la vie à paris: paris s'éveille

Well I'm probably speaking too soon when I say the following, but it looks like printemps is finally here and the city of Paris is finally coming out of hibernation. The sun is out, the people are out, the artists in Montmartre are out, the kids are out, and everyone has a tangible air of joie about them.

{rebecca studies a monet at musée marmottan}

Luckily, it turns out that I will be working only four hours a day at Women's Wear (!!!!!/more on that later), so in all of my spare time, Rebecca and I have been basking in the Parisian sunshine! We've been extremely productive and have done A LOT in just three days of French frolicking and have crossed many activities off my infinite Paris to-do list. This included: visiting the Musée Marmottan to see its unbelievable collection of Monets and Espace Dalí in Montmartre, admiring the stained glass inside Notre Dame, tasting Pierre Hermé's uniquely-flavored macarons, and strolling through the Tuileries on a sunny day (key word: sunny).

{yay! trampoline!}

{my turn!}

Rebecca and I also made some FABULOUS BEYOND FABULOUS discoveries on our adventures, three discoveries in particular. Discovery #1 was the TRAMPOLINE, yes, trampoline, in the Tuileries!! For just 2 euro (and the chutzpah/skill to convince the ticket guy that you're only 14) you can jump for joy in the middle of Paris' favorite park. Obviously we did this, and obviously we took amazing photos and videos. Discovery #2 was Comme des Garçons' PLAY store in Montmartre called Comme des Garçons POCKET and sells all of the PLAY Comme de Garçons goodies that I die for, think smiley heart Converse, screen printed tees, cardis and long sleeve striped shirts baring the logo!!!!!!!!!!! When I get a little more moolah, I wish to return and make a purchase. I'm thinking the off white Converse high tops--hopefully they'll have this style when I return! Discovery #3 was a vintage store in Montmartre that sells vintage Lanvin suits for just 90 euro. Very cool selection. Rebecca obviously got one, in red, plus a black velvet vintage Lanvin dress and a black and blue brocade jacket. Loves.

{she's very excited about her crazy soup appetizer}

{my dinner: steak! finally!}

Tonight, the two of us indulged in the funkiest, fanciest Kosher meal I have ever experienced at the experimental fusion Kosher restaurant Osmose in the 16th. While I ended up ordering classic dishes such as crispy chicken bites, filet mignon and chocolate mousse (I was just interested in getting my meat fix), Rebecca was MUCH more adventurous in her choices. Her appetizer, a fish soup that was more a broth than anything, came with a side of some crazy green vegetable sorbet and little bits of raw fish wrapped in roasted peppers. Although her entrée of veal chops was pretty basic, her dessert consisted of foamed coconut milk and grilled mango slices! The atmosphere of the place was very nouveau funky futuristic and the bathrooms even had fish tanks in each stall. Definitely NOT your typical Kosher eatery!

Tomorrow, we ladies end out week of adventures by visiting more of Monet's water-lilies at the Musée de l'Orangerie in the Tuileries and the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Petit Palais. Delicious!

{this girl agrees!}

Before I head off to dream land, I have a thought to ponder based on an observation that I made throughout the day today: How have French women mastered the messy bun? I swear, it's a freakin' art here! The most perfectly constructed, haphazard chignons I've ever seen! Teach me your ways, oh great French do masters!

Yea, it's obviously way past my bedtime. Bonne nuit mes petits!!

Paix, Amour et Néon,
Marisa