a different view

ah, paris, how i've missed thee.

mama and i are back in this wondrous city, feeling as if a year-and-a-half never happened. when we arrived from the airport and hopped on the metro, we couldn't help but feel like we were just here. somehow, everything seemed so familiar. so comforting. in this foreign city, neither of us feel like foreigners, even though we don't speak a lick of french.

paris in the fall is truly spectacular. i may be biased because autumn is already my favorite season, but paris really does wear it well. the golden leaves, the gray skies, even the slick streets give this city a magical view. it also doesn't hurt that we are staying in a charming, three-century-old attic-turned-apartment in the heart of bastille. my heart skips a beat every time we walk through the door. 

our first full day of paris was nothing short of walking, eating, walking some more, taking photos, and doing it all over again. and that's exactly what we plan to do for the remainder of our trip. it's raining and it's cold, but damn does it feel great. the cafe au lait is that much warmer, the wine is that much smoother. 

mama and i planned this trip months ago on a whim. we love paris and couldn't wait another moment to visit again. (she needed her bread, i needed my macaroons). of course, life happened in between, with me preparing for a marriage and mama settling down with daddy as he takes steps toward building his own business. all of that is to say that we don't know when we'll be able to do this again - just pick up and go. one thing is for sure: we are here now and we are enjoying every bit of this breathtaking city. with every bite of baguette i take and every corner i turn, i will be seeing paris in a different view - one not so much of awe and wonderment, but more of gratefulness and respect.  

where we visited:

-marche de bastille - lovely farmers market in the heart of bastille. where i buy my prunes for my traveling constipation :) open thursdays and sundays.

-rose bakery - started in london, this place offers a plethora of seasonal salads and light dishes. the list of teas is heart-warming to say the least. 

- luxembourg garden - pure beauty, especially during the off-season when you can actually find an open chair.

-mamie gâteaux - a quaint coffee/tea salon in st. germain de pres. bare-bones simple with about six tables. the treats are damn tasty...couldn't decide between the chocolate torte or the cherry-pistachio tart, so opted for the carrot cake. mmm!

-maille - a heavenly store for the mustard-lover. everything from the classic dijon to mustards infused with truffles or basil.

-verjus - a cave-like wine bar, off the beaten path, owned by a couple from seattle. there is a restaurants upstairs with a prix fixe, eight-course tasting menu, but the wine bar below is just as satisfying. we tried the pickled seasonal vegetables, a shaved brussels sprouts dish, and roasted parsnips with roquefort. go early for a seat, as this place has about ten seats total.