C'est la vie

My first week in Paris is just about over, and I have finally somewhat settled in. Since I have been raving about my neighborhood and office views, I figured I should at least have a few pictures to show everyone where I am and what life is like here for me--an Italophile living in France for the first time with very very limited French language skills. I'll start with the flat. It's located in a cute neighborhood that feels like a village, called Montmartre. There are tons of cafes and restaurants around here with a variety of cuisines, and of course lots of open air seating and people watching going on--especially when I'm on my way home from work. It can attract some tourists because of its proximity to the Sacre Coer, but it has managed to stay pretty French (and safe!) nonetheless. Right down the hill, however, is the Pigalle area which includes the Moulin Rouge and other wonderful establishments catering to the seedier tourists. But thankfully my flat is relatively separate from this area.

I have the flat to myself. It's a studio with a loft on top and it's just right for me and my many visitors this summer!

Here is the kitchen:And the "living room" with the loft on top:

And, of course, the bathroom, although this is a terrible shot:

So now that you know where I live, I guess I should tell you a little about what brought me to Paris. Without going into too much detail here, the short story is that I am interning in the Culture sector at UNESCO, focusing on issues surrounding the return of cultural property to their countries of origin. For those of you who know me well, you understand how passionate I am about this subject, so working in the area, albeit for a brief period, only interests me more in the subject. Aside from all of this, there is one very big perk to my job that almost trumps all the rest, and it is this view from my desk:

And me sitting at my desk:
And another view from the side window in our office. It's pretty much a panoramic view of the Parisian skyline. You can't ask for much more from an unpaid internship.

...And We're Back!

I can't believe that it's been more than a year since my last post, but much has happened since then. I have decided to pick up sort of where I left off and begin by detailing my upcoming summer adventures in Paris. But before I can do that, I actually have to begin my adventures and that won't happen until July 7th. So, for now, I'll tease you with some pictures of how my last summer ended--three weeks of non-stop travel that were amazing and sometimes way too draining for me, through no less than ten cities in four countries on two continents!

We'll start with Greece:

This is Monasiri Beach on the island of Paros

Sunset on the island of Naxos

The picturesque Santorini! (Town of Oia)

Scott and Me above Red Beach in Santorini

Our favorite little mini-town below Oia. The place to get sea urchins, fresh octopus and Mythos beer while watching sunset every evening.

More from Santorini:
Documentation of our great four-wheeling adventure around the island.
The Money Shot. Parthenon, Acropolis, Athens.

Our favorite pasttime: 1.80 euro Gyros
I have quickly filled up one entire post on my wonderful trip to Greece, when I promised to be concise and tell you about all of my adventures. But for now, one post is enough to digest a seven day trip island hopping in the Aegean.