Paris Recap!!

I am back after a long break!!! It has been months since I have been able to catch y'all up, but I am super happy to be back. The past semester has been a wonderful, chaotic blur, as I have been studying abroad in Paris. I moved to Paris September 1st with my best friend into the beautiful neighborhood: Le Marais. Since living here, I've found my daily iced coffee run, bustling New York routine transformed to one of daily baguettes and petit chocolate croissants from the Boulangerie down my block, metro rides from Pont Marie to Louie Blanc on the 7, long walks along the Seine, and slow days with tranquil espresso sips at various cafes. It was amidst the traveling to new countries, deep friendships with new faces, and learning the language and culture of France that I felt the many changes of season, the summer to fall to winter and all of those within me. It was a lovely experience that I often yearn for again, so I wanted to do a recap on here of some beautiful, yet mundane lessons I've learned while in Paris, and all of my favorite spots if you guys ever visit!!

1. Home is a cozy space, red wine, a game of bullshit, getting ready to go out, fresh air on my little street, and the most loving, help-you-up-the-3-flights-of-wobbly-stairs-when-you've--had-too-much-to-drink friends. I am very grateful to have found that in Paris.

our small, cozy dining room & kitchen

Gg (left), Zara (lower middle), Larissa (upper middle), & Anouk (right)

remnants of our loud bullshit game and three bottles of wine and lotssss of chocolate

Zara & me below the flat (taken by gg from our window hehe)

Anna (left) and Mary Shannon (right) getting ready for Halloween in a city that does not celebrate it LOL

little red riding hood and a fallen angel (whom did not yet put on her cape or her wings)

2. The Slow Life: Cafes, Walks, and More

The Parisian lifestyle was new to me, as I took more time to breathe deep in the morning, enjoy the sunrise and my coffee, and take longs breaks throughout my day to explore the city. It wasn't just the ease of my schedule compared to my New York studies, it was the culture I was surrounded with of two hour long lunch breaks; deep, intentional conversation; and the normality of people watching that sparked the beauty of slowness I was missing in my daily life. I aim to keep it even as I return to a more fast-pace, rigourous schedule.

Jardin du Luxembourg

Bois de Vincennes

Musée Carnavalet

3. Separation of Work and Personal Life

Coming to France, I was already aware of the balance within work and personal life. However, being apart of the lifestyle allowed me to see the importance of separation between working and living, and the vitality that sprung from social events the French so enjoy. As I allowed myself to explore more, make more connections with space from my studies, it taught me more than I could have learned in a classroom. Working to live, NOT living to work has always been important to me, not to understate the passion for my career that I still have. I am able to better understand the need for other factors such as friends, love, and leisure that bring even more fuel to the passion of my work.

4. The Art of Neutrals

The fashion in France is one of basics, as most of us know. Yet, I have seen some of the most innovative outfits in Paris, still expressing the "Parisian chic," yet in a way that seems put together effortlessly. Since living out of a suitcase for year, I have embodied this love of neutrals and innovation that makes it much easier to travel:) Also, I found a deep connection between the neutral fashion and the beauty of nature... natural elements are everywhere in Paris.

Jardin du Luxembourg

5. The Language of Few Words

French is a complex, yet beautiful language which I knew very little of when I first moved there. I still have so much to learn, but while living midst the language, I was able to understand that within the complex language was the ability to say so much with so little words. There is about 6x more words in the English language, showing the French language's ability to express more with far less (truly a glass half full approach to communication). A concise, yet complex language that matches the culture beautifully.

Hôtel de Ville

Favorite Spots in the City:

- King Falafel: May not have the longest line on the infamous falafel street, but will have your taste buds humming.

- Ofr. Paris: A magazine shop that feels like a treasure trove where you can find your most niche desires unveiled (be sure to grab one of their cute tote bags too!)

- Au Petit Thai: The place Gg (my roomie) and I called home at least once a week where we divulged in the best pad Thai and Thai tea in a romantic atmosphere of rose-petaled tables and dim lighting.

- Sherry Butt: A home away from home of sorts. A cozy, brick covered, hidden cocktail bar that reminded me of Manhattan. A tasty gin martini with a twist was my usual.

- Camille: A classic French restaurant with dark green and neutral tones to create an elevated, yet cozy atmosphere. Great for traditional French cuisine, but watch out for the Escargot, dangerously good but will fly out of your plate onto the man sitting across from you;) Also, be sure to make a reservation.

- Merci Paris: The shops of all shops, where art meets luxury in this beautiful concept store. Be sure to check out the bookstore and cafe when you go, too!

Love,

Nina Lee

À bientôt!