Ok, our journey through the region of Burgundy, or Bourgogne as the French call it, was actually spread out across a few days. But there was one particular day when Petite Copain and I had to stuff our faces with a super-sized bag of plain store-bought madeleines. Before we get to that tale, let's begin our journey with the beautiful city of Dijon.
It's still comfortably warm in Paris during the month of September and up to the first week of October. Fall is also when tourist season declines and normal Parisian life resumes. You'll get a better sense of how Parisians truly live. Moreover, ticket prices drop, and you'll find better deals on plane and train tickets. It's the perfect time to go to Paris!
Dear South of France,
Let me continue to count the ways that I love you. Finally, we're having a hot week in Paris and all I want to do is swim in your ocean. And that's coming from someone who is afraid of sharks! Luckily, there aren't too many sharks in the Mediterranean (at least in this area, I think?).
Dear South of France,
Every time I visit you, I fall in love all over again. People are kinder here and spirits seem much high, despite your recent tragedy. Your sun-kissed, exuberant region is still and forever will be popular.
First romanticized by author Peter Mayle in his book "A Year in Provence", the South of France has a reputation for a good reason. But you don't need to read the book to understand why this place is glorious.
Even though I'm still missing little (BIG) things like Panda Express or Target, I'm back in Paris taking off on all my creative projects. Still, the Grand Lake Farmer's Market in Oakland, California has been on my mind. It is seriously the friendliest market I have ever been to. The vendors to the crowd to (even!) the policemen were the most cheerful, passionate, and caring people I've ever met (and yet, technically all strangers). It was a big culture shock despite being American. After dealing with Parisians for three years, it was so nice to be embraced at this market. I think a vendor even hugged me. Or it was in my dreams... yeah, the market was that nice.
For today's post, we shall discover my other beloved home: Los Angeles. Find a comprehensive guide to Los Angeles and discover L.A. like a real Angeleno. My top 10 things to do in Hollywoodland.
My family lives in a small suburb close to Los Angeles. Whenever they pick me up from the airport, we always get to cruise along the famous 1 freeway on the way home. Many people think the 1 goes all the way up the California coast— but this isn’t exactly true (especially going toward San Francisco… you’ll eventually have to continue on the 101). But the 1 is very scenic where it starts along the coast in Los Angeles
Finally, the sun is out and Parisians are in a better mood (well, slightly better). Here are some things I'm enjoying during spring here that I hope you'll find fun too.
Visiting the South of France during the wintertime is still vacation worthy, if not cost-effective. Still warm and still beautiful, head over to Nice to enjoy sun and escape the greys and blues of Paris.
Petit Copain's parents were very kind to invite me again to celebrate Christmas at their home. Nestled in the hills of Cassis, going to Petit Copain's home is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Plus, the air is much more fresh here! Petite Copain and I have gone on a couple adventures between Marseille and Cassis, so I might switch back and forth in this post!
Exploring the beautiful home of Monet in Giverny. Just 40 minutes outside of Paris, this is an easy getaway for those who'd like to experience a taste outside of Paris. Because as you know, Paris n'est pas la France. Monet's kitchen also inspired me to cook a beautiful roasted chicken, so be prepared for travel tips and delicious food pictures.
I never knew the Côte de Nuits was very prestigious until just a few days before my trip! I was looking at a subreddit (yes, I'm a secret Redditor) for wine aficionados. Some had gone to Beaune and explored the nearby path of the Côte de Nuits, a famous long country road where you'll find several wineries, both big and small. My submission for this subreddit was basically, "Where should I go?", a question that, much to my disappointment, remained completely unanswered. I'm not a wine expert after all... but I am an expert on drinking lots of wine ;)