PARIS TOP 10 "Must Do" (while on a budget)

Today Starts my 10 day count down. So I decided to have various Top 10 lists. The first is my "top 10 Must Do".  I've visited most sites and museums. And I have to say, they are ALL worth seeing. This list is based on my favorite activities and things to do most of which cost little to nothing! The best way to enjoy Paris is to live as a Parisian!

10. Watch a French Flick at the Cinema:
Now, I don't mean watch an American film with french voices over dubbed, which I find a bit strange! Even if you can't understand french, this something worth doing. French film is a genre in itself and definitely expresses the sentiment and humor of the french.


  9. Picnic in St. Cloud: 

      Just on the outskirts of Paris is Parc St. Cloud. It's a popular spot for Parisians to sunbathe and have a refuge from the city on nice spring/summer days. It's not the easiest to get to if you don't have access to a car, but you can find a bus line to drop you from a nearby metro station in the Billancourt/Boulogne area. There is endless open grasslands, majestic views of Paris and canopied tree areas. I suggest heading to a market and grabbing some wine, olives, bread, cheese & saucisson for a nice french picnic. 

8. Window Shop: 

If you can't afford Paris prices, you can afford to window shop. Store displays in Paris are like works of art! You want to buy everything straight off the mannequin. Pick an area like St. Germain, Les Halles or Le Marias, a street like Faubourgh St. Honoré or Victor Hugo, or head into a famous store/mall like Galleries Lafayette, Bon Marché & Printemps. Of course there is always the famous Champs Elysses. I always get this song in my head "Oh, Champs Elysses...Oh, Champs Elysses..." Maybe you won't buy items but you can certainly get ideas for your next shopping excursion in the States or elsewhere.

7. Check out Paris Parks and Gardens:

There are parks and gardens all throughout Paris. Check out the main one's like The Tulleries, Jardin du Luxembourg & Parc Monceau. Of course, Versailles on the outskirts of Paris has the most spectacular gardens! Expect them to be crowded on weekends and sunny days. Make time to stop and people watch, grab a bite or see the museums or special exhibit.

6. Check out the Markets:

There are tons Open air Markets throughout Paris. Some markets are open all week (excluding Sundays and sometimes Mondays). These kinds of markets will close for 2 hours from 12-2 usually and expect shop owners to start closing up at 7:30 and hurry shoppers out by 8. You can find a market like this in just about every area. Then there are flea markets like "Les Puces" near Porte de Clignancourt open Friday - Sunday, where you can find everything from clothes, accessories & antiques. My favorite are the weekend markets. These are open usually just on Saturday& Sunday from sunrise to about 3 only and have a little bit of everything. It can be quite an eye opening and french experience to get up close and personal with favorite french delicacies. All the food at the weekend markets are from french farmers. I always feel like I'm in a movie when I go to these markets. You can find more info by just googling Paris Markets.

2. Museum Night & Nuit Blanche:

Paris has a ton of special events all year, especially Spring through Fall. If you look up Pariscope or at the posters all around the city, you can get an idea of what's happening. Museum Night is usually in May and Nuit Blanche sometime in early Fall. Both are a great way to explore Paris by night. For Museum night, entrance is FREE after 8pm! You can find a list of participating museums throughout France. I suggest setting up a plan in advance to try and make the most of the night. The major hot spots like the Louvre will have a waiting line and closing times vary from 11pm-1am. Nuit Blanche showcases current artists throughout the city. Again, streets will be crowded, lines long and some groups rowdy, but it's free and totally worth the experience!

4. Visit a Fromagerie:

At first, just the idea of walking into a shop filled with french cheeses was overwhelming. It was hard enough going to an open air fromagerie, but shopping for cheese in a closed environment seemed impossible. But be open minded! The stinkiest cheeses are often the tastiest, but I suggest in small doses. Yes, the smell will overwhelm you, so make your visit quick. Ask the shop keepers for a recommendations. If you can't, then stick to fromage chevre, camembert, rochefert or reblochon which are all staples. OR find a wine and cheese restaurant and they will do the work for you. This is hard to imagine, but now I LOVE the smell of a Fromagerie! It made Joe very proud to hear me say that. I am a reformed American!! Basically, TRY THE CHEESE!

