

Tour Montparnasse

Avant le sunset...



Fashionable friends. 

Après le sunset.

As residents of the Montparnasse disctrict, it is almost despicable that it has taken us this long to make it to the top. The tower is actually a fascinating, and little known by American tourists. In 1969 Presdient Georges Pomidou created quite a large controversy in Paris, as well as all of France, when he allowed construction on the Montparnasse Tower to begin. Pompidou was an advocate of the tower, as his desire to modernize Paris was no secret. The tower was met with much disapproval by the citizens of Paris, as the tower basically ruins the beautiful architecture found at every turn. People also did not want this sleek, ugly building overshadowing the Eiffel Tower. But now, it is a wonderful way to enjoy a panoramic view of the city while being able to see all the monuments you would usually be atop. 

Alyssa and Lucia joined Molly on her 21st Birthday to celebrate with a drink on the 56th floor at Le Ciel de Paris. While the drinks were a little pricy, the experience was worth it. I mean seriously, check out those views...


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Four More Years

Young Democrats party at le Palais des Congrès, circa 6 am Paris time.

 Man repelling and supporting the Democratic Party all thanks to Tori.


Politically active friends.

Who could skip a good election? Answer: people abroad who care about sleep. A couple of us stuck it out though, and I can honestly say I've never experienced anything like watching President Obama surpass 270 electoral votes at 5:20 a.m. surrounded by the most Americans I have ever seen in Paris. What a way to ring in the next four years!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Copenhagen, the chillest

Enjoying a beautiful walk along Copenhagen's harbor.



Rosenborg Castle. We felt like we were in a Jane Austen novel.

 The endless climb to the top of the Round Tower.

We made it! 

View of Copenhagen from the top of Frederik's Church (aka The Marble Church).

An incredible dinner with our incredible hosts for the weekend.