Paris 1: Order with a Hint of (Pricey) Whimsy

Paris' opulent first arrondissement is the very essence of Parisian order and propriety, but I loved its lighter bits: a lacy metal wrap for an imposing ministry building, a cheeky take on the royalty theme at the metro stop, and of course the whimsical window displays for astronomically priced products. ~A

Palaiseau

My teeny town outside of Paris, where the little Euro cars overwhelm even smaller ancient streets and tradition still dictates a two-hour brunch at the local brasserie. Even the train station is scenic... ~A

Creperies and Alliance Francaise

Tasty creperies on my walk to French class. Also loving the open design of the Alliance Francaise building in Paris. ~A

Scenes of Money Well (?) Spent

A display of Pakistani "Truck Art" outside the Alliance Francaise, where I finally bit the bullet and shelled out for formal French lessons. Later I stumbled across one of Paris' little alleyway shopping spots when searching for a nail salon - never got my pedicure but did find some cute shoes... ~A

Palaiseau to Paris and the Trains Inbetween

Oh, how I love good public transportation! Ate breakfast in the lovely sunny kitchen, train-hopped to make a BBQ in Melun (the smudges were on the train window, not the sky), returned to meander a bit in central Paris, and then took the commuter rail back home. (Sadly, the train window and my limited camera failed to allow me to capture the pretty rainbow I saw from the train window - bottom right photo, top right corner?) ~A

Scenes by St. Michel

A space age brass band plays to protest nuclear power near the St. Michel metro station. Down the road, bio-engineered fast food chicken is deemed tasty enough to grace one of the main boulevards. ~A

Eiffel Innards

Very much enjoyed my first stroll in Paris proper... ~A

My morning view...

So pretty! If only I could get the neighbor's big orange roof to quit hogging the shot... ~A

Arrived in France at last...

... and unpacking in my little attic bedroom... ~A

Picture #4: Spring Flowers with Snow Showers

I know, I know - I'm a little obsessed with these ceramic milk bottle vases. But how cute are these cheery yellow flowers against the snowy New York street? ~A