3. Eat a Crepe in Montmarte:

Sacre Coeur is the highest point in Paris. And just behind it you have narrow winding streets with restaurants, shops and street artists. The first place Joe ever took me to in Paris and it left quite an impression. With the city view in front and Sacre Coeur just behind you, you have the most amazing view of Paris. Sometimes you even have entertainment. It's beautiful in the day and night. I suggest grabbing a crepe and enjoying it while you look at the city.

5. Take an evening Stroll:

Walking around Paris day or night is breath taking. I don't care how many times you come to Paris, it never gets boring. And Paris weather is pretty mild all year, so there is always a good time to take a stroll. It's the city of lights which, obviously, you can only appreciate at night. The Eiffel Tower sparkles on the hour after 8 or 9 until 12am. Etoil is lit up. Notre Dame is even grander at night. The Louvre lights up like an egyptian pyramid. And if you walk along the Seine you see a reflection of the city in the water. Paris by night soothes the soul.

1. Eat the cuisine!
Try it all!! Be adventurous! I stuck to the staples before moving to France. Eating things like duck, coque, fois gras, rabbit and stinky cheese NEVER crossed my mind. But food here is fresh and usually local from France, especially the meats. France is a lush country. Every region has it's specialty. Paris being the capital has access to all these treats. Even the Italian food is worth trying! If you get a chance to get out of Paris, go to the Normandy area and eat the freshest seafood with some calvados. Or head to the Alps for delicious saucisson and fromage. If your not into meats and cheese, then eat as many pastries and desserts as you can! Head to the markets and stores if you can't afford the restaurants and try your hand at french cooking. Food is like an art here and often as good as it looks. So what if you put on a couple of kilos! Trust me, it will be worth it.

My life in Paris part II: My battle with butter

I like butter; butter on my bread in the morning and used ever so sparingly for baked goods. It can be tasty and good for you in small doses. However, I'm the kind of person who prefers the natural taste of foods with a touch of olive oil if necessary especially when it comes to veggies. After my initial indulgence in french food, I started paying more attention to my meals especially at the numerous family dinners I attend. That being the case, I obviously can't be picky and make special requests all the time. Well..

Like I've mentioned, there are a number of people living and working in the family house. All the characters play an intricate part of the way the house functions. However, the most entertaining of them all is the crazy part-time Sri Lankan chef. He can't hear and likes to yell responses that have no relation to what your asking like, "EAT, EAT, it's good for health!". He professes to be a knowledgeable palm reader and has done some disturbing readings mostly for the nanny and au pair. He doesn't seem to like the lady of the house much though she is his boss, and ignores special notes she leaves for weeks. However, whenever Joe's dad is sick Gamini (the cheff) brings a cocktail of ayurvedic remedies for a special healing tea. His eye sight isn't the best either and there are times he bumps into walls, then runs away pretending it didn't happen. Then there is this evil, husky laugh, "Heh Heh Heh..."

I've had a bit of a silent on going battle with him over the past 6 months. Well, me and the au pair really. I understand that different cultures have different ideas on nutrition, and most of the food Gamini makes is delicious with indian spices and such. However, he seems to think that anything SOAKED (yes, dripping!) in butter (i.e. pasta, veggies, cakes) is tasty and "good for health". I'm more of a naturalist when it comes to food and prefer tasting it without a thick buttery coating. I'm not complaining as a tasty homemade meal 3 nights a week is a treat. In fact, I'm not used to sit down family dinners or personal chefs for that matter and never felt comfortable making requests. So as time went on, I started eating less and less at family dinners until finally all I ate were salads and a taste of meat provided it wasn't walking off my plate.

