pass the french toast: saturday may 26

This morning Chloe and I got up super early to go shopping in the flea markets. I wanted to see the Vanves market before the end of my stay in Paris so this was my last chance. It was a lot different than the bigger flea market that I had been to before. Since this one is only on Saturday mornings, all the sellers set up tables and easy ups and some just sell out of the backs of their trucks. It was also a lot less expensive. Once we got there, I only had 8 euros in cash and I couldn’t find an ATM, so I had to be very frugal. I found a man selling some amazing antique keys for 1 euro each, which is the cheapest I had ever seen them. I got 5 and he let me choose an extra for free. Then I found another lady selling some really beautiful locks and I snagged one for 3 euros. I also had a conversation in French with a man selling some amazing antique cameras but of course as much as I wanted them there was no way I could afford them or even fit them in my suitcase. By about 9 am we headed back to class where our teacher gave us some more cash for the rest of the trip. (This was dangerous for me as we were planning to head back to the other flea market afterwards.) Luckily I was able to control myself and just had fun wandering around the Vernaison market again. I ended up finding several more locks to go with my now rather impressive collection.

Afterwards Amanda and I headed over to the Musee d’Orsay. I had been there a few weeks back but it was right before closing so I sped through it. This time we were able to take our time and we were both just head over heels, especially with the impressionist paintings.

this has been the background on my computer forever. i loved seeing it in person!

It was really really warm that day even inside the museum so afterwards we waited in line for a good 20 minutes to get some Amorino gelato. It was definitely worth it. We were wanting to go to the Orangerie because Amanda hadn’t been there yet, but by the time we got there it was closed. So instead I took her to the grocery store by my apartment because it has the best selection of chocolate I’ve seen in Paris, and we stocked up on chocolate to bring back for our families. We were planning to meet up with some friends for dinner at 7, but I got held up in line at the grocery store because the lady in front of me was using some sort of expired coupons or food stamps or something and it wasn’t working. I literally waited there for over 15 minutes and I only had like 2 items. Then I had to run back to my apartment to grab my camera and was so stressed out because I hate being late!

But I got off the metro only a few minutes late to meet up with Amanda, Darian, Macord, Emily, Melissa and their roommate Julia. We had planned to go to this adorable café called Gatsby, but the waiter there was really elitist and wouldn’t let us sit down. So instead we just found another little café, luckily there are so many! Everything on the menu sounded delicious but I ended up getting a cheeseburger, I am not sure why, because I don't even like them usually. I think I just wanted to see how they do them in France. It was actually really good.

Here is our group at dinner!

this is what I ordered. It was surprisingly delicious

After dinner, Macord, Emily, Melissa and I went over to the Eiffel tower since none of us had gone to the top yet, and because it was our last real night in Paris (the next day was Sunday.) We waited in line for a very long time and watched the tower Sparkle while we were underneath it. It was so magical because everyone oohed and aahed at the same time and then all the camera flashes started going off at Trocadero and the Champs de Mars so it was like the whole world was sparkling. When we finally got up to the first level it sparkled again (that shows just how long we were waiting in line.)

By the time we got to the top, it was midnight. (Yes, I spent my last ‘midnight in Paris’ on top of the Eiffel Tower. And of course I made a wish.) I couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening although we were all a little sad that it was our last. When I got on the metro to get home, there was confetti everywhere. I guess everyone was just having a good night.

I loved the sunset lighting. EVERYONE was picnicking at the Champs de Mars.

i made a little paper airplane message and threw it off the top. i hope someone found it and had a magical night because of it.

left: my favorite carousel in the world as seen from on top of the eiffel tower. on the right: the elevator we had to take..it doesn't just go straight up and down..