Minnesota meet Paris

Going Green In Paris

One of the great things about Paris is the cars.  Now I’ll admit, I’m no car fanatic, but I’m rather mesmerized by the tiny little vehicles cruising around the streets of Paris.  Of course, my strange fascination might stem from the fact that I’m small (5’1″) which makes the idea of a tiny car to beebop around in all the more appealing.

Of course the smart car is not a new concept and I’ve seen a smattering of the tiny cars driving around the United States, dwarfed by the over-sized vehicles cramming American streets.  I fear for the occupants’ safety in the event of an accident.

Here in Paris, I see smarts zipping down all the streets and parked all over the city.  Cars park either direction and are literally parked bumper to bumper on every street.

The streets are narrower and people slide dangerously close to the cars opposite them on the road. More than anything else, I fell in love with the tiny, old-fashioned cars.  My first love was a tiny yellow car of which I am clueless about the make, model, or year (anyone?).

I know only this: it was the most beautiful car I’d ever laid eyes on.  I stepped down next to it from the curb and was pleasantly surprised to notice I towered over the tiny thing.  It was like a toy car. I’m half-embarrassed to say I literally squealed in delight.

Later I began noticing variations of my new obsession all over the streets of Paris, white ones, blue ones, miniature station wagons.  They were all darling of course.  I wonder at the value of such a fabulous mode of transportation.

If I find this little car roaming the streets of Paris it may be capable of replacing my little yellow car…

but until then….

What I LOVE about Paris

J’adore Paris!  Let me count the ways:

1) Walking everywhere. The best thing about Paris is the layout of the city. Not only is it beautiful and rich in culture, but it is designed to make walking a breeze. Everything in the center is easily accessible by bike or foot. The metro is simple to travel longer distances and then still, everything can be walked to.

2) Croissants. Need I say more? I average 1-2 a day. They sell for around 1E at all the local patisseries. They are always fresh and much softer than baguettes.

3) Everyone has a dog. Half the French own dogs. Seldom have I heard the dogs bark. They all appear perfectly behaved and bringing your dog into restaurants is perfectly acceptable.

4) City of Romance. Paris seems to scream embrassez-moi (kiss me!) and aimez-moi! (love me) love me!  Paris is ripe with romance. Why do we need to travel to this beautiful city to show our affection and appreciation for one another? Take it from the French…life is a little sweeter with a hint of PDA.

5) Dining is never rushed. Parisians make a point of enjoying food. They indulge in long meals during which they can truly enjoy one another’s company. Technology is abandoned in favor of good old-fashioned conversation. Most cafes feature outdoor seating where people enjoy a leisurely meal, wine, people-watching and good conversation.

6) Work vs. Pleasure. Shorter work weeks. Longer weekends. Days in the park. A little less worrying and a little more living could go a long way.

7) Fashion. The french look fantastic. It doesn’t hurt to be the fashion capital of the world and home to top designer shops. Parisians seem to gravitate towards dark colors, form-fitting clothes, and put-together ensembles. I’ve noticed nearly everyone wears a scarf, skinny jeans with boots or flats, layers, and skirts with boots and tights (no one goes bare-legged) Fashion should be fun!

8 ) The history/architecture. The city has history dating back to biblical times. However, development really boomed during the industrial revolution causing migration and population growth. The city is well-preserved boasting beautiful architecture, culture and history. Walk down any street and you’ll experience the beauty of the city first-hand.

9) People take care of themselves. The french eat smaller portions, eat together and walk everywhere. I can safely confirm that as a whole, the french are not overweight. It is the exception rather than the rule to see a terribly overweight Parisian. Who ever said you can’t have the best of both worlds? Just let it be in moderation.

10) The sweets! Let’s just say the French know how to bake.

Tour de Paris

Yesterday Kristina and I celebrated her birthday and our day off by touring the city.  We woke up bright and early to take advantage of whole day.  Our plan was to take the metro to the Louvre to save some cash.   Having never rode a subway or underground transportation system I left Kristina to read the map (she’s traveled on the tube in London).  We had one initial hiccup trying to figure out how to buy tickets (spending nearly 15 minutes at the ticket booth) but got along fairly well after that.

Our first stop was the Louvre.  We arrived just a few minutes before it opened and were pleasantly surprised by the lack of lines and people.  The sun was just coming up over the pyramids and the outside of the museum was beautiful.  We waltzed right in and bought tickets which were only 9.5E each.  We headed for the Mona Lisa first and were surprised by how small it was.