Finally, Joe made the request for me saying it was for my "regime", my diet. For a while, Gamini (the chef) would bring out a special plate of sides, drop the plate in front of me and announce "NOoo Butter!", then walk away laughing his evil husky laugh. I would get embarrassed feeling like a spoiled child. This lasted a month or so before it was dinner as usual. Then, the au pair started making requests. Then the lady of the house. I think all of this irritated him. I found him giving me the evil eye whenever I walked into the kitchen. I would just smile sheepishly and say, "Hello Gamini", "Thank you Gamini".

His compliance each time only lasts about a month. I'm not sure if he forgets, doesn't care, truly thinks it's healthy or is being vengeful. It's still under debate. It took me a long time to say anything, and even then it was Joe who made the request. These days, depending on his mood, the meal can be caked in butter or a healthy mix. Just last night I found Gamini cooking a cake and noticed 2 large sticks (= to 4 US sticks) of butter next to the ingredients. When I saw it baking, I asked what kind of cake it was. He proudly responded, "A BUTTER cake! Heh, Heh, Heh..."

My Life in Paris part I: apartments, houses and inmates...

As I anxiously approach my return, I feel the need to reflect on my unique situation here in Paris. While many move to Paris not knowing a soul, I was fortunate enough to be enveloped into a very generous and warm family which I consider to be the size of a small country. A little background: I'm an only child. My dad is an only child. My mom has one sister who has only one daughter. That being said, I come from a very small, dispersed family. Needless to say, there have been times in Paris where I've felt more than overwhelmed.

For starters, I'm not used to sharing...ANYTHING! I've always had MY own space and MY own things. It's been a long time since I've lived with my folks, so moving in with parents was quite an adjustment especially when I lived as a BIG girl in the BIG city for nearly 6 years. Though I've had serious relationships, I never lived with a significant other (I'm rather old fashion about that!) until moving to Paris. So it's completely understandable why I experienced "mild" melt downs for the first 6 months I was here. But it's amazing what you can adjust to given some time...

When I first arrived, we lived in the 8th district with Joe's mom. It was a great place to begin my journey as it was in the heart of everything! Joe and I had some growing pains going from a long distance relationship for 11 months to living together. Well, actually, it's more like I had a lot of growing pains with not having MY own space in MY familiar world. Fortunately, Joe's mom has the patience of angel and delicately imparted her relationship wisdom and support as needed. I admit it wasn't always easy listening to her advice, even if it was given with subtle finger wagging. I tend to become rather defensive in these circumstances with "I'm not a child!". I truly commemorate her bravery in accepting a young, passionate couple into her home. Though it was a glorious apartment, it was a city apartment so privacy was limited. I know what your thinking, but ACTUALLY I was more referring to the passionate "discussions" Joe and I would share as any French/American couple desperately in love trying to understand eachother would. (i.e. cultural and language barriers)

By early summer Joe and I were fairly adjusted, and I realized that our growing pains weren't so uncommon. (I took a tally with friends and family regarding there own experiences and was pleasantly relieved by their equally horrific/humorous stories!) I was starting to get quite comfortable in our situation with afternoons of freedom and evenings splurged with good food, family gatherings, long conversations, laughter and music. Although, sit down dinners every night took a little getting used to. As for the music, Joe's step dad is akin to a concert pianist. So it didn't take long for me to rediscovered my love of classical music. But just as I was getting used to my new living situation, we had to move. So we went from living in a luxurious and serene apartment in the heart of Paris with a grown up couple to a house with 5 other permanent residence and a revolving door of others.

