What is Paris?

When you think of Paris, chances are that the first things to come to your mind is the Eiffel Tower or maybe the Notre Dame, Louvre, Jardin du Tuileries or Luxembourg or crepes, maybe? While all those things are a part of Paris, the city is about SO much more than that.

When I find myself reminiscing about my beautiful city [yes, my city ;)] I find my mind wandering to all the little details and experiences that really make Paris what it is. 

The smell of croissants filling the air on my way to work in the dark, early morning. 

The lines outside the boulangeries at 5 pm for the nightly baguette. 

The way the light reflects off the building along the Seine at the end of the day. 

The early morning/late night crepe complete walking home after a fun night with friends. 

Sunday mornings at the market.

Drinking cheap wine and eating bread and cheese on the Seine while the day changes to night.

Afternoon runs through the city and into the Jardin des Plantes and Sunday morning runs along the Seine.

Walking 45 minutes home instead of taking the metro because you just want to be in the city and take it all in.

Exploring an exciting new restaurant or wine bar with friends. 

Savoring the foie gras while standing shoulder to shoulder with strangers at l'Avant Comptior. 

Making French bread pizzas on weekday nights with Coco. 

Catching the Eiffel sparkling on your walk home at night while the moon and the city lights reflect on the Seine.

Racing to try to catch the metro only to be shut out at the last second.

Finding inspiration on every corner. Zesting for life.

Watching all the French girls be so sophisticated and trying to capture a sixteenth of their chic-ness. 

Walking around aimlessly and just feeling such bliss and awe that you are lucky enough to call a place like Paris your home.

I miss Paris and my friends and everything about it all the time. It still catches me off guard when I realize how long ago I left. Its already been 8 months? I can't believe that. The truth is that living and truly experiencing a place like Paris changes you. It stays with you forever and a part of your heart will always live in the city of lights until you return again.

Have you ever felt this way about a place you've been? 

Friendship around the globe

4 days until I get to see one of the most amazing people I know. My best friend and "little" Erin is coming to visit me! Sometimes there are people who come into your life that you know were just meant to be there. 

We met back in college when she rushed Gamma Phi back in 2006. Funny thing is that I went to high school with her brother and he was the one who said "look for the girl who looks like me with long hair" and well, ya he was right. Spotted her instantly.

college- it was love from the start

celebrating me going French

celebrating Erin's 21st in Vegas

Since then we have been the closest of friends. We've been there through some of the scariest, trying and heartbreaking times of our lives - loss of friends, near death experiences (and recovery time spent watching "Accepted" on repeat) and some of the best times - celebrations, birthdays and traveling.

When friendships are this amazing you make time for each other despite the fact that - this girl lives in Madrid, Spain!

She is being an awesome children's teacher there and loving every minute. I've never known another person with such a zest for life than Erin. She will literally make you laugh and smile no matter what is going on in her own life. Selfless, beautiful, hilarious, caring, spirited...she is one incredible friend.

best welcome sign ever

In the past year we have been to Paris, Madrid, Cali and soon to be Colorado together. We celebrated our birthdays in Paris and made our first (failed) attempt at making a Thanksgiving turkey in Madrid, celebrated Christmas in Cali and we are about to explore the summer in Colorado. 

I love this girl more than life itself and can't wait to see her. 

 birthday dinner in Paris

 rainy day at Eiffel

 Xmas in Cali

 out in Madrid with Jaime!

The view from the top

Of the Eiffel Tower is breathtaking. Can you believe that it was in my FINAL week of living in Paris that I finally made my way to the top of Eiffel? Talk about procrastination. 

My friend Danielle and I had such a great time in our last weeks. We made a point of doing as many of the things that we never got around to doing throughout the year like going to the Army Museum, one more shopping trip to Oshyo, going to the top and just walking the streets together. It was an awesome way to conclude an incredible year.

We waited and waited and waited some more until we finally got to step onto the lift that took us up. We had both been up to the 1st and 2nd level of Eiffel but this was the first view from the very top and it was perfect. 

Paris is hands down the most beautiful city you will ever see. From the ground to the air there is beauty all around you. The buildings, the streets, the sky, the people, the parks...its simply perfect.

I miss my beloved Paris and my amazing friends so much. I am really grateful that we made the effort to take the trip to the top.

I'm baaack!

Coucou mis amis!


Has it really been 6 whole months since I've returned from Paris (and written a blog post)?!

Its true, the older you get, the faster time passes you by. So much has happened since that emotional day boarding my flight from CGD to LAX even though it seems like yesterday I was walking the Parisian streets with my friends drinking wine, surviving on bread and being in awe of our lives. While I miss Paris and all the friends I made abroad (and trust me, some days its heartbreaking how much I miss it) I am also excited about what is happening in my life back in America.

part of my amazing welcoming party at LAX

Since Paris, I spent the holidays back home in California catching up with friends and family and indulging in all things American (ie: In-n-out, Yogurtland, bagels, mexican food...you get the idea). Even though I was shocked when someone tried to help me in a store and came insanely close to having a panic attack in the mall, I slowly adjusted back to the American lifestyle.

For New Years my family and I jetted off to our home in Mexico, my skin was reunited with the sun and it was amazing.

By the end of January, a short month after coming home, I was packed up and on a plane to my new home: Colorado.

I've been here for about 5 months now and so far so good. It is wonderful being back with Mike and Tay. We have our little corner of the world set up here in Boulder where the sun has finally arrived! We  spent the winter wishing for warmth and now its 100 degrees! We are definitely taking advantage of the nice weather. We are running, hiking, biking or doing something outside everyday. Boulder is really showing its beauty these days with everything turning green and blooming (and attacking my allergies) and its an adventure.

Oh, you want to know what I am doing with that French pastry education I got? ooooh okay.

I have been working at a local Boulder restaurant called Frasca Food and Wine. So far, so good.

Thanks so much for sticking around. It is nice to be back in the blogging world and I am excited to have a fresh, new start!

Salut!