“I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate.”—Vincent van Gogh
My orientation week has been amazing so far. During this week we are seeing some of the greatest sites in Paris. Last night we went to the Louvre and stood in front of the Mona Lisa; today I traveled up the Eiffel Tower and toured the Musée d’Orsay, a museum best known for its collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces. Tomorrow we will be making our way to Versailles to see the pride and joy of the “Sun King” Louis XIV. What a week!
 |
| Pierre-Auguste Renoir 1876 |
A couple of nights ago we took a walking tour of the quaint Parisian neighborhood of Montmartre. In the 19th century Montmartre was still outside of the city limits of Paris, and free from Paris taxes. This attracted many people to the area who wanted to drink and have fun for a cheaper price than in the rest of Paris. Montmartre has been home to artists and musicians for years, including Dali, Monet, Picasso, Renoir, and Van Gogh. When I was walking the hills of this bohemian neighborhood I felt like I was in a village far away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Our tour ended with dinner at a crêperie. Crêpes are a very common street food in France, and an affordable option for a quick meal. We were told that one should never pay more than 3€ for a banana and Nutella crêpe, a popular choice. That night I had a savory crêpe filled with potatoes, smoked ham, cheese, and onions, and my favorite dessert crêpe with strawberry jam. It was great to have the chance to experience the place that so many famous French artists have called "home." Monmartre is one of my favorite parts of Paris. Here is a link to Julia Child's recipe for crêpes. http://gratineeblog.com/2010/01/julia-childs-master-crepe-recipe/
No comments:
Post a Comment