Now living in a house in Paris in itself is unheard of, but living in a house that can very comfortably house two little girls, one 20 something brother, a young couple, a dad and a step-mom is unimaginable. Add to that a nanny, au pair and a crazy sri lankan chef, well you can only imagine how (in Joe's words) "alive" the house is at any moment of the day or night. And then there is the night life! Yes, late at night you can here cackling, music, restless whines and loud voices from the street. No we don't live near a club district, but a jail. Amongst all the luxury of living in this beautiful house with all it's comforts, there is the dichotomy of inmates in a jail just across the way. Don't worry, we are safely separated by a large wall and regular patrolling police cars. Apparently, it's the club med of jails with mostly white collar crimes. It does add a strange sense of surrealism to an already fairy-tale like existence.

Now, I'm sure by this time you are asking, why don't they get there own apartment like a grown up couple? Well, we do have what I call our "love shack", but it's the size of a dorm room just steps away from Joe's school. It was pretty clear early on that we could not survive as a couple living in such close quarters. So while Joe is in school, his family graciously opened their home to the both of us. Lot's of perks when you are adopted into a large family. But with all the perks there are many more concessions.

More to come...

-CityGirl

Un je ne sais quoi:

There's Something about Frenchmen

As much as I would like to think of my Parisian romance as unique, I know without a doubt I am a walking cliché. American girl has a chance meeting with a sexy Frenchman. They have an amazing night together, and then VOILA, they're in love! Well, it’s not quite as simple as that, but you get the idea. Even my idea for this blog isn't original, as I've seen a number of other bloggers with similar bylines. With all the romantic stories of girls falling in love with Frenchmen, you gotta wonder what’s their secret. What is their “je ne sais quoi”?

Getting comfortable in Paris meant I had to make friends. So I did what any New Yorker does best, I networked. I went on expat sites, chatted with girls at my language school, and before I knew it, I was connecting with girls in much of the same position as me. I’ve met girls from all over; America, Brazil, China, Japan, Holland, Russia and of course France. Except for a few, nearly all are living in Paris for one reason, l’amour. Regardless of where we come from, we all share commonalities. We are living in this foreign land, coping with all its quirks and kinks to be with our sometimes infuriating Frenchman who somehow looks irresistible no matter what he's doing!

Yes, a Frenchman can be spontaneous, romantic, charming, passionate and incredibly complicated. Add to that the natural sensuality of France and you can only begin to understand the innate sense of seduction every Frenchman emits. But unlike the stereotype, they are amazingly exclusive. I remember friends in the States being concerned about my love affair because everyone knows “Frenchmen are NOT faithful”. However from my experience, Frenchmen aren’t any more deceitful in matters of the heart than American men. In fact, loyalty and honor are MORE important to the French than Americans. A written contract is a requirement in the States for any legitimate promise. But for the French, your word is your bond. Sure the French are more “open” and not stuck on conservative or religious ideals like some Americans. I don’t doubt that loads of French men and women cheat on their spouses. But, I can confidently say after years of bartending in New York City and witnessing married men regularly remove their wedding bands while others conveniently forgot they had a live in girl-friend, a Frenchman is surprisingly monogamous. Okay, maybe that monogamy only lasts a couple of weeks or a month, but it keeps until your love affair is over.

When Americans first start dating, they aren’t considered “exclusive” until it’s discussed. But for the French, it’s assumed you are monogamous and faithful until otherwise stated. To a Frenchman this explanation sounds VERY “unsexy". But as an American, I have to strongly disagree. I can’t speak for the other girls who have left their native land just to be with their French boy-friend, fiancé or husband, though there is obviously more to be discovered beyond my reasoning, but I can definitely say that exclusivity, honor and loyalty are VERY sexy. As for the rest, well that’s just icing on an already deliciously decadent cake.

Á Bientôt

-CityGirl

A French K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid

When I first imagined living in Paris, I had all these ideas of what I would do with my free time; write music, maybe explore other artistic outlets, visit museums, fill up my time with things I didn't have time to do in NYC. I started planning my days before I even arrived. But when I finally arrived, I fell into a state of nothingness. What I found I needed most was just to stop and decompress. Stopping in New York is NOT an option. If you stop, you risk getting run over OR, worse, falling apart. But, my life had turned into one of those big rubber band balls; a collection of complications (i.e. clothes, beauty products, disappointments, bills, accessories, jobs, heartbreaks, metro cards, gym memberships, lovers, etc…) and it was time try to delicately unravel it.

