La Tour d'Inspiration

I am not a runner... yet... But I must do something to combat the continual consumption of wine and croissant. Without the funds to afford a gym at the moment, and looking for any excuse to discover more of this new city, I turn to running with the hope of not falling on the floor in absence of oxygen. Though a bit cliche, I decided that the best place to begin this new venture would be the reigning emblem of Paris, so that I could look up and take heart from this grand talisman as I literally pounded the pavement within its monarchy... (I included a picture of my sneaker and earphone chord as proof that I did in fact go running...) No matter how stereotypical, I will always love this monument. Thus far, my two favorite memories surrounding it both occurred during my last sojourn. One was a birthday picnic for someone who ended up being a good friend. We congregated on a spectacularly beautiful autumn day, and true to character, the guest of honor was approximately three hours late. The second memory, heading over under the cover of night to assist a couple I became close friends with take picture of the guy jumping naked in front of the tower... Siiiiiiigh, the nostalgia...

For this particular trip, I decided to take the RER, which is the train, not the metro piece of Paris transit. The main reason I love these lines is because they frequently involve taking a double-decker train car. It allows wonderful views of Paris in certain spots, and when running appropriately, moves along at quite a decent pace. Of course, because I have what might possibly be THE worst sense of direction in the history of mankind, I took one line three different directions before finding the right way home.

My final comment on this refreshingly sporty day? I find it absolutely fascinating when men look at me while in my work-out clothes, having not showered or primped in any fashion, sans make-up and potentially sweaty. I know I generally radiate beauty inwardly as well as outwardly, but it is just not what I consider to be my most stellar palette ; )

And yes, that is béarnaise sauce being advertised for McDonald's...

Sights, Sounds, Smells

Thus far, I have not revisited iconic landmarks that pervade my memory of Paris. It is a strange thing to be in a brand new place full of unforeseen opportunity and grand adventure, but also know that it isn't as fleeting, as least for now, so it's ok to take a few things slowly and get settled. Part of me wants to buy everything I need for my apartment right now, like the Nespresso machine pictured below, the result of excessive under-caffeination. Do we remember the addict-like need I described for getting a cell phone? Very similar heroine-like jonesing. The other part of me knows to focus on getting to know my neighborhood, finding English students to teach, and tying up the Visa loose ends yet to be tied. I was, however, taken to lunch by the family I am (barely) assisting in exchange for my rent free little studio for lunch on Saturday to a lovely restaurant located in what used to be a train station. I also spent last night seeing some live jazz performed by a musician I met the last time I was in Paris, playing his saxophone beautifully and atmospherically up behind Montmartre. There, I was introduced to a lovely couple, the husband originally from Rochester, NY, the wife French, who invited me to brunch next weekend. I was, of course, also hit on by various random French men.

As far as smells? There is a very distinct odor that emanates from the Paris metro that is so pungent and specific to this great city, I originally detested it. I missed the sooty, garbage-infused perfume wafting from the NYC subway and its 24 hour access. In time, however, I have grown to love the Paris metro's efficiency, speed, and the whiff of nostalgia that fills me with wonderful new hope. And in contrast, it's quite amazing what scents and meals you can create using just a couple of hot plates. Already learning the tricks of the trade, I am quite proud of the minor feasts I have concocted for myself of late to fill my apartment with delicious fumes. On a thoroughly wet and rainy Parisian day, it is an exquisite skill to have. And yes, those are pink and raspberry eclairs...

Birthday With A Bang

My first day back in Paris was coincidentally and fortuitously my birthday... Cheesy or magically decadent? Well, in the land of fromage those are basically synonymous... Sadly and hysterically, moments after exiting the Paris metro at Gare du Nord, I was mistaken for a naive tourist... Carting two huge suitcases, another over the shoulder bag, a laptop case, and a pocket book probably gave that impression, but much to the chagrin of the man who tried to help me find a cab. After assuring me that he knew where there was no line and that it was his taxi we were walking toward and that it would only be 20 euros, he then tried to make me pay HIM the 20 euros and then the cab driver an extra metered fare... Who did he think he was dealing with?! Needless to say, I promptly informed him I would do no such thing and tried to remove my bags from the car. He then offered 10 euros and when I said "Je ne suis pas stupide"gave up and left me to take the taxi tax free.

After driving past the Paris Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, and seeing my new sweet apartment, I was exhausted but completely ecstatic to be back in this stunning city. I primped and prepared for my birthday plans with a French friend I met the last time I was here through a language exchange website. He treated me to a lovely meal of native French fare and wine at an adorable little French bistro near Republique. The most interesting part was that to order a bottle of wine, you go to an adjoining wine shop, choose what you like, and they put it on your restaurant tab. Post-dinner we ventured to another bar where we had way too many Spritzes and made new friends with some other ex-pats from India. Though more hungover than I have been since last wandering the City of Light, it was a nearly perfect welcome back Parisian-style...

Below are some pics of my first taxi ride, my new apartment, neighborhood, and my birthday meal...

Social Networking Renaissance

Tomorrow I begin my adventures in Paris, and to commemorate this grand occasion, I not only revoke my rabble rousing petulance toward Facebook and revisit this bewitching land... I begin my posts with a look back at the one-woman autobiographical chanteusing masterpiece that inspired this blog... Below I have attached highlights from my performance of "Love Out Loud: Soul-Ramblings of a Wandering Chanteuse" to kick off my new Facebook presence with a bang...

And if you are visiting this site for the first time please do venture back to previous posts and learn more about my current adventures. I began with a 50 poem countdown to my departure from New York City, and have been since elucidating all on my shenanigans living with a French family in the South of France for the month of August... Now onward forward to live in the 16th arrondissement of Paris where I will continue to nanny just a bit, study French at the Sorbonne, have much more independence, travel, meet new people, engage in general merriment, continue to create ridiculousness, and spread my overly emotional soul-love...

Stay tuned, soul-lovers!!!