Paris

Hannah Wilson

Cathedral Light

Comments Paris

Since I simply can’t keep my blog posts caught up with my crazy schedule, I’ve decided to organize my posts by place or theme!

Today I want to share with you the beauty of light in Gothic cathedrals. The majority of these pictures are from Sainte Chapelle, but a few are from Notre Dame. If you happen to visit a Gothic cathedral at the correct time of day, when the sun is low enough in the sky to create golden light with long shadows, you’re in for a treat. I tried my best to capture the glow of it, but nothing substitutes actually being there.

The past two weeks I was lucky enough to have two visitors: My mom and my grandma! I showed them around the city, and pretty much checked everything off their Paris To-See lists. I felt like a pretty adept mock-tour-guide!

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Hannah Wilson

Ile-Saint-Louis & Berthillon Ice Cream

Comments Paris, See & Do, Style

The second part of our day consisted of exploring the smaller of Paris’ islands – Île-Saint-Louis. This island’s claim to fame is Berthillon, ice creamery. It is the home to many (very) rich people, some charming shops, and a restaurant called, in English, Our Ancestors the Gauls. Now, this restaurant was closed, but when I spied animal furs, helmets, and swords hanging in the windows, I was very intrigued. We later learned that an experience at this restaurant consists of communal seating, hearty caveman-like dishes, and a raucous, loud atmosphere. Sounds like the perfect antidote once I’ve tired of the classic, refined French cafe scene.

I highly recommend getting some Berthillon ice cream. The main store is often closed (because French), but tons of restaurants in Paris serve their goods. I got a cone with THREE flavors. Vanilla, Coconut, and Melon. I should have just had melon because it was so freaking delicious! …Have I mentioned that I am now addicted to melon? France has turned me into a melon freak. Their melons are very sweet, and all their produce is so much better than stuff at US grocery stores. You’ve heard the rumors, and I’ve come to tell you that they’re pretty much true. Most food is indeed better here.

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Hannah Wilson

Inside Notre Dame

Comments Paris

Daniela and I finally had a free day this Saturday, so one of the things we decided to do was explore the two islands of the Seine. We started by seeing the interior of Notre Dame.

I love seeing inside Gothic Cathedrals – they’re so full of mystery and beautiful light. I love the pointed shapes and heavy stone. Being inside a place like this makes me feel safe and calm. Although, it’s really hard to keep hoards of tourists silent inside such a large space that is prone to extreme echoing. The church has a track they play every hour or so that says “sshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh – silence please.”

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Hannah Wilson

Near the Louvre

Comments Paris

Every first Sunday of the month, the Louvre opens it’s doors with free admission. A friend and I decided to try it out. However, when we arrived, the line practically wrapped around the building… and the building is HUGE. Instead, we walked to a neighboring bridge and strolled the gardens.

It was a bit chilly that day, so I put on my black tights. I opted for all black, white, and gray – I think I could have passed as a true Parisian. ;)

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Hannah Wilson

Jardin du Luxembourg

Comments Paris, See & Do

My feet may be seriously injured, and I think my Achilles heel is bruised. I’m not sure how I’m going to get to class and work tomorrow! Let’s just hope my feet heel tonight. I have never walked so much in my entire life, and it doesn’t help that the majority of my shoes are new and require “breaking in.” I’m hoping that my feet will transform into one, rock-hard callous that can withstand absolutely anything and that will be immune to any sort of pain. Here’s to hoping!

On a very sunny, warm day, I hopped over to the Luxembourg garden, a very large green space complete with manicured lawns, overflowing lines of flowers, am impressive Baroque-style fountain, and shady areas with lots of benches. It reminded me of many Impressionist paintings of Parisians at leisure. Sunday Afternoon at the Grande Jatte and Luncheon on the Grass came to mind. I didn’t spend as much time here as I’d like, but I have 4 months to return.

I’ll be sad when winter comes and all the beautiful flowers go away!

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Hannah Wilson

Midnight in Paris

Comments Paris

One of the activities of my Intensive French Course was a “Cinébalade,” which pretty much translates to: Movie Stroll. The movie on which our stroll was based was Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. I’m assuming you’ve either seen or heard of it by now, but if not, it’s a wonderful movie full of quirky, funny, interesting, and lively characters based on real writers, artists and intellectuals of the past. And of course, it’s set in Paris.

We also learned about the history of the Latin Quarter and the Sorbonne, the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company, and had the opportunity to go inside a very old and well-known restaurant called the Polidor. It’s still open for business today, and the prices aren’t outrageously expensive! I mean, this is relatively-speaking, as every single restaurant in Paris is very expensive in general.

Among other things, we saw the steps Gil sits on when he is first transported to the past in the automobile – the beginning of the magic in the film!

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