Jump back exactly a year ago; I was in a rush to move out of my apartment and into storage. I had accumulated so much junk that my father had to fly up and help me sort through it all. Imagine MY FATHER helping me sort through nearly 6 years of my New York Life! He got a bit more than he bargained for when searching through some of my drawers. I think he is still recovering from the trauma. But, thanks to him, I tossed out about 20 bags of crap and donated another 15 bags to charity. Still, I had enough stuff to fill my storage unit to the top. (Oh, how I dread sorting through that mess!) My move to Paris just a couple of weeks later was fraught with anxiety of what to bring and what to leave behind. In the end, I lugged some serious baggage to Paris both literally and figuratively. It didn't take long for me to realize I wasn't done sorting through the junk, and Paris was the perfect place to do it.

I wish I could say that I was able to empty my bags with care and grace, but I do have a tendency of taking forever to unpack. However, sorting through the past and making changes is never easy, and it took nearly the entire year in Paris to finally clear the layers debris; i.e. old flames still barely burning that I finally blew out, realizations that I nearly became everything I never wanted to be (desensitized, bitter & hard), “frienemies” that needed to be tossed out, latent issues to get over, wounds to mend, etc... Slowly, with each piece of luggage I emptied and each piece of junk I threw out, I started to feel different, lighter like I could breath again.

In Paris, my life was immediately stripped down to the 4 basics; food, family, friends and freedom. In my “nothingness” time, I realized how enjoyable the basics can be. Too many layers of complications covered the good stuff, the simple things. Even the strongest of personalities and most self-aware person would eventually crack in the life I was leading while in New York. I hadn't realized how much I'd been affected by it all or how much I was loosing sight of myself amongst all the stress, drama and unnecessary junk. It took leaving to really get a clearer picture. I definitely had some incredible moments in New York. I met amazing people, seriously sewed my wild oats and tasted life as only a New York City girl can. However, in the end, it all got to complicated to enjoy. I used to think simple = boring, but life can still be fun and exciting without all the BS. Truth is, I’m really a simple girl at heart. Now, I realize life is so much more pleasant when you take a moment to just slow down. You can actually contemplate what makes you happy. My perception of what I want and need in my life have completely changed. Now, life without complications is a welcome breath of fresh air.

At the moment I’m in the process of dumbing down my collection of Paris shoes in hopes of making my move back to the States a bit more smooth than my move to Paris. HEY, give a girl a closet and she’ll find ways to fill it! But I’m only filling it with the good stuff this time!! =)

Á tout!

-City Girl

CHANGES: Former Skinny Bitch

I used to be that girl who could eat anything and never gain a pound. I got used to jealous comments regarding my slim physique. Mind you, though I was slim I still had some curves. Even into my late twenties, I had girls (apparently who never matured past the 9th grade) refer to me as a "skinny bitch". They thought in some way this was a put down and in the end I realized "they" were just bitter bitches. I guess I would rather be a skinny bitch than a bitter one. Anyway, though I maintained the metabolism of a 12 year old, I never took advantage of it. I was diagnosed with high cholesterol by the age of 10 and my mom banned chips, candy, (real) cheese, butter and other delectable treats that most kids love from my diet. When I reached my early twenties, I started exercising regularly mostly for stress relief. I also had a rather active job bartending in NYC for close to 5 1/2 years. So I guess you could say I never tested the limits of my metabolism.

In all fairness, Joe warned me of possible weight gain when we first met. Apparently, it was symptomatic of most girls he dated. I immediately brushed off such comments as I was far too narcissistic to "let myself go". However, slowly but surely I noticed my pants fitting a little but tighter with each passing month we were together. I chalked this up to "getting older" and in many regards I think I was right. However, Joe's repetition of liking me "with curves" and constant compliments may have made me a little too comfortable in my own skin. Then I moved to Paris...

