Strasbourg

The train station was completely enveloped in this glass structure. Made me wonder if in the future entire cities will have to be covered in glass bubbles to protect them from noxious pollutants in the air.


Two adorable gargoyles.


Crossing into Germany.


Cider beer!






The last weekend before leaving France, Gaby took me to Strasbourg, a beautiful Alsacian town, right on the border of Germany. We rented bicycles and crossed the border, only taking us about 20 minutes! Quick beer and pretzel in a local cafe in Germany, and then we headed back to Strasbourg, to meander around, eat some regional cuisine (www.marymagellan.blogspot.com), and then right back to Paris on the TGV. Only 6 hours in Strasbourg was far too short, but on the other hand, because of the time limit, every moment we spent was so delectable and joyful.

It is funny, despite the annoyances of living in France and having to deal with grouchy Parisians most of the time, the last few weeks before my departure was like I had just moved to Paris all over again. I started to notice all of the cutsey romantic things like the cafes, the beautiful buildings, the clothes...and I began to reminisce even before I had left.

The last day before leaving I got myself over to Musee d'Orsay to have a leisurely, but brief stroll around on the top floor with some of my favorite impressionists. These were the two paintings that I couldn't take my eyes off. It was as if France itself was saying goodbye to me.

Au revoir Paris

My French adventure came to an end last month and I have returned to the states, Monterey, California, to start graduate school. It was hard to leave behind the nice Parisian life I had setup for myself over the past 2 years, but I know I will be back and that the experiences, friends, jobs and travels that I had will not be forgotten.

I will still continue to post while here in California, but for now I might just keep adding some of my last France pictures until I run out!

Au revoir et a bientot!

Night Wall

Graphiti Expo

Fondation Cartier

French Bookshelves

Mas Gouge, Uzes, France


Paris, France

for Patricia

Caen

My friend Dick and I took a day trip outside of Paris last Sunday to go up to a town in Normandy, Caen. It is close to the DDay beaches and was heavily hit during the war, explaining why it lacks the old European style buildings. Fortunately, the Abbey of William the Conquerer was preserved and has been around since the 11th Century!


Eglise de Saint-Pierre


Hotel de Ville


Abbaye aux Hommes


Inside the Abbey where William the Conquerer's tomb is

Marche d'Aligre

I didn't take any pictures of the market because I feel like once you have seen a few markets in Paris they are all quite similar on appearance. But Aligre is set apart from the rest because all of the vans that transport the goods are covered in crazy graphiti.
Location: place d'Aligre 75012 (in between Bastille and Gare du Lyon)

Le Select

Don't believe I have many or any posts about cafes I go to.

Blvd. Montparnasse at metro Vavin

Elysee Montmartre

Last night I finally got to go to the historic Elysee Montmartre concert hall to see great reggae artists Johnny Clarke and Horace Andy.