Hello from Paris, France! I’ve finally settled into my new temporary home after an adventurous and epic trip to Croatia and Bosnia. I live in the 4th arrondissement, which is actually known as the gay district, but you know there’s good food, shopping and it’ll be clean! It’s in the northern part of Paris and is literally a five-minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral. Here are some quick thoughts about Paris thus far:

Parisians are very nice
I don’t know why people say the French are stand-offish but they are quite nice. Then again, I think New Yorkers are nice. I think people in the United States are used to small talk, so when a Parisian server is short and to the point, people think it’s rude. Even though my French isn’t that great, I try to converse in their language, which they appreciate. I tried ordering a baguette the first day and seemed to only get half a loaf. Shawna told me that I ordered half a loaf. Whoops!

Bonne Vie (Good life)
The lifestyle here seems so simple for such a large city. Maybe it’s just from what I’ve seen, but people seem so joyful here. I could sit for hours watching people walk around the city eating baguettes, riding their bikes or sitting and having conversations. I am still working full time over here, but I don’t feel like I’m ever in a rush. Perhaps the 9-hour time difference helps, but I am very much at peace here.

Few things I’ve done

• Ordered a full baguette (winning)
• Went out to a bar with Adam and ordered drinks in French
• Visited Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle
• Had Crepes Suzette per Shawna’s recommendation
• Living my life normally as I would in Seattle

The streets are so beautiful to walk around. Everyone j-walks and people run red lights, but it’s okay. The city has such a unique energy to it. It’s not as fast-paced as New York City…almost as if everyone has time for everything here.

Yes, I stopped by the Apple Store. Don’t tell me you are surprised.

Revisiting Sainte-Chapelle, one of my most favorite gothic structures ever.

It has been an amazing journey so far and it is amazing to me that it’s only the beginning. I’ve definitely learned to live a simpler life. Hope you all are doing well. I’ll post updates whenever I can.