I was never a "foodie" (a.k.a. one who loves gourmet foods or food in general for it's consumption, study and preparation). Even working in the restaurant biz as long as did never made me interested in food, beyond what I needed to know for explanations to a customer in as few words as possible. I did enjoy tastings and, of course, desserts (mmm, chocolate!), but I never REALLY enjoyed food. My knowledges of food was based on nutrition and healthy diet needs. I always read ingredients and tried to maintain a low fat, high protein diet. But something happened when I moved to Paris.

Well, for starters I wasn't working OR exercising. I took for granted my active lifestyle in NYC and the fact that I was no longer 20 something. On top of that, I was eating food like I had never eaten before. Joe was feeding me morning pastries in bed regularly on a silver plater like I was a queen which I fully enjoyed! We were eating family meals everyday (food and family go hand in hand in France) with cheese platers following up the main course and saucisson as an appetizer. I was no longer aware of all the ingredients in my meals, nor did I care. All I knew was, my hair and nails never looked so healthy and the food tasted DAMN good! I was eating as much as Joe for most meals. And when I wasn't, he was practically feeding me off of his plate. Note: Joe is 6'3" and naturally slim and muscular. He can eat Macdonald's and Chinese food 3 times a day and have nothing more than a bit of a stomach ache! Joe has little knowledge of eating healthily and none regarding low fat diets. I was too immersed in enjoying food and flavors for the first time to notice the affects of my change in eating habits and lifestyle, until I started having some serious stomach issues.

About 3 1/2 months into my move, I had to make an emergency trip to the doctors. For starters, I had one of those pesky UTI's again and some other ailments I was unfamiliar with. My stomach stuck out like a pregnant lady and kept making all these weird gurgling noises. The doctor stuck me on a scale. I looked down briefly and was grateful for the metric system. I quickly stepped off and onto an old fashion doctor's table. In fact, EVERYTHING about this doctor's office was like a scene right out of Madmen á la 1950's America. Anyway, Joe translated to the doctor some of my complaints. The doctor pressed on my stomach and preceded to ask me (in french) if my stomach was making noises like "grrrbrrllrgrrrbrrll". Joe answered for me, "Yea, actually, her stomach is rather loud these days!" Just a quick trip to the pharmacy, and a couple days later I felt like a new woman. As it turned out, all those daily baguettes, butter and cheese had done a number of my digestive system. What I thought was endometriosis was actually severe constipation! Okay, T.M.I., I know, BUT I feel it is necessary to fully understand my situation.

After recovering a bit, I took more notice of my body and how I felt. For the first time in my life I could feel skin moving on my body in weird places, more specifically FAT, and noticed dimples in areas where dimples should never be. I decided things needed to change and fast. I was very unfamiliar with even the idea of weight gain. I never fluctuated more than 5 lbs. in my life. The sudden reality of my weight gain hit me hard. Thankfully it was still cool outside and I could get away with baggy cloths to cover me up. But, I decided it was time to get active again.

I started running around Paris more frequently and invested in my first Jillian Michael's DVD per suggestion of a friend. I was soon working out 5-6 days a week and cutting back on my portions. It wasn't until I started actually losing weight that I took the time to convert that number I saw on the scale at the doctor's office. Holy God! I couldn't even believe it! I had to confirm with Joe that THAT was actually what I weighed in at in the doctor's office. I put on some weight before my move, a healthy 5-7 lbs. which was fine and put me at a normal weight anyway. However, I put on at least 20 lbs. in 3 1/2 months living in Paris!! For a former skinny bitch that was no easy feet! Gaining 20 lbs. in that amount of time took some effort and serious work! I'm not sure if I should be mortified or proud of myself for taking a moment to fully enjoy food.

