Paris, je t'aime

Third time's a charm for a lot of things.

It is only on my third visit to Paris that I have fallen in love with the city.

My theory on this is that I am living with a Parisian and doing less touristy things. I'm not pressured at all and am taking the time to get lost and truly explore the city of lights (with a map of the city's metro and bus routes in my pocket... just in case).

Woke up around 9am and got some food:

I am glad that I had at least something to eat, because we did not eat together until after 3 in the afternoon. Perrine's cousin came to visit and we all hopped on the metro to an American diner called "Breakfast in America" (just like the Supertramp song). There was a continuous line out the door to get in and eat some brunch-like things, which is very un-French.

Here is what the diner looks like:

All the servers are bi-lingual American students-- some with worst accents than others-- and they boast breakfast all day. It was delicious. And the coffee wasn't crap! I was surprised. You know how diner coffee is... Side note: French people eat hamburgers and french fries with a fork and a knife. Yeah, what? It was interesting to watch.

After a very filling meal, I parted with Sofia and the others to head out on my own on foot. I looked at a nearby map to get my bearings, and headed straight for the river. Walking along the Seine, images of Gene Kelly dancing along the banks from "An American in Paris" flashed through my head, which juxtaposed very oddly with my choice of music (a Genius playlist inspired by the song "Daylight" by Matt & Kim).

It was at this moment that I fell in love with Paris:

It was the perfect winter's day, and the Parisians were doing their own thing completely unheckled by tourists. There were children learning how to ride their bikes, couples strolling hand in hand, and groups of friends meeting by the river to enjoy the view. It was magical.

I walked around Notre Dame for a bit, then made my way to the Centre Pompidou to satiate my craving for some modern art. I got in for free, being a student and all. The building is HUGE, with many different exhibits and galleries and libraries and bookstores. I only went to the museum part, but I am definitely going back later this week to check out everything else. The giftshop has some of the coolest things in it. If I lived in France, I'd be furnishing much of my kick-ass apartment with the things made available. Alas, I am a poor American student that must tote things back to the United States when all is said and done.
Taking the metro is easier than expected, and today was the first time I did it by myself. Look at me, being all adult!!! Once I got home, I made a small salad for dinner and now I'm about to join the girls for some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and watch some chick flicks.

More on Paris tomorrow!