Wanderlust: Favorite Moments in Paris

Last night, I watched The Way. It's a film about El Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James. The beautiful footage in the film has me reminiscing about my own travels. This past summer, I was so incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to travel parts of Europe for 6 whole weeks.

Naturally, Paris was included in the trip, and the city didn't disappoint. I'm reminiscing about all the lovely experiences, with the help of some (um, several thousand...) photos.  Here are some of my favorite moments from the visit:

This amazing street performer by Sacré-Coeur

The most perfect pink roses

The Louvre at night - much more peaceful

  

Picnic in the park with Ladurée macarons

Drinking wine by the Seine (with an excellent view of Notre-Dame)

Finally, the Eiffel Tour light show, of course

Have you ever been to Paris? Currently seeking travel partners for another visit...

xo,

Rachel

(All Most photo credit goes to Jeff Steller. He's an excellent travel partner! The picture on the Seine was snapped by the ever-spontaneous Bastian Delacorte)

Bibliophilia Meets Francophilia

On a recent trip around Europe, I was lucky enough to spend a week in Paris. Hello, new obsession. Aside from being easily the most beautiful city I've ever seen, the Parisians I interacted with dispelled all the "rude French" rumors Americans like to perpetuate. Upon returning to the states, I wasn't quite ready to put Paris out of my mind. Luckily, there are about a million wonderful books about French culture. 

 

 

The Politics of The Veil

Master the Basics: French

Paris Street Style



 

The Politics of the Veil: The book explores the French government's 2004 ban on wearing "conspicuous signs of religious affiliation" in schools. It covers a lot of interesting subjects surrounding the ban, including immigration, racism, gender studies, and France's values of secular liberalism.

 

Master the Basics: French: Languages are not my strong point. I've dabbled in Spanish and Italian, but never attempted French. I realize how valuable speaking the language of a place you are visiting is. I truly wish I had even an introduction to French before visiting Paris. Next time, I will!

 

Paris Street Style: I could people-watch all day in Paris. This book is filled with illustrations and photos, making it a much lighter read. I'm especially enjoying the interviews with French designers.

 

Now if someone could just deliver Ladurée macarons to me....

 

 

Cheers,

Rachel