Paris, Part Deux

Out of all the cities that I've visited in Europe, I think that Paris will always have a special nook in my heart.

The last time I visited, I didn't have the chance to visit the Rodin museum. And, Rodin being my favorite artist of all time, I made the extra trip to go see some of his greatest works. It is probably my favorite museum I've ever visited in Europe. Outside, there is a sculpture garden lined with trees and a huge fountain in the center. It was weird, pairing the serenity of these natural elements with the disturbed and highly emotionally charged sculptures. Just to see his stuff and hang out in the garden was worth the Chunnel ride.

While I was in Paris, there was a short laundry list of things that I really wanted to see/experience. Shakespeare and Co. was definitely up there. It's almost cliché to want to make a mini pilgrimage to this little independent bookstore where greats including Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound, and James Joyce stayed in the attic and found inspiration in this beautiful city. But, even with its induction into popular culture and all, it was darling.

Everything from the writer upstairs typing away at his laptop, the old typewriter cubby, the notes on the wall, and of course, the shelves upon shelves of great literature, was beautiful to me. So I ventured there twice during this trip and came away with What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver.

One of the most incredible pastry experiences I've had was at Ladurée with Alanna. We had an assortment of macarons, which was apparently invented by this shop, and it was incredible. From the perfume-y rose flavored one to the rich caramel, every bite was unique and delicious.

What was funny was that everyone in the little square we were sitting in was eating a box of pastries too. It's still a mystery to me how the French manage to produce and consume some of the best pastries and food in the world, and yet manage to stay so fashionably thin.

At the risk of sounding like a complete pig, I must pause here to discuss the best ice cream I've ever had, Berthillon. I had three scoops: pear, chocolate, and raspberry. It was luxurious, subtle, and really tasted like the flavor it was trying to replicate. I've been on many eating adventures with Alanna, especially since touching down in Europe, and this was certainly a major highlight after hearing so much about it from her.

There were so many more memorable moments from Paris, but I will end my account of them here. I hope that Paris will become a regular part of my life as I move on from college and start 'real life.' It's so beautiful, and any time that I spent alone there did not feel lonely, because as cheesy as it sounds the city is vibrant and rich in history and culture, and was as good a companion as I could ask for.