Louis Vuitton Foundation for Creation

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the inauguration for the La Foundation Louis Vuitton. It was a truly amazing day discovering the architectural genius of Frank Gehry who created a unimaginably gorgeous building to serve as the home to the Foundation.

This masterpiece feels like a complete dream. Lofty but structured. Perhaps because it resembles a ship emerging from the clouds? It's whimsical but intentional in perfect balance. I think it's so incredible how minds can dream up and create such works of art.

I was so thrilled to be among the first visitors to what is sure to be a landmark of Paris.

Jetlag and a Rainy Day

I was saving these for a rainy day.

And today is that day.

A rainy day full of jet lag after a much too quick trip to NYC and NJ for the last few days.

Somehow, it's nearly eight in the evening and I'm still awake.

We will not count the minute naps I took on the train home in between stops. 

On my first trip over to Paris back in June, my brother stopped over for a few days to see the city and visit me before he rejoined the working world after a brief and much deserved hiatus. It was really so lovely to have him here with me for those few days to help me explore my new home. 

The weather wasn't cooperative the entire visit, so one rainy afternoon, we decided a covered riverboat tour of the city was just the ticket. That and a few beers followed by a bottle of wine. And good food, naturally.

Even though it was rainy and grey, I loved seeing the city from under the raindrops. It was fitting in a lot of ways. Here we were, so little and small just drifting past so many beautiful sights along with the current of the river. 

It seemed like a metaphor for my life at that moment. 

I was so small in a new city, always looking up wherever I was wandering to admire the beauty and soak in all the changes the last few months had brought. Just me trying to coast along with the current and work through the little waves that popped up here and there.

I'm a big believer that rainy days are good for the soul and seeing things from a different perspective, even when you think you've seen or know it all.

Sunday Brunch: The Park NYC

Another weekend. Another opportunity for brunching with friends.

Have I mentioned before that brunch is my favorite meal ever?

Yes, I think I have.

There is something about this lazy weekend meal, served up with some fruity cocktails and spending a few hours munching and sipping with friends that warms my heart.

Maybe it's the bubbly-induced babble about life that makes us feel like budding philosophers.

Maybe it's the fact that no one is {usually} rushing you through the meal. It's the accepted practice that this is the time to sit back, enjoy what you're eating, and take advantage of catching up with the people that busy schedules prevent you from talking to during the work week. One thing about Paris that I absolutely love is that all meals are expected to be hours long.

Brunching has turned into a generational norm in the US. And it looks like it's been taking over Europe little by little too.

In honor of my trip to NYC this week, I thought I'd share a little from my brunch at The Park last summer.

This is easily in my top 5 bunch meals to date. A big statement to make, I know, but it's true.

Take some spicy pulled pork, some sweet potato hash, perfectly poached eggs, a side of avocado and mix it all together. Y'all, this is the meal that dreams are made of. I'm certain.

Not to mention there were so many other scrumptious dishes on their menu that I'm sure are equally delicions. Not pictured: my dear friend Kimberly's mascarpone stuffed French toast. Hello, heaven.

I'm already dreaming of brunch next Sunday before I hop back over to Paris!

Bon dimanche, mes amis.

Jardin des Plantes

And just like that, the week is almost over. Almost.

I spent last Saturday wandering the Jardin des Plantes. And I think for a few days, Paris forgot that summer was over. Temperatures were almost summer like, families were having picnics on the grass, and so many people were out strolling around the gorgeous flowers that somehow were still in bloom. It felt more like late August than the middle of October. And I didn't hate it, as much as I love fall weather. It was a welcome change and the last scrap of summer we will probably see until next year. 

Flash forward a week, and I'm walking out of the house wrapped in an almost winter coat and scarf the size of a picnic blanket. I'm the first to embrace crisp temperatures and grey skies, but a small part of me hopes the weather people are wrong, and we might get another Indian summer weekend again.

Bon weekend! 

Mostly Settled

And just like that, I am settled in Paris. Mostly.

There have been highs and lows. More highs than lows. Thank goodness.

We can discount the groping in the metro. And the fact that after 3 months I still don't have a PIN number to use my debit card from my French bank. And that time the people at Zara thought I was a shoplifter.

Editor's note: I am not a shoplifter. You can check the security footage yourself.

On the upside, I have a truly wonderful {I could do a lot more gushing, but I'll keep it to myself} group of friends that I was lucky enough to meet just a few weeks after moving here. I can hear the bells of Notre Dame from my tiny, continually dusty but altogether charming Parisian apartment. The kind people of Paris are usually ridiculously forgiving of my subpar attempts at French. Also, the best pain au chocolat I've tasted in my 4 months here is a dangerous three minute walk from my flat. 

I just had to pause because I realized I wrote that I've been here for 4 months. I feel like I've been here 4 minutes. Mind blowing.

Moving on, there is much to tell. Funny stories to share. Adventures that have been had. Adventures that are yet to come. So to get this saga started, a few pictures from my first 48 hours in Paris back in June.

Bon dimanche, mes amis.

Paris is Always a Good Idea

All good things must come to an end.

I have seven short weeks left as a Newport, Rhode Island resident. I have loved every moment of my time in this perfect little town by the ocean. 

I love my perfect little apartment that just close enough to the excitement and shenanigans of Thames Street but far enough to feel like I live in a quiet neighborhood.

I love being able to walk along the water early in the morning. And my two favorite little coffee shops. And the best yoga studio I've ever found. 

And walking by the Newport Mansions - always pausing to take in their magnificence and beauty. Looking like a tourist be damned.

But this is just one chapter of many in my life...and who knows where I'll eventually settle.

But if you've been here for a while, you know that the "settling" part of me is a long ways away.

A new chapter in my life is about to begin, one that has potential to be one of the greatest of my life.

I'm moving to Paris.

Now that alone has the potential to be a great opening line of a marvelous story

So stick around, this extraordinary life is just beginning.

*Photo taken from a trip to Paris in March of 2009.