respect for personal space is an american thing.
the french may be "rude" but they always greet you with bonjour/bonsoir (hello - daytime & night time) and leave you with bonjournee/bonsoiree (have a good day/night).
it is light until 10 pm in paris .
the banks of the seine are similar to the beaches of california when its warm out - lined with bathing beauties young and old looking for a tan.
la tour eiffel (eiffel tower) is larger and more mesmerizing than i imagined.
i speak french (well-ish).
paris is BIG on vintage fashion magazines and old/used books - making the old new.
the average european man kicks the american man's ass when it comes to style - rolled khakis/jeans, loafers without socks, vneck tees, scruffy faces, man bags, etc....impeccable and effortless.
living in paris is like living in a beautiful french film.
i love a crepe salee (its a crepe made with wheat flour and salt) with fromage(cheese), champignons(mushrooms) and green olives - heaven!
i'm not as fashion forward as i want to be, paris has inspired me to take chances.
1 tall blonde girl in paris does not attract nearly as much attention as 2 tall blonde girls in paris - sticking out like awkward and clumsy sore thumbs we are.
i want and crave companionship.
i am not a girl who roughs it, i like comfort and i will pay more to get it.
fresh baked parisian pain au chocolate is like crack to me.
the gays in paris are equally as flamboyant and fabulous as they are in LA!
i'm a city girl and small town girl all at once.
note to self: when wearing a long white dress and walking with your similarly built american girl friend down the parisian streets during a gay march - you will be asked with excitement if you just got married.
photography is my passion. i will forever be the girl with a camera in her hand.
army green, striped shirts, fashionable flats and genie pants are IN.
brunettes are in.
paris is messy and unkempt pulled back hair that looks unexpectedly beautiful.
i may finally have kicked my over packing habit.
eating mcdonald's makes me feel like i'm home (such an american i am).
jess and i can be hungover, share a twin bed and watch dvds even in paris.
running is for people who drive cars every day, i walk, everywhere.
buying fresh flowers is something i do for myself no matter where i lay my head at night.
even alone you can never be bored in paris. lonely? yes. bored? never.
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| crepe sucree w/nutella |
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| butte montmartre - 18th arrondiseement - view of paris |
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| montmartre - city view - street performer |
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| movement |
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| apartment II in the marais - my room |
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| apartment II in the marais - jess' room |
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| apartment II - dining table |
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| the seine (major river in paris) |
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| transient man on the banks of the seine |
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| notre dame |
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| banks of the seine |
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| banks of the seine |
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| la tour eiffel |
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| me |
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| gay pride parade |
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| gay pride parade in paris |
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| jess & jill - she's here!!! |
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| typical street vintage book stands |
as always - missing my friends and family but relishing in every moment i'm here.
-jillian
AMAZING! I love it. Love the pictures, love the realizations about life and love all of the incredible culture you're sharing with us! I'm in awe at how beautiful these pictures you're taking are and that you're actually THERE, taking them!! It's insane. I can see why you would feel like you're in a beautiful french film, because you are. You're life film and it is most definitely beautiful. I love you so much. I love your outlook on life, your passion and your love for what you're experiencing and your courage for taking this gorgeous and once in a lifetime trip. You are a beautiful person and a wonderful sister. I love you. Mandy :)
ReplyDeleteWell done JV. Your reflections are insightful & entertaining. Continuing enjoying yourself there & everywhere. - M
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