I love making lists. Sometimes I make lists of the most mundane daily activities just so I can cross them off. It gives me a sense of accomplishment. After my post-trip France funk, I made seasonal leap lists that have forced me to experience and appreciate the fun and beauty surrounding me in small town Ohio. With […]

As I unpack my suitcase from the holiday weekend, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of sadness at finally putting it away. I know that any suitcase of mine shall not remain dormant for long, but with no travel plans in the near future, it is finally time for me to accept the fact […]

I am back in the United States now and cannot pretend that I am unhappy about this fact. However, I do miss Paris and all the friends I made. This morning as I was unpacking my suitcases, I would catch sight of something especially memorable and feel the rush of emotion. Although I was certainly […]

I remember on my first trip to Paris, how our wise tour manager vehemently warned us about the Parisian men before our first excursion into the city. You see, she had first hand knowledge. Being a gorgeous blond, French-speaking Australian, she had plenty of experience fending off the natives. She said that they would not […]

After seeing many original works of art by Claude Monet in Parisian museums, it only makes sense to journey 45 minutes out of the city to his home and gardens at Giverny. So that is just what we did yesterday. Claude Monet was born in Paris in 1840 and lived there until his family moved […]

People visit Paris for a variety of reasons, but if I had to guess, I would assume that most visitors are interested in seeing some fantastic French artwork while they are here. Clearly a visit to the Louvre is in order, but also make sure you do not miss another Parisian jewel, the Musée d’Orsay. […]

In an attempt to finally cross off all the typical tourist attractions from my Paris list, we ventured to Versailles on Tuesday for a stroll through the gardens during their fountain show. I have already been inside the palace on my first trip to Paris, so waiting in the massive line and paying those extra […]

Visiting the Loire Valley was something that I had never considered before temporarily moving to France. In fact, I don’t even think I had ever heard of it before. But upon first arrival, several Parisians had it on their “must-do” list for me when I asked about the best weekend trips from Paris. It was […]

I’ve been wanting to write a post on the interesting fashion choices that I see in Paris for quite some time now but was waiting for just the right moment. After visiting a free exposition on Paris Haute Couture this morning at the Hôtel de Ville, I figured now was as good of time as […]

If you’ve ever read the book or watched the musical The Phantom of the Opera, then you have some knowledge of the Opéra Garnier. This fantastic architectural marvel is the most famous opera house in the world, in large part due to the book and musical. I’ve never been to an opera before, and I’ve […]