By the beginning of the summer, I was starting to feel a bit better about myself, but I was still very unsatisfied with my new figure. I wanted my body back. I wanted my self-esteem back. I wanted to look at a full body picture of myself and not cringe! So I did something I swore never to do. I tried a fad diet, more specifically a PARISIAN fad diet. I had Joe help me translate the recipes. It looked harmless enough and promised to take off up to 3 kilos (roughly 10 lbs.) in 2 weeks. The first 5 days were detox days with mostly raw fruits and veggies. By day 3, I was bed ridden with what felt like a combination of food poisoning and the worst stomach flu humanly possible. I was only able to drink broth and rice for the next 3 days. By the time I could keep down solid food, I had in fact lost nearly 10 lbs...just not the way I had hoped and definitely not the way that keeps. I enjoyed fitting into my skinny jeans for about a week. Shortly after I put back the weight I had lost in that evil Parisian detox(ic) diet. This was the first and definitely LAST diet I will ever try. From there on out, it's been portion control and regular exercise all the way.

Ten months after my move to Paris, I am still fighting off the last of my weight gain. Part of me has accepted that the last 8-10 lbs. may never come off...at least not while I am living in Paris. However, I am at a healthy weight for my height and body type. I partly enjoy my new curves as it does have it's perks (less investment in push up bras!), but I look at photos of me from before my move and I'm envious of that girl. I seriously took it all for granted. I'm still enjoying my French food as my time here is quickly coming to an end. I work out regularly but don't feel the need to starve or kill myself. I feel proud of myself for every milestone as I know I've worked for it. I try not to step on a scale and gauge my progress by how I feel. Because at the end of the day, THAT is what is most important...well, and having a wonderful man who tells you everyday that you are beautiful and sexy certainly helps too! ;)

Á bientôt,

-CityGirl

Starting the New Year off with a BANG!

It's a new year with lot's of potential. Granted, I started mine off with a head butt to a kitchen cabinet and I am now sporting a nice shiner just above my left eye. So, yes, I literally started 1.1.11 off with a bang! Casualty of a hangover while cleaning up after a nice gathering. You'd think after years of bartending and already paying my dues with yelling at cabbies to pull over while I purge my mix of forgettable cocktails would have taught me a lesson...DO NOT mix! In my defense, we ran out of champagne, so just after the clock struck 12am I grabbed the nearest thing...vodka! I shutter at the thought.

With that being said, I made my new years wishes, resolutions and spent my last week of 2010 strolling the streets of Amsterdam. By the way, I HEART Amsterdam. GREAT city! Imagine the best parts of Manhattan culture, nightlife and Brooklyn brownstones & chic shops pushed all together with a cool Anglo-Europe vibe. Okay, back on topic... So, I spent my last week reflecting on my past year and all the changes/growth that I've endured. I love the idea of a New Year and new beginnings, but I've learned my lesson that the past doesn't just dissolve in time. It will haunt us if we let it. Yes, time heals all wounds but the memories prevail.

Let me regress just a little. This time last year I was in a frenzy to close up shop for an indefinite amount of time on my New York life and take a breather from all the chaos. My next stop, Paris if all went as planned! On top of taking a breather, I needed to take some time to explore life with who could possibly be the love of my life. New York is no place to start a fledging relationship especially one that is intercontinental between a musician/bartender & VERY french student. I spent the past 2 years before in a marathon run with a list of "Mr. Wrongs". Not to mention, I was slaving away as a bar manager/bartender all the while pursuing a music career. I was too exhausted to make sense of it all, and deep down I new it was time to jump out of the familiar. Paris with my love sounded like a good place to start. A year later, I am engaged and planning my return to the city. I am both excited and terrified. I can't afford to fall back into old routines and wonder what the city will look like through my new pair of eyes. I've learned a great deal about myself, relationships and the endurance & fragility of love. Nothings perfect and it all requires a delicate balance of selflessness as well as selfishness. I haven't mastered it yet, but I'm up for the challenge. This year, I just hope to be a better me!

Bonne Année!

- City Girl