jardin des plantes

i like nature. the only nature in Paris are parks. parks are controlled nature. but they are pretty so i go. Brian and i went to Parc de Andre Citroen, which is considered a modern park. Adam and i went to the Jardin des Plantes which is considered a multi purpose garden. i am in creep mode, which means i take pictures of unsuspecting people. here are some pictures:

FRANCESTERDAM 08

i barely know where to begin with the last week. i wish there was a day by day break down because half of it is unimaginable.

before first: Tom's flight basically got delayed a day. he spent the night in D.C.s airport.
first: a 39 Euro dinner that consisted of a massive vegetable basket, buffet, skewers of meat, fruit basket, cheese plate, and dessert. plus, wine served in barrels.
second: delayed trip to Amsterdam. because we missed our flight. what's new.
third: an 18 hour fest in Amsterdam (fest referring to the fact that Tom and I did not sleep, and took to the streets of Amsterdam). and it snowed while we were there without lodging.
fourth: i ate McDonald's or MacDo (as they like to call it in Europe), for the first time in years. i would like to remind everyone of the Big Mac obsession i had as a child.
fifth: fondue and wine in baby bottles.
sixth: discovering that my wallet was either stolen or lost. i choose stolen.

overall, great time!

i am attempting to perfect my quiche.
i also have a plant i am trying to keep alive.

i planted it weeks ago, was told that you had to water it everyday, so i took it to the sink to do so. the pot is the size of a lemon or something, so the water pressure did not serve it well. the soil and seeds shot everywhere, so i had to scrap it out of the sink. do not judge me. it is still growing.

third difference: everything is eaten with a fork and knife. fork in left hand, knife in right hand. the whole meal is eaten that way. even if it is frites (fries) or pizza. there is no "scooping" action with the fork because it is proper to use your knife to get food onto your fork. it is hard to eat with my left hand due to the fact that i am still trying not to eat with my bare hands.

skatin

so Paris offers ice skating for a few months during the winter, but it ended Sunday. i went Saturday with the house mate. it is right by the Hotel de Ville and Notre Dame. tres fun. and yes, i harassed a small child to get a picture with a plastic penguin normally used as an aid on the ice. not to mention that earlier that day i got a fantastic dress for 2 Euros at a flea market.

2 month mark in Europe!

another regional difference: open container laws, do not really exist. and of course they serve you alcohol without the slightest hesitation if you are at least ten years of age.

an activity a day

this park has no business being in Paris, and i have no idea why there is a giant silver ball. or an offensive exit sign. the Musee Zadkine was small, but nice. and i took another stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg on my way home.

so i have recently realized that i take Paris for granted, and although i am almost certain i would never live in Paris, my current situation is fantastic. sure, i have my complaints about this city, just like any other city, but i would rather be here than in Texas. though, i miss the people in Texas tremendously.

there are definitely some differences to mention. i will be sure to mention one, hopefully accompanied with a picture, every post.

one example: public restrooms are actual public restrooms. after each use, when the door fully closes, the whole thing gets a wash down. going into an establishment to use their restroom requires you to purchase something. also, some "public" restrooms in train stations or stores still charge you Euro cents.

surfing couches.

so i just returned from Madrid, Spain. i had an AMAZING time. it was my first time to Couch Surf, and it turned out to be a great experience. My host, Matias, took me and 2 of my friends in for the weekend, and his place was located in the center of Madrid. the weather was beautiful and the city is so lively. everywhere you turn, there is something new to explore, and it usually turns out to be good.

Day One:
.Spanish dinner (delicious)
.aftermath of a neo Nazi protest
.farewell party for Pablo (his room mate)
.two clubs
.i can barely salsa now, but that is better than not being able to at all

Matias, his brother, and their friends were the nicest people i have met in quite some time.



























































Day Two:
.sightseeing, why of course
.Matias' friends Jony and Lela were having an Argentinian/Mexican cookout. again, a great time



























































Day Three:
.outrageous flea market
.great food for a great price

Croque Monsieur

i went to my very first play in Paris on 27 February, it was eh.