11.8.14

The City as a Canvas


     One thing I was surprised to find out about the beautiful city of Paris, as I'm sure you will be too, is that its roads, alleyways, bridges, and buildings are abundantly full of art. I'm not talking about art as in the unrivaled architecture (which is beautiful on its own), but street art, done by Paris' many street artists. Everywhere you look there is a newly painted mural, paper collage, etc that adorns the city streets. A lot of this art is political in nature, commenting on parisian government, feminism, or existing social issues. The artists typically go by pseudonyms such as "Mystique" or "Space Invader" to hide their identities, and can be found producing art all over the city, no matter what arrondissement you're in. These are just a few photographs of the many I took as I stumbled upon art while walking throughout Paris. Sometimes I find them amusing, other times stupid, and yet other times beautifully moving. Enjoy! xoxobb






9.8.14

Luxembourg Gardens

One of my absolute favorite spots in Paris are the Luxembourg Gardens. I've been going a lot lately to sit and read, get a little sun, or have a quiet picnic.  There are public chairs all over the place, along with tennis courts, chess tables, benches, and plenty of paths to walk or jog along. A beautiful little escape in the center of the city!! Last week I saw a proposal happen right in front of the Luxembourg Palace, so apparently it is also a place of romance! But then again, isn't all of Paris? Sending hugs and kisses from the City of Love xoxobb




8.8.14

August in Paris

     
     I realized just today that, devastatingly, my last week in Paris has crept upon me. I leave a week from Sunday, and there are no words to express my unwillingness to go. These 12 weeks have flown by too quickly! Alas, all good things come to an end, c'est la vie, and I'll just have to make the most of these last remaining days.
     The 1st of August (unfortunately) brought boatloads of tourists and (even more unfortunately) the closing of many a shop and restaurant throughout the city. As Parisians went off to their vacation destinations, signs in store windows went up that read : Bon Vacances! Closed till the end of August! With less places open I was left with more time to just walk the streets and explore parts of Paris that I had yet to see. You would think that after being here so long I would have seen most of it, but there's always a new corner to turn around, always a new road to follow. These photos are from the winding cobblestone streets of Montmartre, a very picturesque, quintessential Paris.
     I've got a busy list of things to do and see before I leave, here's to hoping they all get done!! In the meantime, wishing everyone a happy weekend full of sunshine xoxobb