Paris, Part Three: Parting Words

This was my second time to Paris. I've said it before and I'll say it again--I like French people. I really, really like French people! There are some foolish Americans (and English) that like to say the French are a rude, pretentious people. Not so!

The famous Love Lock Bridge

Montmatre

The view from Montmartre 

Some tips for getting around Paris:

• You will get lost. This is normal in Paris. Don't fret. 
• You can buy an "All Day Pass" metro card that is cheaper than buying separate cards if traveling over many zones and using different types of transportation. For example, Versailles is in zone 4, so buy a zone 1-4 pass. Also, the maps in metro stations are verrrrrry helpful for getting around, and tells you what exit goes to what street...brilliant! 

  

  traveling on the metro 

• Don't skip: Montmartre, The Eiffel Tower, a stroll through St. Germain, Buttes-Chaumont Park (it's an impressive man made park), Château de Versailles.
• Remember that is acceptable and allowed to drink wine along the river or in the park. Take advantage of this, and don't you DARE think of skipping out on French cheese and wine. If there are 2 things you MUST do in Paris, it's: eat the cheese, and drink the damn wine! 

Hanging out in Buttes-Chaumont Park with my friend Solene! 

Still in the man made park! 

In love with French windows! 

Lastly, enjoy one of the loveliest big cities ever to grace your eyes. You don't need a lover to stroll around with you in Paris; nay, the city becomes your lover! Embrace it with willing and open arms.

Paris, Part Two: Getting Fat in France

While in Paris, I denied myself nothing. I ate everything I desired. It was worth the slight weight gain. That's right...it was worth it, I tell you!

One of the main culprits of my massive food intake was Montmartre, the very bohemian, artsy, music-y part of Paris that leaves you lingering for hours, sitting in cafes and venturing into bakeries.

 The well known cafe culture of France, where it's acceptable to waste time sipping on your espresso while people watching.

 Macaroons are divine. I recommend the Rose flavored kind. 

Skipping over to the Ile Saint-Louis, I had the best ice cream of my life at Berthillon. I got dark chocolate, and tried to take a picture of it, to which my camera refused to focus and I got impatient...DEVOURING IT ALL. Well, I got photos of the shop, at least: 

On a sunday, I ran into a random antique market, complete with yummy treats! I can't for the life of me remember where this is in Paris; however, markets are pretty easy to come by everywhere! 

 Crepes! 

Homemade jam for sale. 

 Fresh coffee and croissant in morning? Yes please! 

And for snazzy night time drinks, I highly recommend going to Harry's New York Bar...

 ...and you might be asking me, "Ashley, why would I go to a NEW YORK bar in Paris??" Good question. Because in the 1920s, the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Scott F. Fitzgerald, George Gershwin, Humphrey Bogart and Coco Chanel used to hang out here. And the Bloody Mary was apparently invented here, which I promptly ordered two of. The decor was unpretentious--filled with old college flags from the states--and acted as a time capsule back to the 20s. Last time I went to a Hemingway bar it was a smash, and this time was no different!

 A very busy bartender in Harry's Bar. 

"The oldest cocktail bar in Europe" 

So, there you have it, kids--the reason why I am trying to eat a lot healthier this week. But if you can't be gluttoness in Paris, then, where can you be? 

Paris, Part One: Cigarettes and Chocolate

The title of this post is play on a great Rufus Wainwright song I put on repeat while walking along the river; mostly, this song embodies the very attitude of the city. Take a listen. 

This was my second time visiting ol' Paris, and I think I loved it even more this time around. I wasn't rushed to see all the sites I had seen before, which left more time for croissants, crepes and espresso. This made for a very happy (and slightly chubbier) Ashley.

I started my trip with the Notre Dame. I loved it last time, and my love continues for this Gothic wonder...

 Notre Dame, we meet again! You're looking lovely, as always. 

Cute paris streets & street corners.

 Paris, a city made for the rain! 

 Listening to "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" while gazing at the pretty river and architecture. 

I don't have to say too much. The splendor of the city speaks very well for itself...

Until my next post, in which I share more devilishly delicious pictures of Paris (and the food). 

Perfectly Acceptable Ashley

It' perfectly acceptable:

• to make fun of all the theatre critics for suddenly loving Book of Mormon. They've been calling it the "best show in years," and are completely shocked at the crudeness of the script. Well guess what kids?!? It's been a show for over a decade. It's called SOUTH PARK, and just because it's live action doesn't mean it's not exactly like the animated show. Yes, I'm acting as representative for all the true fans who have loved Matt Stone and Trey Parker's work for years. *steps off soap box*

• to eat desert before dinner. Do I need to say more? 

• to brag about traveling every now and then. Wait, who am I kidding? I brag about it all the time...because it is my badge of honor, and I'm not sorry! And with that, I'm off to Paris on Friday! :D

The Process is the Result

"People quit because it takes too long to see results, because they can't figure out that the process is the result."

I was very inspired after reading this lil' article on cracked.com. 

I hate to say it, but my generation was probably the beginning of a slew of generations that feel entitled to shit. I'm not sure if anything is to blame but ourselves; however, the internet, facebook and a plethora of other sit-on-your-ass-in-the-house activities sure didn't help us out. 

Still, laziness is not just an epidemic of my generation and the ones that follow. The sloth disease has been around for a long time. And as the above mentioned article aptly points out, a lot of our laziness is tied into personal insecurities. We are afraid of criticism and failure. We are afraid of being unhappy. We are afraid of being uncomfortable. And so we choose to do nothing.

Let me just say, if there is anything the last 7 months in London have taught me, it's that being uncomfortable has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Mostly because it's made me a believer in the process. The second draft is always better than the first draft. And if you can manage a third draft, you're in even better shape! 

Once you start to figure out that things are never perfect and life can be edited, trying for something grand doesn't seem so scary anymore. 

Around London Town

After coming back from Ireland, I've been running ALL AROUND London showing my friend Ryan and his roommate the citayyyy on their first international trip (they're visiting from San Diego). All that running around got me a bit sick, but it was worth it!! Here are some pictures...

 You know you live in England when you're walking through your neighborhood and stumble across a 17th century graveyard.

 I spend 1/4 of my time in London waiting for the tube...

 The cafe inside the V&A museum.

 Tea Time!

This is what high tea includes at the impressive Petersham Hotel in my area of London (Richmond).

A word on courtesy while on the buses...one which I find incredibly un-PC and therefore, hilarious.

Devilish toilet sign. 

 Drinking juice with Alexander. I got spiced tomato juice, to which the boys grimaced and made fun of me for...but you know what? It was damn good!

 We stumbled across a ping pong bar while out and about. Yes. Ping Pong tables. With a bar. Genius.

I especially enjoyed telling the guys to "suck my (ping pong) balls" while playing. When I get competitive I get foul-mouthed. 

Hanging out in Notting Hill. The guys got excited when it started snowing a bit here. I rolled my eyes because I'm soooooooo over this cold weather! 

Lastly, I found an Easter tree in my area. So cute!