J'ai besoin d'une petite pause...//Saint Germain des Pres

Sometimes, even in one of the best cities in the world, you need a break. A little break from schoolwork, a little break from 'real life' (or whatever that means in study abroad terms). Luckily, since I'm in one of the best cities in the world, I don't have to travel very far. Not much farther than 2 or 3 miles, in fact. Because one of the most magical parts of Paris, for me, is Saint Germain des Pres, part of the 6th arrondissement. It never fails to put a smile on my face, and shoe me something wonderful.

During the first half of my program, this was the area one of my good friend's fathers was staying in. Lucky for us, he let us have free reign in the kitchen... My baking buddy and I got to indulge in our (slightly unhealthy) baking obsession, and many of our other friends got to benefit:

A cake for our friend's 21st birthday:

 A friend helping with a cleanup:

The bakers, failing at cleanup:

 Last week, I took my much needed break there, wandering around the streets, taste testing the two powerhouse macaron boulangeries (Pierre Hermé and Lauderée, bien sûr).





And, of course, a little window shopping:

And as I was walking away from Ladurée, I got a nice little surprise. I always study the menus at promising looking cafés, and this time, someone called me on it. A guy passing by asked me (in French) if the café was any good. Since I window shop food, as well, I told him I had no idea, and he promptly asked if I'd like to find out with him. So I got some coffee, enjoyed the sun, and practiced my French. I can't remember his name, and the conversation itself wasn't much to remember either, but it was a nice surprise to end a break from life. Any other day I would have said no (aren't we supposed to avoid strangers?) but that day was a break, and after all, when in Paris...




The final magical moment I've had here is one of my favorites on the trip. After my class at the Sorbonne, I decided to wander down Saint Germain, just because. And lucky I did, because I stumbled across a Ralph Lauren photoshoot, I believe for his new line. For a fashion lover, this was a bit like winning the lottery. It might be an every day occurrence for Paris, but for me, it a little gift from the big city.







Later, I realized I was reading the blog of the model I saw doing the shoot... Life is funny sometimes.