Stormy Paris

Last night we had a big storm with lots of wind; we had to close the big metal shutters on our living room window which we almost always have open this summer. Today, it's not raining but it's still stormy-looking; the Seine was rough and there are low clouds. Here are some photos I took from inside and outside the Orsay.

Musee d'Orsay

This morning I decided to use a pass that Eric had gotten me to go to the Musee d'Orsay, a big museum across the river from the Louvre that is in an old train station. I loved it. Here are some things I saw there: lots of Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Whistler's Mother! I did a tour with a podcast from Rick Steves, who is proving to be my indispensible guide for all things of the tourist nature.

craft time

Here we have some of my drawings: Bunny B is a random character inspired by a show we saw on tv one evening early on in my time here about the Baltimore club music scene. Benny and the Top Cat game are inspired by the old cartoon, Top Cat, that Eric and I have been watching on youtube lately and are mildly obsessed with. There is a shoe box that I'm making into a little room. Also, 2 postcards that I made and think turned out particularly well if I do say so myself. Oh, and I am starting a new line of Lisa paper dolls. Voila!

some things from home

So, first we have Eric eating a lollipop and Lisa trying to chew the other end. Also we have Eric and Lisa, with Eric wearing a great t-shirt that Carly sent him from Philly. And check it out, we were drinking wine made by Eric's uncle--my new last name is on a wine bottle! I never in a million years would have ever imagined that happening. Crazy.

lazy Sunday

For the beginning of our walk today, we went down to Parc Monceau, a park I hadn't been to yet. It was nice because it was a little overcast early on, so there weren't too many people there. We saw some ducks and big fish and little turtles in ponds, and hidden in a little corner of the pond, we saw these strange little birds that Eric said were called "poule d'eau." That means "water chicken," which of course I thought was funny. He said it's very unusual to see them at all, let alone in the city. Then we walked along rue St. Honore, which has all the expensive boutiques and big designer names like Lacroix and Prada, as well as Sotheby's and Christie's. Everything was closed because it's Sunday, but sometimes I like that best because you can look in the windows without too many people around you. In the 4th photo, you can see the Arc de Triomphe way down at the very end of the street.

l'eglise de la Madeleine

Today Eric and I took a walk and ended up at this church after seeing a few other places. It was probably my favorite church experience here in Paris yet. It was huge and beautiful, but also there was a modern art exhibit inside and we happened upon a group rehearsing hymns and we sat and listened to them for a little while. The sound was really incredible and it gave me chills.

kitty!

So we got a new cat this weekend and we're calling her Lisa. She's 1.5 years old and came from a nice couple that are moving out of the country. She seems to be getting comfortable with us and we are both really happy to have her join our little family.

Also, we saw the new Woody Allen this weekend, Whatever Works, and it was excellent. And I was psyched to see it in a country where he is still really appreciated. Voila!

Happy 4th of July ya'll

...from a little apartment in Paris.

macaron love

My awesome husband brought me home a little treat last night-my first macarons ever! French macarons are not to be confused with macaroons, the coconut cookies. These are light and airy, and (I looked it up) made with ground almonds, egg whites, sugar, and various flavorings. That's it. And...omg, they are wonderful. Notice that 2 are missing from the box already. I had a lemon and a raspberry in quick succession, and am trying my best now to hold out. The light brown one is salted caramel and I think I'm going to save it for last. You see these cookies piled in bakery windows all over Paris, and apparently there are ongoing debates about who makes the best ones. They are in every color imaginable, and sometimes in very unusual flavor combinations. What an exciting journey I've begun!