I was most impressed by the intricate artwork and architecture on the museum itself.  After touring the paintings and sculptures for awhile the museum began to get overrun with tourists and we ventured back outdoors.  Although I took pictures, they didn’t turn out spectacular and certainly don’t do the scene justice.

This painting was enormous!

Following the Louvre we took the metro to Notre Dame.  This was absolutely spectacular.  The inside was majestic and breathtaking.  I think I was more impressed with that than the Louvre.

Building of the Notre Dame

From there we wandered around typical tourist shops and strolled up and down St. Michel to shop.  Everything is in bloom making the scene gorgeous.  We bought ice cream and croissants and strolled along the river, enjoying the scenery and beautiful day.

We enjoyed a three hour meal at a local cafe.  We sat outside sipping wine and reminiscing on the past.  It was incredibly relaxing.  I would love to live this life on a regular basis.

Later we decide to hop on the metro and go somewhere random.  Kristina chooses a line and we wind up in the ghetto.  Perhaps that is a slight exaggeration…we were lucky enough to stumble upon this man outside selling candy, our favorite.

We really cannot get enough of these smurfs!

I only have only one more day in Paris. We fly out Sunday as long as the volcano eruption doesn’t delay our flight. Although I’d love to remain in Paris indefinitely…it is terribly expensive and yesterday’s little shopping spree didn’t fair too well on my bank account.

A day in Parisian Life + Boat Tour

This morning we attend the local Farmer’s Market.  It is held Wednesday and Saturday each week. It is a full-service Market where locals buy all their groceries for the week.  They have all kinds of meat, fresh cheeses and yogurt, fruits and vegetables, spices, nuts, jams, breads.  Not to mention people playing the trumpets while begging for donations, clothes, shoes, and scarves.

Frog Legs are a delicacy in France (in the middle).

Kristina and I buy a few pair of shoes and fruits and vegetables.  Things are reasonably priced.  I get some darling brown ankle boots for 10E and a silver wallet for 8E. The food is fresh and absolutely delicious!

The children stroll through the market gasping at the fish and chickens fully intact.  “Gross!”  they shout at every raw meat stand. I think the sight of the chickens’ head and claws still attached may be enough to turn me into a vegetarian as well.

Later we go on the river boat and are able to see all the monuments from the river.  We scramble to capture the best photographs of classic French architecture.  Tomorrow we have the day off and will actually tour the heart of Paris and take pictures of everything we haven’t thus far.

Enjoying a classic french coffee/expresso in a true Parisian home.

Tonight the kids surprise Kristina with an early birthday cake-a delightful raspberry tart I can’t wait to dig into.

Until tomorrow my friends!  Expect great things.

A glimpse of the old Paris

Today we have dinner in a classic French Bistro.  We start with tomatoes and mozzarella with basil and pesto.  It is delicious.  Next we have half a roast chicken and thick fries.  The portion is not small.  I suppose we paid for a hefty portion, but I only have room to eat half of it.  It seems more American than French.  The waitresses wear little black dresses with white collars and lace aprons. I learn you don’t take home food in France.

Earlier we are taken by a driver to another side of Paris and get a tour of Luxembourg Park.  This is where people in politics convene.  The park is beautiful and full of people.  Chairs are scattered everywhere and I learn that students from the nearby universities often come there to study.

We take a stroll through the gardens and statues.  The children’s grandmother tells me that the trees are trimmed in the parks and streets as part of the French tradition.  She immediately spots the Americans in the park based on their attire. We listen long enough to overhear them speak English and she smiles contently.  I am constantly admiring French Fashion.  It is much more sophisticated and put together than ours.

On our way back from the park I catch a glimpse of Notre Dame and the Louvre.  The heart of Paris is beautiful and full of life.  Kristina and I have the day off Thursday and plan to be up from dawn til dusk exploring the city.  I’m terribly excited.

All over the city I spot tiny old-fashioned cars that are perfectly designed for my small frame.  They excite me more than they should and I delightedly point out each one I see.  We spot a Dominos and Pizza Hut and I marvel at the darling little mopeds they deliver pizza in.

The city has so much charm.  It is full of history and romance and mystique.  I hope to carry some of the city’s charm back to Minneapolis with me.

The Sweetest Paris of all.

