Oh La Lauren

Vendredi: Histoire de Paris CM . Field trip . Afternoon with Julien . Galéries Lafayette

The weather today was so un-parisian! It was so warm I regretted bringing my winter coat to class.

So then our group of girls and our fearless leader M. Peignait went out to the Assemblée Nationale. It was amazing to actually have the sun shining on us for once. Julien met up with our group there, and I think he really enjoyed class! We then walked to Place de la Concorde, which is a place full of so much significance but really just looks like a huge traffic jam to me. Amelie gave a hilarious exposé: “Ce monument était ici avant que Texas est devenu un état!!”. Lexy and I were also amused by the street performed dressed up as a mummy in front of the obelisque. Then we walked over the la Madeleine, which I’d never been to before! Frankly, it was cool, but not my favorite church. However, I saw St. Augustin down the street and am now really interested in visiting this cathedral built by Haussmann, made of metal.

Julien finally got to meet Alyssa, and also gained the attention of two other girls in my class who I am not friends with. Though today they actually talked to me for once—just to ask how I met him. I love unsincere people! Un peu snob, huh?

We grabbed a snack and then walked over to Printemps, another spot I hadn’t seen before. We didn’t go inside, but the christmas displays (vitrines) were already done. They were unreal and very elaborate. Maybe that’s what it’s like to be in New York during Christmas?

Next, chez H&M, Ju bought about 100 euros worth of blazers, a scarf, etc. Then we went to Galeries Lafayette—qu’est-ce que c’est magnifique!! See photo above. The Harrod’s of Paris. Ju was so funny, he kept being like, if you want to take a picture let me know! I will take one of you! I will take many of you and you tell me if you like them.

We walked over to the Opéra, and Ju once again offered to take photos of me so that I could, how do you say, se vanter? I knew instantly what it meant…and know that I am so guilty of it! Ju left, then Biki met me at the Galeries Lafayette encore.

On the bottom floor of the department store, we naughtily boughts french macaroons from Pierre Hermé. As we all know, I am extremely drawn to glittery items, and these macaroons were dusted with sparkles, so I just had to have one! How can you study abroad in Paris and not buy gourmet French macaroons at the Galeries Lafayette, dripping with holiday decorations? I got two macaroons, one “Mogador,” milk chocolate and passion fruit, and one “Chuao,” dark chocolate and cassis with black currants in it. 

I think Paris just keeps getting better.

I’m off to Reims and Strasbourg for the weekend, and am looking forward to drinking authentic champagne and to spending time with all my friends!