All posts filed under: Paris

C’est officiel, je suis arrivé!

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Bonjour from Paris! After what seemed like an age of travelling, I have finally arrived. Despite getting off at the wrong station to meet my Au Pair mother (not the best ways to start the trip, but never mind) I have begun to settle in, getting used to my surroundings and ‘family’. Tomorrow I will blog about the last few days – what have seen, done and encountered etc. But for now, I am trying to catch up with the latest episode of The Great British Bake Off! Salut!

Parisian Bon Voyage Soiree

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Last weekend I had my closest and bestest friends up to celebrate (or weep perhaps!) my departure to Paris. Obviously, the theme I decided to go with was Parisian Chic, but I blended it with the right amount of British patriotism. Afternoon tea was served with a variety of sweet and savoury treats, including my homemade macaroons! The batches for the party came out pretty well, and I experimented with pinks and blues. Do I dare attempt to make them in Paris for my French family? That would be like someone making a British person a cup of tea – high expectations of them! After a day of catching up and walking down memory lane we headed into Liverpool to dance (or at least attempt on my part) the night away. I had ana amazing time, and it was wonderful to catch up with all my friends from home. Having moved away from where I grew up three years ago, I really do miss my friends. This year has had its ups and downs for me, …

Two weeks today

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So it’s two weeks today that I leave England and venture off on my gap year adventure in Paris. Even though it is so soon, for some reason my head still hasn’t got around to the reality of it all. It almost feels as if I am in a dream. I guess it will be once I am physically leaving and on a plane when the reality of it will hit me. Over the last year I have become quite well acquainted with Paris, having been there on my first holiday to Paris with my family to two different Art History trips with the University. Each time was different and unique, offering new views and experiences of the city. However, this time I won’t be going as a guest, but as a resident. As an Au Pair for the year, I will be fully submerged in the French/Parisian culture. Not only will I become a member of my host family for the year, but I will be attending a language school every week to improve …

Paris trip 2014: Day 2

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After a long and tiring previous day, we had to get up extra early in order to catch our morning train to Chartres. Located outside of Paris, our journey consisted of traveling on a double-decker train! (I’ve been on such trains before, but every time I go on one I still act like a small child getting all exciting at experiencing something different!) When we arrived at Chartres, we were welcomed by a hazy morning mist which surrounded the top of the  cathedral’s western towers. The photo above does not do the scene we saw justice, it was truly magical. The first thing on our agenda of the day, was heading down to the crypt to have a guided tour. Despite the tour being in French (and my French is not so good!), it was still really interesting to have a look at the previous Romanesque chapels. The crypt of Chartres Cathedral was once used as a hospital, so it seems somewhat surreal to imagine ill people resting below (the crypt was not the warmest …

Paris trip 2014: Day 1

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I am officially back from Paris, and what an amazing time I had! Although we were only there for two full days, we managed to pack a lot of things to do within the time that was available to us. The only thing to note about Paris in February is how cold it is! The weather wasn’t quite amazing, yet that did not dampen our spirits! (Pardon the pun about the rainy whether…) Wednesday was the first ‘official’ day of our trip here in Paris. We were very lucky to be given a late start that morning, which meant that we got the chance to do some exploring of the city before we got to grips with the Virgin Mary in Paris. I headed to the Sainte-Chapelle as I am currently researching/writing about it for my dissertation! It was great to get back in there this morning – I absolutely love it, and if you haven’t been you must! I always have a very transcendental experience whenever I enter the chapel. Below are a few …