You hear the rumors about Paris being a candyland for sugar lovers. Well I’m here to tell you first-hand, it doesn’t disappoint….pastries, croissants, breads, chocolates, tarts, cakes. You name it, Paris has it. Kristina and I have developed an insatiable sweet-tooth since our arrival. Part of it probably stemmed from not eating a lot of sweets back home, but I have a hunch the tantalizing sweets adorning every shop window may be partly to blame.

Last night Kristina and I go a little overboard on our night out. We visit a few shops and look at clothes and perfume. Then the mayhem begins. First, we find a shop that sells little tarts. We buy a small fruit tart to share. Next, we spot a candy shop and collect an assortment of gummies and sours.

Finally we spot a McDonald’s. We decide we have to put the rumor to rest Kristina has been talking about. She says they don’t have McFlurry’s at European McDonald’s. Naturally we must see for ourselves. Fifteen minutes later we are sharing a small fry and kit-kat McFlurry. I’m not sure it could really be considered a McFlurry. The kit-kats are little balls plopped on top and taste like chalk. We decide McDonald’s should be left to America.

Today we wander the streets looking for a small cafe and along the way we see dozens of little shops with chocolates and cakes, tarts and pies, crepes and croissants…the list goes on. I find a delightful assortment of hand-made chocolate creatures I wish to come back and buy as souvenirs. However, the hefty price tags (20-30E/figurine) make me think twice.

Needless to say, Paris has it’s fair share of desserts and treats. Portions at restaurants are reasonable in size, yet expensive, and dessert is often expected at the end of meals. I hope to leave my sweet tooth in Paris.

Up the Eiffel Tower we go…

Today marked the day every Parisian Tourist dreams of…Taking the Eiffel Tower Tour. In fact, I learn…

- It is the most visited paid monument in the world.
- It was built as an entrance arch for the 1889 World Fair.
- It stands over 1,000 feet tall.
- It was chosen out of 700 proposals submitted to a design competition.
- Originally it was only on a 20-year lease and was almost torn down in 1909. 

Read more Facts

However, not everyone was thrilled with the construction.  A petition of 300 names was submitted to the city to resist its construction.  It read, “We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigor and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.”

We’ve been appreciating the Eiffel Tower from afar all week. It was about time we went to the heart of it all.  The line didn’t take as long as I’d expected. It was beautiful out and there was enough people-watching to keep us entertained.  Our tickets only cost us 6.50E a piece.  Unfortunately, the top was temporarily closed for reasons unknown.

We had a little elevator take us to the top.  It was extremely windy but sunny and absolutely beautiful.  Although I have pictures, in no way do they do the view justice.  It was incredible.  The kids were absolutely thrilled.  The youngest said, “This is so AWESOME!”  They had plastic crayola cameras and kept posing us and each other for pictures.

After our tour, we had the pleasure of watching some Paris Street Dancers (check back for video).  The kids were delighted.

On the way home I caught a glimpse of some true Paris Fashion.

We’ve yet to see the famous Tower in all it’s glittering glory.  We are about to take a stroll through the streets of Paris to catch a glimpse of the beautiful monument aglow. Stay Tuned.

The Bread & Butter of France

They say the French eat lots of bread.  This, my friend, is an understatement to say the least.  Not only do the French eat a lot of bread, so does every other tourist in the country trying to imitate the French, experience the culture first hand, or blend in and appear French.  This is usually hard to do.  I have witnessed many who try to blend in, usually without success.

My sister went to the bakery yesterday and bought fresh bread sandwiches,  croissants, and donuts.  Usually I’m not a fan of donuts, especially not sugared ones.  However, these donuts were so fresh and delicious I couldn’t resist. Let’s be honest here; It’s hard to resist anything in France.

I even liked the ham and swiss, which normally I’m not a fan of.  Most of the baguettes people snack on are hard and I’m not particularly fond of them.  I prefer the moist croissants.

Kristina and I attend Cher John yesterday at the French Cinema.

• It costs us 21E for two tickets
• We contemplate buying candy, but a small package of crispy m&m’s (which they no longer carry in the states) would set us back 6E
• The concession stand is self-service. It features bins of candy, pre-packaged candy, drinks,  ice cream, and popcorn sans butter or with Sucré. After much deliberation, we pass. Kristina has snuck in a brownie from the bakery earlier.
• The movies come out a month or two after their debut in the U.S.
• The seats are positioned at an odd angle and so tall I almost need a booster to see over the seats in front of me.
• The movie plays in English with French subtitles









Kristina and I ball our eyes out. We leave the Cinema further deluding ourselves into believing that Love can exist in the flawless, dramatic way it does in the movies.

This morning I am given the daunting task of going to the market…alone.  I wheel out of the apartment with a little stroller that will hold my groceries.  I have  a short list, but given that everything is in French it’s not exactly, easy.

However, I find most of the items on my list rather effortlessly and because I don’t see any Italian seasoning I resort to Bouillon cubes that say d’olive with a picture of pasta and seasoning on top.  It smells rather Italian, so I toss them in the cart.

On my way home a man stops to ask me a question in French.  I know the only thing that could possibly make me resemble a French woman is the cart I’m pulling behind me.  I use the token “Je ne comprends pas” and continue on my way.  Sometimes I feel silly speaking French, but I’m getting braver.

Sunny in Paris

Today was beautiful.  It was  65 and sunny.  We took the children to the park to play on scooters.  They were delighted to meet two young boys who spoke English.  The youngest talked excitedly about their new friends, “They’re englishes!” she gushed.

“Americans,” we correct her laughing.  I also find a darling little french boy who resembles Jonathan Lipnicki, the kid in Jerry MaGuire.

We had lunch at the children’s grandmother’s house, as will be custom every day. We are served by her cook who first serves us salad, which unfortunately I do not eat because I do not like dressing.

The cook is called to attention by a little bell that is rung for service.  We are to use the best of manners.  The children are told to sit up straight and rest one hand on the table while eating.  We are served meatballs and vegetables.  For dessert we have strawberry sorbet and fresh strawberries.  It is delicious!

In the afternoon we return for tea and bread.  Later, I find old-fashioned postcards to send out showing Paris in its heyday!

We stroll down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees and I am pleasantly flabbergasted by the enormous Sephora.  It stretches into infinity and is packed with people.  I try on dozens of perfumes until I lose my sense of smell.

Although I do see smokers, they definitely aren’t as prevalent as I assumed they would be.  I tried to catch this man mid-smoke.  After a few pictures (pretending to capture the statue) I decide to stop being creepy and give up.

We’re hoping to attend a movie in one of Cinemas tonight (in English) if we aren’t too tired.  Hopefully it happens.

Paris on foot.

Today we had beautiful weather.  It was around 60 degrees and partly cloudy.  Kristina and I had most of the day off and walked all over Paris. By the end of the day my feet and legs hurt something fierce.

We attempted to order a crepe at the park near the Eiffel Tower.  Unfortunately, the man kept ignoring us and I’m pretty sure he was mocking us because we didn’t know anything in French.  We finally left the line.

The darling little watch I bought yesterday broke after a few hours of use.  When it had been 7:30 for four consecutive hours, I finally realized something was wrong.  I took it back and they switched out the battery.  Not bad for such a cheap item.

We had the pleasure of walking all around taking pictures and browsing the little tourist shops.

We stopped in a little market to buy groceries and struggled the whole way through trying to read the French labels.  We wanted ingredients to make soup.  I found what I thought was a can of peas.  Upon opening it I realized it was giant balls of brussel sprouts.  Absolutely disgusting.

The little man spoke English and gave us two free gummies in the shape of Chili Peppers.  We were delighted, until we took a bite and realized they were SPICY gummies.

We ate dinner at a Pizzeria. The portion sizes did not seem smaller to me.  The man next to us ordered a raw hamburger topped with an egg.  I can’t be sure…but I’m almost certain the egg was raw too.  There was something green on top and he mashed it all up into one disgusting hotdish.  It was served with a side of fries.  They looked relatively normal.

I have not seen a lot of attractive French men, although they aren’t short, they aren’t tall either.  Here I was lucky enough to capture a photo of the tallest man I’ve seen here.

Everyone has dogs.  I know they’re French if they are walking around a small dog.

Everyone walks and eats bread or sandwiches or lounges in the park eating them.

We went to the largest Haagen Dazs I’ve ever seen for the past two nights. It has three levels, self service, dine-in, and an icebar along with outdoor seating.  Even with all my walking; I’m not sure I can justify these desserts.  The portions are definitely not small.  However, service in restaurants is designed to make you stay and enjoy your meal.

When it comes to Romance, the French do know best.  I notice the French men are very affectionate. They kiss the women on the streets and in lines and hold the women’s hands while in the parks and at dinner.  Ahhh….I’m sure the city inspires a little romance no matter the culture/couple.

Oh Paris, Je t’adore!